Washing Machine Motor Sparking

You may have noticed that your motor is sparking or arching sometimes this can occur after you have just replaced the carbon brushes.

If you notice sparking or arching from your washing machine motor this could indicate that your brushes need replacing, you would need to remove the motor to inspect the carbon brushes, here are some carbon brushes from an Indesit Washing Machine Motor Carbon Brushes

If the brushes are worn right down they will need replacing, rule of thumb if there is only a couple of mm on the brushes you should replace them, if there is an inch or so then they will be ok, so if the motor is still sparking and there is plenty of brush left then you have a problem with the motor armature or sometimes called commutator, this is the part the brushes touch when they are fitted into your motor, there are brass segments that the brush runs round when the motor is turning, this can be dirty with carbon from your brush or the segments could be worn causing the sparking, if there is bad sparking stop using the machine before it blows something in your washer.
If after fitting new brushes you still have got sparking this could be due to them not being fitted correctly and not seating correctly on the armature, try fitting them again but if this fails to stop the arching then the armature is most probably worn and will need replacing, or a new motor.

Some noise may be heard after new brushes have been fitted this can be normal and the new brushes will need some time to bed in, if after a few washes this does not stop then check that the brushes have been fitted correctly, if they have then the armature could be worn and will need replacing or a new motor fitted.
Hotpoint Washing Machine Motor Carbon Brushes

If you require any help and assistance we have engineers in the following areas Chesterfield, Sheffield, Nottingham.