Zanussi Washing Machine Brushes Problem
I've got a problem with my Zanussi washing machine.
History
Drum stopped turning during cycle, I checked the motor brushes and they where badly worn so I replaced them. Drum is now turning. The problem is that after the spin cycle, the clothes are still wet. Sounds as if the water is pumping out down the drain, but it seems that spin cycle is very short approx 1min.
Got any suggestions???
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Zanussi washing machine left clothes wet after brush replacement
- The problem
- The drum had originally stopped turning because the motor brushes were badly worn. After replacing the brushes, the drum turned again, but after the spin cycle the clothes were still wet and the spin seemed very short. The machine was reported to spin fast but made a clicking noise.
- Likely cause
- The replacement motor carbon brushes were fitted the wrong way round, so only the tip was contacting the commutator properly. This can cause a ratchety or clicking noise and reduced motor performance.
- What fixed it
- The brushes were removed and swapped round to the correct orientation. After this, the machine worked normally.
- Checks to try
- Confirmed the drum turned again after replacing badly worn motor brushes
- Observed that clothes were still wet after spin
- Noted the machine did spin fast but made a clicking noise
- Considered whether the spin setting or reduced-spin options were selected
- Checked the possibility that the new brushes were fitted the wrong way round
- Parts or tools mentioned
- motor carbon brushes
Safety: The machine should be unplugged before removing the lid or back panel and before inspecting the motor or commutator.
4 Answers
Is it going into a proper fast spin? Or is it just doing the slow distribution bit which is supposed to allow time for the water to pump out and for the clothes to get balanced round the drum?
If it's starting a proper spin, is the motor running OK or is it flashing and sparking?
Just double check the obvious stuff like making sure the washing machine's on a full spin setting and no option buttons pressed in that can inhibit or reduce spin speed.
( Related spin problems: Washing machine won't spin or drum won't go round )
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
It is spinning fast, however there is a clicking noise from the machine, could it be possible that I put in the brushes in the wring way around, could this cause the problem? (there was a point on the new brushes).
The carbon brushes can be the wrong way round with this type of motor. If so, when turning the motor (via the drum) it can sound very noisy and make a funny ratchety sound because only the tip of the brush would be making contact. This could make the motor lack power. It should be noted that new brushes in a washing machine motor do often make a louder ratchity noise until bedded in, but if they are fitted so that the tip of the brush runs against the copper commutator instead of the curved face, it will be particularly pronounced.
Another cause for a clicking sound could be if a segment from the commutator (the copper segmented section of the armature that the brushes run against) is coming loose and slighly raised. This can be detected by placing a finger on the commutator and slowly rotating the armature. Any raised sections should be felt through the finger tip. This type of clicking sound though would be one click, each revolution.
Of course it should go without saying that the washing machine should always be unplugged! before taking the lid or back panel off.
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Hi Andy,
Just a quick one to say thanks, it was the brushes, I swapped them around and everything is fine now!!
thanks again,
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