Instructions on how to identify a faulty LG washing machine motor and replace it

The motor is the “heart” of the washing machine. It is this mechanism that is responsible for rotating the drum during the washing process.

A malfunction of the engine leads to a complete stop of the household appliance, therefore it is very important to diagnose and fix the problem in time at the slightest hint of a breakdown.

We will tell you further how to remove, replace and connect the motor of an LG washing machine.

LG washing machine motor design

Most LG washing machines are equipped with commutator-type motors. These are single-phase motors with series excitation of windings.

The commutator motor housing contains:

• stator (steel plates between which there is a copper winding);
• rotor (consists of a core, winding and collector);
• tachometer (fixed on the body, transmits data to the control module about the engine speed);
• two graphite brushes (provide contact between the stator and rotor).

The current is transmitted through the winding of the immovable stator element to the rotor. A pulley is pressed onto the rotor shaft, which through the drive belt causes the drum of the washing machine to rotate (the rotation speed depends on the network voltage). The rotation frequency is controlled by a tachogenerator; two graphite brushes ensure maximum contact between two elements: stator and rotor.

The latest models of modern LG washing machines are equipped with inverter-type electric motors. It was LG that was the first to equip washing machines with electric motors of this type, thereby ensuring its leadership in the market.

Compared to collectors, inverter motors are distinguished by:

• maximum speed of acceleration,
• silent operation,
• possibility of setting the drum rotation mode,
• simple and compact design.

The inverter motor is a disk with a shaft located on a central axis.

The operating principle of the inverter motor is based on the use of electromagnetic induction. Instead of graphite brushes, the winding current is controlled by an inverter. The rotor operates at a very high speed, without dropping speed. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to achieve the best spin of laundry after washing.

The absence of carbon brushes and a rubber drive belt (it is these parts that quickly wear out under the influence of friction) ensures the maximum period of uninterrupted operation of the inverter motor (the manufacturer provides a guarantee of at least 15 years).

Replacement

Happy owners of LG washing machines with inverter motors are extremely rarely interested in the issue of replacing or repairing the motor. Owners of washing machines with commutator motors are mainly concerned about the problem of restoring the functionality of household appliances.

Problems with the winding are indicated by:

• when the washing machine starts, the fuse in the switchboard trips;
• the engine constantly turns off due to overheating;
• The washing machine does not respond to the command to start the wash.

You can tell if the brushes are worn out by an unpleasant grinding sound.appearing during the washing process. It is also necessary to pay attention to the motor brushes in a situation where the washing machine drum rotates only at low speeds.

If you suspect a malfunction in the LG washing machine motor, it must be removed and tested in more detail.

How to remove?

Dismantling the electric motor proceeds according to the following algorithm:

1. Getting ready for the process. To do this, disconnect the washing machine from the power supply, turn off the water supply tap, and unscrew the inlet hose.

   You also need to unscrew the drain filter (hidden behind the hatch at the bottom of the front panel) and move the household appliance away from the wall.

2. Remove the back panel of the washing machine. To do this, using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew all the fasteners around the perimeter of the panel.
3. As soon as the back wall is dismantled, the mechanical assembly of the washing machine’s internal structure will be revealed - the pulley and drive belt. The belt needs to be removed. To do this, rotate the pulley with one hand, and with the other pull and remove the drive belt.
4. The motor is located under the washing machine tank. Numerous wires interfere with dismantling the electric motor. They need to be disconnected. Before removing the wiring, the location of the connectors and the diagrams for connecting them to the electric motor must be photographed.
5. Having freed the motor from the wiring, unscrew the fixing bolts and remove the motor from the bushings (move the part slightly forward).

Once the electric motor is removed from the washing machine body, it can be examined in more detail and tested for faults.

So, to check whether the electric motor has burned out or not, you need to take turns connect the stator and rotor windings (remaining ends) to the voltage source. If there is no rotation, the engine must be replaced.

To check the motor brushes, just take a good look at them (the elements are located on the sides of the housing). Worn brushes are several times smaller in size than original new parts. Even if only one brush is worn out, both parts must be replaced.

After this, one tester probe is applied to the body, the second to the winding. A sound signal will indicate that there is a problem with a winding break (the washing machine may shock).

Repairing the engine at home (especially if the issue concerns the winding) is not economically feasible. In terms of labor costs and material It is more profitable to replace a failed electric motor.

The video will show you how to remove and repair the motor of an LG washing machine:

How to connect a new one?

After the fasteners are unscrewed and the faulty motor is removed from the washing machine body, a new motor can be installed in its place. Replacement is carried out with a new mechanism that exactly matches the dismantled part in terms of fastening shape, power and other technical parameters.

• We insert the new engine with bushings into the mounting holes, tighten the mounting bolts;
• Based on the previously made photo notes, we connect the wiring;
• slowly turning the pulley, we pull the drive belt onto it;
• fix the back panel in its original place.

Where and at what price can I buy the part?

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a new engine, you need to know exactly the name and model number of the LG washing machine.

The necessary information can be found on a special platelocated on the front panel under the hatch door or on the rear wall.

If the plate is worn out and the icons on it cannot be recognized, the model and number of the washing machine can always be found in the passport of the household appliance.

It is better to buy an engine on specialized websites selling spare parts for household appliances (the risks of purchasing low-quality counterfeits are minimal).

Cost of a new motor for an LG washing machine varies from 3000 rub. up to 5000 rub.

Call the master

Lack of experience in repair work and lack of knowledge of the internal structure of an LG washing machine is a reason for a professional service center to replace the motor. Contacts can be found on the Internet or use reviews from acquaintances and friends.

A specialist will quickly identify and fix problems, the main thing when submitting an application is to provide accurate information about the model of the washing machine, all visible signs of a malfunction.

The cost of replacing the engine of an LG washing machine starts from 1,750 rubles. The estimate includes: fault diagnosis, dismantling of the old and installation of a new engine. The new electric motor itself is paid separately.

Conclusion

In most cases, a faulty washing machine motor must be replaced (repair is not economically profitable). The decision to replace the motor of an LG washing machine can only be based on the results of testing the dismantled element and determining the true cause of the malfunction.