JLWM1417 drum not rotating in wash

[foxykiwi]

Hello, I have a John Lewis 1417 machine that started to make a strange noise and then the drum stopped.  The machine still 'works' in that I can select a programme it can fill and empty etc, it's just that when it gets to the bit where it actually needs to rotate to wash, it just doesn't.  The drum is rotating if I push it round and it

I have done some research and think perhaps it is the carbon brushes.  I have taken the back off, remove the electrics and the 2 front motor bolts but cannot move the motor at all.  All the videos I have watched seem to show a little pull and the motor is removed so I must be missing something!  The machine isn't that old, can't be more than 5 years.  Can anyone help?  From what I've read the motor should pull out by removing the front 2 bolts but it's just stuck and I'm wondering if there's something else I need to do.  I have tried to lever it with a screw driver  but am getting nowhere.  

I would be really grateful for any help/ideas about what it might be.  

Thanks in advance

Foxy

[foxykiwi]

Just replying to myself 🙂

I realised that there are 4 bolts and have now removed the back two (with great difficulty!) and have managed to remove the motor.  The carbon brushes are indeed very worn so I am ordering them tonight and will update when I've fitted them.

[Whitegoodshelp]

Thanks for the update. Hopefully you've removed the brushes and had a look at them before ordering new ones? If they need replacing it should be obvious just by looking at them. This article describes what to look for when checking if you need to fit new carbon brushes on a washing machine

[foxykiwi]

Thanks Andy for your reply.  Just an update in the hope this thread helps someone else.

Fitted new carbon brushes, I went for a generic part so it was cheap and if it didn't work I hadn't spent much (only cost £12).  I'm pleased to say that the machine is now working again.  Obviously not sure how long it will last but it's working!

[Whitegoodshelp]

Thanks for the update. That's good. If the washing machine is relatively old that's fine, but unless something has changed that I'm aware of, non-genuine carbon brushes tend to wear out fast, and cause a big build up of carbon dust. They tend to be very much softer and less compact than genuine carbon brushes. This can shorten the life of a motor drastically. If used heavily, I'd consider getting genuine brushes now you know what the issue was.

[elwigleeno]

Hi trying to do the same repair to my machine - I've been able to disconnect the motor and identify the carbon brushes, but am really struggling with the bolt that is attaching them to the motor housing. A 6mm socket driver seems to slip and a 5mm doesn't seem to go on. I've ordered a 5.5mm from amazon - does any of this ring any bells?

Thanks!

[Whitegoodshelp]

Hi. Usually there are only 3 places where the motor is attached though it's possible some could have 4.

Normally you undo the 2 that are most accessible and the 3rd at the back is often not attached, but just pushed onto a stud on the tub motor bracket. Is yours the same as in the photo above or different? Could you upload a photo?

[elwigleeno]

Update model is per the photo above - got the 4 big motor bolts off and detached the motor. After a quick amazon delivery can confirm that the bolts holding the carbon brushes in place needed a 5.5mm drive socket (not stocked in my local hardware shops). Carbon brushes now detached, waiting for the new ones to come in to see if they make it work again! 

[Whitegoodshelp]

Hopefully they will fix the fault. Worn carbon brushes are very common, although many modern washing machines do not have them fitted any more. If they were the cause of your fault one or both should be very badly worn down or have a charred tip. Details on this help page Do my carbon brushes need replacing?