Bosch 1600 Express Belt spindle noise

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Bosch 1600 Express ratchety spindle noise after brush replacement

The problem

After replacing very worn motor brushes, the washing machine developed a noise only with the belt fitted. With the belt removed there was no noise, and the machine had been quiet before the brush change. The poster also noted a ratchet sound in one direction when turning the spindle by hand.

Likely cause

One of the replacement carbon brushes was fitted the wrong way round. This was supported by the accepted reply stating that an incorrectly fitted carbon brush can cause a loud ratcheting or clicking noise.

What fixed it

The machine was restripped and the suspect brush was reinstalled the other way round. This resolved the noise.

Checks to try

• Noise present only when belt was fitted
• No noise with belt removed
• Ratchet sound noted when turning the spindle clockwise by hand
• Drum bearing reported as okay
• One brush orientation was questioned because it had popped out during fitting

Parts or tools mentioned

• Motor carbon brushes
• Drive belt