Washing Machine motor brush wear

[Sangster]

18 months ago our fairly old Siemens washing machine started making ticking sounds and the drum turning motion became intermittant. I traced this to worn motor brushes and replaced them. Just over a year later the same thing happened and the brushes were again worn right down and I replaced them again. Now 6 months later the brushes are again worn out. I have managed to keep it running for the moment by selecting the least two worn brushes from the old ones which I had kept, but I am not expecting this fix to last long. Does anyone have any idea why the brushes are wearing so fast? I did shop aroubnd for the new brushes and selected the cheapest (available via Amazon).

 

[fidom]

Unfortunately you need a new motor. The clicking sound indicates that a copper segment has lifted on the commutator.

 

[Sangster]

Thank you. That does make sense. The ticking (accompanied by sparking) only happens when the brushes are failing to make proper contact. Also I did try to wipe clean the commutator but didnt notice anything obvious. Maybe just a small unevenness is enough to wear down the brushes??

 

[fidom]

There is something you could try but it may not work:

http://shop.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/Tools+%2526+Glues/Washing+Machine+Motor+Commutator+Cleaner.html