Drum will spin slow after replacing carbon brushes

If it spun properly before the brush change, the first suspicion is something disturbed during that job rather than a major new fault. Slow spin after fitting brushes is often down to brush fitting, motor feedback, or the control not “seeing” the motor correctly.

1. Isolate the washer from the mains before removing any panels or touching the motor.

2. Re-check the carbon brushes: - Make sure they are the correct type and length for the motor. - Check both brushes slide freely in their holders and the springs are pushing them onto the commutator properly. - If one is sticking, the motor can run weakly and fail to ramp up. - Also make sure each brush was fitted the right way round. Some brushes have an angled face and if fitted incorrectly they can make poor contact.

3. Inspect the commutator: - Look at the copper segments on the motor armature. If badly burnt, grooved, or dirty, new brushes may not bed in properly. - A light clean can help, but if the commutator is badly worn the motor may still not reach speed.

4. Check the motor plug and wiring: - Make sure the connector is fully seated and no wire has been pulled loose. - Pay particular attention to the tacho coil wiring on the motor. If the tacho signal is missing, the machine may only turn slowly or fail to accelerate.

5. Check the tacho magnet/coil: - On many motors this is on the rear of the motor. If it has cracked, come loose, or been disturbed during brush replacement, spin control will be affected.

6. Run a spin with no load: - If it behaves the same empty, that points more toward motor/feedback/control than an out-of-balance issue.

If the brushes and tacho wiring all check out, the next possibilities are a faulty tacho coil or motor control board. If you are not confident testing live circuits, it is best to get a qualified appliance engineer in. Any mains electrical work should be left to a properly qualified person.

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