Washing machine carbon brushes

cr1mson

How long should they last?

Bought washing machine in June 2006. In Oct 2010 needed new carbon brushes. Now looks like it needs new ones again.

Is it reasonable for original ones to last over 4 years and replacements to last only just over a year?

Have guy who replaced it last time coming out today (been good in past with previous washing machine) but should I be complaining?

TIA

C

DVardysShadow

cr1mson wrote: »

Is it reasonable for original ones to last over 4 years and replacements to last only just over a year?

Points to the real problem being with the commutator, which is now seeing off brushes.

cr1mson

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Points to the real problem being with the commutator, which is now seeing off brushes.

Is that likely to be fixable?

Pretty sure the guy cleaned up that with some kind of stick last time would that be right?

Thanks again.

C

bungle4by4

imagine it like a worn brake disc in a car. when its worn, its worn im afraid, and it will never be perfectly flat and true again.

i'd be interested to know how much a motor replacement is compared to just the brush replacement.

macman

My last set (Bosch) lasted 10 years. Possibly with very heavy use, 4 years might see them off, but one year clearly indicates another fault.

DVardysShadow

cr1mson wrote: »

Is that likely to be fixable?

New motor.

ormus

used motor more like.
a new motor will cost 75-150 quid. and more.

cr1mson

Thanks all.

Guy came and offered to put in another set of carbon brushes for free and gave me another 12 month guarantee for them.

Guess possible it still may need a new motor but thought would accept his offer.

C

Jon_Tiffany

Most likely that the commutator has now worn and has a rough finish that is now wearing out the brushes. Replacing brushes is a fairly easy and cheap fix, certainly cheaper than a new motor. The ideal fix is for the commutator surface to be skimmed so that it is smooth again, but this is not a cheap repair if you want it done properly.

I would just go with replacing the brushes, even if they only last a year its cheaper than a new motor. Sounds like your repair guy is very reasonable.

grizzly1911

going by a number of threads on the forum looks like your machine has done well to last that long anyway;)

Our first (Hotpoint) machine lasted 17 years in total and I repalce dthe brushes 3 times, pretty equidistant timewise, about £4/5 a set from man on the market. it was doddle to do motor was right on top and they were just a spring fit with a simple catch.

The second didn't last long enough but the notor was tucked away so than goodness.