Why doesn't the washing machine start, spin? Replacing brushes, comparing old and new after 10 years

p.kaczmarek2 19 Nov 2025 09:37 25 1530 Cool? (+11)

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How do the brushes look after 10 years of use? Today I will present a simple washing machine repair, a process that anyone can do at home. The patient is a Samsung Diamond WF8502NMW, which occasionally shows code 3E and usually just doesn't start at all. When the spinning alone is switched on, the timer goes from 12 to 11 and then goes back to 12 again and the drum does not start spinning. In addition, the owner reports that strange black dust has been collecting under the washing machine for some time. It's time to check what's broken.

Samsung washing machine panel showing error code 3E and red door lock icon

I didn't have time to take pictures, but I used the phone as a torch, so I have a video. Of course, first we unplug the unit from the mains. Access to the motor is very easy here.

The characteristic black dust comes from the brushes. Brushes are the current-carrying components in motors that come into contact with the commutator. Such brushes gradually wear away as the motor runs, causing fine carbon dust to settle inside the washing machine. It is time to check how worn down the brushes are in the unit being repaired. Access is easy and they can be unscrewed without further disassembly.

By the way, in the video, you can still see the RPM sensor on the 'end' of the motor - it too can be damaged.
The screws are on both sides - but the phone can help us locate them, I myself often use it as a substitute for an inspection camera.

Almost done, now the wires still need to be disconnected from them. Disconnect the flat connectors (pins), but don't pull, just push in the "tongue".

Worn-out washing machine motor brushes and enclosures on white background

The brushes appeared to be very worn. Below is a comparison of the new and old ones:

Four carbon motor brushes for a washing machine, two new and two worn, on a white background

We managed to order 1:1 matching replacements, with the same shear angle as the original. We paid £20 two pieces. In addition, I still cleaned the inside of the dust, although I didn't lapped the brushes themselves as I thought they fitted well. I only checked after assembly to make sure they weren't sparking excessively, and let it spin a few times with an empty drum.

Comparison of old and new carbon brushes for a washing machine motor

You can still see how the brush works - there is a spring in the middle, this is what presses it down:

In summary, the repair was done very late. The washing machine was no longer moving at all, and the unaware owner did not know that the mysterious black dust accumulating under the washing machine was the result of the brushes rubbing off. The brushes were replaced and the washing machine was cleaned, although I did not lapped the brushes themselves. The whole thing has now been running for a month without complaint. Do you also carry out this type of simple repair?

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p.kaczmarek2 wrote 13420 posts with rating 11261 , helped 617 times. Been with us since 2014 year.

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Erbit 20 Nov 2025 08:04

I repair all domestic appliances at home as long as they can be repaired at home (and they usually can). I have replaced bearings in washing machines, programmers, replaced water pumps, recently replaced... [Read more]

szeryf3 20 Nov 2025 08:38

@erbit maybe the spouse was dreaming of a new microwave. @pkaczmarek2 young people nowadays are unlikely to repair household appliances. If something is broken they tend to buy new ones. That's the... [Read more]

James596 20 Nov 2025 09:28

I am in favour of using equipment for as long as possible if there is no need for replacement, but sometimes there are factors that argue for replacement rather than repair: 1. It is worth considering... [Read more]

Damian_Max 20 Nov 2025 10:12

I also carry out home repairs, not only of white goods/RTVs (of which I have a mediocre understanding); but others too. In general, based on a number of years of such practice; I have the impression that... [Read more]

cranky 20 Nov 2025 10:40

I am just now replacing the brushes on my Bosch. When I normally replace brushes in machines (not white goods) - I also replace the bearings, because the life span is sometimes similar. But I see that... [Read more]

kombo 20 Nov 2025 13:27

After such an end to the life of the brushes, the commutator would need to be inspected for pitting formed by the arc created when the brushes are not pressed down accurately. As mentioned, the commutator... [Read more]

Erbit 20 Nov 2025 15:11

Yes, I was taking that into consideration ;) <br/span>;) ;) ;) Hardly - increasingly, appliances of this class are those that have no service at all and the warranty conditions are met... [Read more]

cranky 20 Nov 2025 18:48

At my place, the Bosh has eaten so much after 11 years: https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/1001252500_1763660624_thumb.jpg By the way - because replacing the "shock absorbers" requires taking the drum... [Read more]

kombo 20 Nov 2025 19:03

If you are machining soft metals such as aluminium copper you need to use a knife with a suitable blade profile, preferably polished, then nothing will drag. Of course c2h5oh cooling. [Read more]

klamocik 20 Nov 2025 19:28

A long time ago on this forum I asked the question why the brushes are seated obliquely despite the engine running both ways, will someone explain???. [Read more]

cranky 20 Nov 2025 22:42

I have retreaded 2 rotors of identical hoovers - the pull of the commutator plates did not depend on the blade. Difference in vintage and the resin mentioned. The motor does not run in 2 directions.... [Read more]

E8600 20 Nov 2025 23:18

As for the brushes in the washing machine, I have encountered on the forum that in a certain make/model only the original brushes are used, putting on a replacement ends up damaging the motor (different... [Read more]

kris8888 20 Nov 2025 23:21

Probably only relevant at high spinning speeds, which are always one way. To minimise sparking. On the other hand, at normal spins the washing could be seated perpendicularly, and this oblique fixing probably... [Read more]

jarewa 21 Nov 2025 20:09

Literally, they won't even clean the filters, a friend of mine dumped a 2 year old dryer on a heat pump in the PSZOK just because the young owner didn't want to clean the filters. But I got upset at the... [Read more]

Erbit 22 Nov 2025 06:18

I, without your "but", use as long as I can. Of course, there are limits I can't define and I do replace equipment but as a rule of thumb - I repair and that is the priority. my 12-year-old son got into... [Read more]

kris8888 22 Nov 2025 11:23

The question is whether he replaced all that good stuff with supposedly better stuff or because it broke for him😀 Either way it's good that he's up for the job because nowadays kids are good at clicking... [Read more]

Erbit 22 Nov 2025 13:48

Even if he exchanged the good for the "supposedly better" I would allow him to do so - whereas in the case of the brakes they really are better. [Read more]

cranky 23 Nov 2025 13:04

I remember the days when it paid to buy all the parts and assemble the bike from that. Now 20-30% of the parts are the price of a whole complete bike in a shop. [Read more]

tuta158 23 Nov 2025 13:50

I have had a top-loading washing machine for about 10 years, washing 2 or 3 times a week done. The only thing it has shown me a couple of times is a heater error at high temperatures. The only thing that... [Read more]

FAQ

TL;DR: Washer won’t start or spin and you see black dust? After ~10 years, carbon brushes often wear out; “Access to the motor is very easy here.” Budget about £20 for a pair and clean the dust. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps DIYers quickly diagnose no‑spin faults and safely replace or service motor brushes at home.

Quick Facts

- Typical symptom set: Samsung Diamond shows 3E, timer loops 12→11→12, drum won’t turn; black dust = worn brushes. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]
- Approximate parts cost: £20 for a 1:1 matched brush pair with correct shear angle. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]
- Post-repair bedding: Run several empty spins and check for excessive sparking after install. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]
- Commutator care: Inspect for pitting from arcing; clean, and lathe only if needed. [Elektroda, kombo, post #21757012]
- Edge case: Some models require original brushes; generic brushes can damage the motor. [Elektroda, E8600, post #21757635]

How do I fix a washer that shows 3E and won’t start or spin?

Unplug the washer. Inspect the drive motor’s carbon brushes for wear and carbon dust. Worn brushes cause no‑spin and error codes. Replace with matching brushes, clean out dust, then run several empty spins to bed them in and check for sparking. The reported fix cost was about £20 for a matched pair on a Samsung Diamond. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]

What does black dust under the washing machine mean?

Fine black dust points to worn carbon brushes. Brushes press on the motor’s commutator and slowly abrade, spreading carbon inside the cabinet and onto the floor. Continued use can worsen arcing and prevent the drum from turning. Replacing the brushes and cleaning the interior resolved the fault in the documented case. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]

How long do washing machine brushes typically last?

Anecdotal lifetimes run close to a decade under regular household use. In one case, brushes were replaced around the 10‑year mark. Another user showed significant brush wear on a Bosch after 11 years. Service conditions, loads, and spin speeds impact life. [Elektroda, cranky, post #21757349]

Should I replace bearings when I replace brushes?

Not always. In some Bosch designs, the motor build discourages bearing work, so owners replace only the brushes. Bearing life can be similar to brush life in other machinery, but inspect noise and play first. Replace bearings only if they show wear or roughness. [Elektroda, cranky, post #21756850]

How should I clean or resurface the commutator during a brush job?

Inspect for pitting caused by arcing when brushes lost pressure. Clean the commutator face; if pitted or uneven, lightly machine it on a lathe. Use appropriate tooling for soft copper. Avoid unnecessary cutting. “Turn only if needed.” [Elektroda, kombo, post #21757012]

Can I use generic brushes, or do I need OEM parts?

Some makes/models require original brushes. Using replacements with the wrong material or resistance can damage the motor. If the brand or model is known for this, choose OEM to avoid overheating and commutator wear. [Elektroda, E8600, post #21757635]

Why are washing machine motor brushes angled if the drum reverses direction?

High‑speed spin runs in one direction, and angled seating reduces sparking at those higher speeds. During slow wash reversals, the angle doesn’t hinder operation. This geometry improves contact and commutation during spin. [Elektroda, kris8888, post #21757638]

What is the commutator, and why does it matter here?

The commutator is the copper segmented ring on a brushed motor. Brushes ride on it to deliver current to the rotor. Worn brushes cause arcing and pitting on the commutator, leading to no‑spin faults. Cleaning or resurfacing restores contact quality. [Elektroda, kombo, post #21757012]

What is the RPM sensor on the motor?

It’s a speed sensor fitted at the motor end that reports drum speed to the control board. A faulty sensor can also stop spinning, though brush wear is more common when carbon dust is present. Inspect sensor connection if errors persist after brush replacement. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]

Do I need to lap new brushes before use?

If the new brushes match the original shape and angle, lapping isn’t required. Seat them by running several empty spin cycles and watch for excessive sparking during initial runs. Clean out carbon dust before reassembly. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]

How-to: Replace carbon brushes on a Samsung Diamond‑type motor

Unplug washer, access motor, and locate brush holders on both sides.
Release the spade connectors, unscrew holders, swap in matching brushes, and reattach.
Clean carbon dust, reassemble, then run empty spins to bed brushes and check sparking. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]

Could machining the commutator make things worse?

Yes, on some older rotors resin once filled the gaps between segments. Newer rotors may lack this, and aggressive turning can smear copper. Use correct tooling for soft metals and minimal cuts to avoid dragging. [Elektroda, cranky, post #21757349]

Is replacing the whole washer better than repairing?

It depends. Brush replacement is low‑cost and fast. However, very old, energy‑intensive appliances might be worth upgrading for efficiency or aesthetics. Balance repair cost and downtime against performance and household preferences. [Elektroda, James596, post #21756783]

What if the washer still won’t spin after new brushes?

Check the RPM sensor, wiring, and commutator condition. Persistent arcing or pitting indicates resurfacing needs. As an edge case, incompatible brush material can overheat and damage the motor; switch to OEM if advised for your model. [Elektroda, E8600, post #21757635]

Any quick expert tip before I start?

“Access to the motor is very easy here.” Take clear photos, use your phone as a torch, and note screw locations. This speeds reassembly and avoids miswiring. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21755899]