How to replace the motor brushes of a Zanussi washing machine?

Owners of Zanussi washing machines are faced with the need to replace motor brushes. These elements of the commutator motor have the ability to wear down, so once every 3-5 years you have to start repairing the “home assistant”. You can do all the work yourself, without the help of a specialist. Let's figure out how to do this.

Removing the back half of the case

To easily disassemble the Zanussi washing machine, you need to move it to a spacious room. Repairing a machine in a cramped bathroom will be inconvenient; you need at least 3-4 square meters free. m. Before starting work Be sure to turn off the power to the washing machine and disconnect the equipment from the water supply and sewage system. Prepare a screwdriver and several bits of different diameters.

The further algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• Look at the bottom, on the right wall of the case, for a special bolt, it is covered with a plug. Unscrew the screw with a screwdriver. The same procedure is performed with the left sidebar;
• Unscrew the two bolts holding the top cover of the machine. They are located at the back;
• remove the “top”;
• disconnect the drain hose attached to the back wall of the machine;
• Unhook the semicircular housing element from the back panel (the power cord passes through it). To do this, you need to bend the locking tab;
• Unscrew the screws that hold the back of the case. They are located at the top, two on each of the side panels;
• remove the back of the machine.

This is how easy it is to disassemble the body of a Zanussi washing machine. The process usually does not cause any difficulties. Now all that remains is to dismantle the engine to gain access to the worn brushes.

Unscrew the SM Zanussi motor

When the back wall of the housing is removed, you can see the tank, pulley and tensioned drive belt (the rubber band must be removed from the “wheel”). Now all that remains is to unscrew the electric motor. To make it easier to unscrew the bolts securing the motor, it is better to tilt the machine forward and lean it against the wall.

If you look at the Zanussi washing machine from behind, the engine is located in the lower right corner. The motor is attached to the tank at the front with two screws - they need to be unscrewed. There are also a pair of bolts located at the rear of the element. To get to them, it is better to use an extension cord for screwdriver bits.

After the 4 retaining bolts are removed, the electric motor can be moved towards you and it will be in your hands.

Some difficulties may arise when unscrewing the rear screws. But a special metal extension pin for a screwdriver will help you cope with the task.

We replace worn out parts

Finally the engine is dismantled. For further work, you will have to prepare new components. You can purchase replacement brushes in specialized stores by telling the manager the model and serial number of the washing machine. Zanussi.

Now you should remove the worn brushes from the motor. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• turn the electric motor on its side and unscrew the fixing bolts;
• find electric brushes. They are located on the sides of the motor housing;
• Press the screwdriver onto the existing lever and remove the brushes one by one.

It is important to remember which way the carbon rod is beveled - if you place it incorrectly, the engine will spark.

Now you should inspect the elements. If the protruding “charcoal” is less than one and a half centimeters, then the problem really lies in the brushes.If it is not very worn out, the reason for the malfunction of the machine probably lies elsewhere.

To install new “rods”, you need to clean the surface of the engine with sandpaper and wipe with a rag. After this, you need to screw on new, serviceable brushes, observing the rule for the location of the beveled corner.

It is imperative to change the brushes in pairs, even if only one carbon rod is worn off, and the second is in perfect order. This is necessary so that the machine does not become capricious again in the near future.

If you change the brushes completely, that is, in a special housing, it is not possible; you can only rearrange the carbon protrusion itself. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• disassemble the plastic body of the brush, manually dividing the shell in half;
• use a soldering iron to remove the “worn” plate, remove and straighten the spring;
  
• Take a new brush and measure its length. It must match the size of the plastic “case”;
  
• clean the contacts, straighten the wire, cover the half-metal and insert a new ember, guided by the bronze guide;
• solder the wires and assemble the case.

When the new brushes are installed and secured, you can return the electric motor to its place and reassemble the machine body. The procedure is performed in reverse order. The main thing is to tighten the fasteners tightly and rely on photos and videos taken while disassembling the Zanussi washing machine.

The final stage of repair is checking the machine for functionality. You need to start the “Spin” or “Express Wash” program and listen. For the first few minutes, it is acceptable for the equipment to “make some noise” until the new electric brushes “grind in.” If no knocking or crackling noises are heard throughout the entire cycle, it means that the replacement and installation were completed correctly.

How to “extend the life” of brushes?

It will not be possible to completely avoid replacing motor brushes on Zanussi washing machines. Elements are subject to natural wear and tear, so it is normal that 5-7 years after purchasing the device you will have to deal with them.

In order not to shorten the life of electric motor brushes, that is, not to “erase” them in a couple of years, it is important to follow some recommendations.

1. Buy quality replacement parts. Used brushes cannot be installed. Be sure to purchase new components suitable for the specific Zanussi washing machine model. It is better that these are “original” factory parts, and not universal analogues produced for cars of other brands.
2. Be sure to perform the replacement symmetrically. The carbon brushes of an electric motor are always replaced only in pairs, even when one of the rods is intact.
3. After the repair, use the washing machine with special care for about a month. For the first 12-15 washes, you need to load the tank only halfway - the new brushes need to “adapt” to the work.
4. Check the parts every 6-8 months. This will allow you not to miss the moment when the coal is erased to the critical mark of one and a half centimeters.
5. Watch the machine. If signs of faulty brushes appear, namely freezing of the machine, extraneous noise during operation, a burning smell or insufficient spin, immediately check the motor and repair the unit.

Replacing engine brushes is quite possible at home. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions given, observe safety precautions and purchase high-quality new components suitable for the specific model of the Zanussi washing machine.

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