How to Replace the Carbon Brushes on a Hoover Washing Machine

Now if your washing machine fills and empties correctly and there is no drum movement, or if the drum moves and there's a crackling noise and in some machines there is an error code indicating a fault with the motor. Carbon brushes are in constant contact with the motor in your washer, so it's likely that it will eventually become worn out.

Following our guide we’ll run through just how simple replacing the carbon brushes is. Fixing your washing machine will give you back the ability to wash your cloths once again with you lifting a finger (obviously after you switching the cycle on).

This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.

• Carbon Brushes
• Screwdrivers
• Ratchet
• Scourer
• Device to take photos on (i.e. camera)

Safety First! Please ensure that you have disconnected the appliance from the mains before starting any repair.

First thing first - unscrew the back panel off to access the motor. With the back cover off, you need to take of the drive belt out.

Once that’s done, unplug the motor plug and the earth connector, and carefully unscrew the motor mounting bolts using a rachet.

Use a flat head screwdriver to ease the motor away from the drum, as on most machines the motor is attached to the drum by the motor mounting pegs.

Once it’s off the mounting pegs you can either leave it at the bottom of the machine and lean the machine back and take it out from the bottom; or if there's enough space in the back simply take it out through there.

Now to remove the carbon brushes off the motor. If the brushes are damaged you’ll notice how black the commutator is and how badly the carbon has burnt out.

Simply undo the screws connecting the brush to the motor.

Use a screwdriver to pop the spring-loaded mechanism on the new carbon making sure that the carbon is extended before fitting.

eSpares Top Tip: Give the commutator a quick clean using a scourer or a piece of abrasive paper, by turning the motor spindle into the scourer and keep turning until it's nice and clean.

A good way to fit the new brushes is to push the tip on to the commutator squarely and then using the locating pegs underneath, angle it so that they fall into position. Now screw it back together, reconnect the electrical connector, and then repeat for the other side.

The motor is attached to the drum at three points, two motor mounting points at the front and one at the rear, these correspond with the motor mounting loops on the motor itself. Re-screw the motor mounting bolts, reattach the electrical connectors, then the drive belts, and then re-attach the back panel.

Note: Now the motor may make a bit of noise after the brushes have been fitted but that's just them bedding in, this is perfectly normal.

There you have it, you have now successfully been able to replace your washing machine carbon motor brushes! You can now get back to being able to wash your clothes again in no time.

If you need any other help for your appliances you can find more videos from Mat and the team at eSpares, who are always on hand with appliance repair advice in your time of need.