How to Replace the Carbon Brushes on a Frigidaire Top-Load Washing Machine

Carbon brushes are wear items in washing machines with universal motors — they transfer electrical current to the spinning commutator and gradually wear down over years of use. While most modern Frigidaire washers (both EFLS front-load and newer FFTW top-load) use brushless induction motors that do not have this component, some older Frigidaire top-load models still use universal motors with replaceable carbon brushes.

This guide covers diagnosis and replacement of worn carbon brushes on applicable Frigidaire top-load models. If your Frigidaire washer is a front-load EFLS series or a newer FFTW model (2015+), it almost certainly has a brushless motor and this repair does not apply — see our motor replacement guide instead.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, flat-blade screwdriver, putty knife (cabinet removal), needle-nose pliers
• Parts needed: Carbon brush set (~$15-$30, sold in pairs — always replace both)
• Time required: 30-45 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Safety warning: Unplug the washer completely. Motor brushes carry mains voltage during operation. Allow 5 minutes after unplugging for any capacitor discharge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Confirm Your Model Has Brushes

Check your Frigidaire model number (sticker under the lid). Older FFTW and FWS/GLWS series top-load models may have universal motors with brushes. If your model is an EFLS front-load or a newer FFTW top-load (2015+), it uses a brushless induction motor — brushes do not exist in these machines.

Visual confirmation: with the machine running on spin, look through the motor ventilation slots at the bottom. If you see sparking (blue/orange flashes), the motor has brushes and a commutator. No sparking = brushless motor.

Step 2: Access the Motor

On Frigidaire top-load washers: unplug the machine and release the cabinet by inserting a putty knife 3 inches from each front corner to release the spring clips. Tilt the cabinet backward on its rear pivot tabs. Secure it so it does not fall.

The motor is mounted at the bottom of the machine, connected to the transmission via a belt or direct coupler depending on model. It is a cylindrical body about 6 inches in diameter with wiring entering from one end and the drive shaft exiting the other.

Step 3: Locate and Remove the Brushes

Carbon brushes are housed in small spring-loaded holders on opposite sides of the motor body, positioned where the brushes contact the commutator (the segmented copper ring on the motor armature).

Each brush holder has a retaining clip or screw. Release the retainer, and the brush slides out along with its spring and connecting wire. Note the orientation — the brush face has a curved wear pattern that matches the commutator curvature.

Remove both brushes. Measure their length — new brushes are typically 1 inch (25mm) long. If the remaining brush length is less than 1/4 inch (6mm), replacement is needed. If one brush is significantly shorter than the other, that indicates uneven wear caused by a rough commutator — inspect the commutator surface for scoring.

Step 4: Inspect the Commutator

With both brushes removed, look at the commutator (the copper ring surface the brushes press against). It should be smooth and uniformly colored (light copper to dark copper is normal). Issues to look for:

• Deep grooves or scoring between segments — indicates the commutator needs resurfacing (professional repair)
• Burned or blackened segments — indicates a shorted armature winding (motor replacement needed)
• Excessive carbon dust buildup between segments — clean with a thin non-metallic tool (toothpick or plastic)

If the commutator appears smooth and undamaged, brush replacement alone will restore motor performance.

Step 5: Install New Brushes

New brushes have a flat contact surface that must bed in to match the commutator curve. Install each brush into its holder with the spring behind it and the curved side (if pre-shaped) facing the commutator. Secure with the retaining clip or screw.

The brush should slide freely in its holder — if it sticks, the holder may be dirty. Clean with compressed air or a small brush. A sticking brush causes intermittent contact and arcing that damages the commutator.

Verify the brush wire connects to the same terminal as the old brush. On Frigidaire motors, each brush wire typically connects via a spade terminal to the motor housing.

Step 6: Bed In the New Brushes

New brushes make poor contact initially because their flat face does not match the commutator curve. Run 4-5 short spin cycles with small loads (2-3 towels) at normal speed. You will hear slightly rougher motor operation and may see minor sparking — this is normal during bedding-in.

After bedding-in, the motor should run smoothly with minimal sparking. If excessive sparking continues after 5 cycles, one brush may be sticking in its holder or the commutator needs professional attention.

Step 7: Reassemble and Final Test

Return the cabinet to its upright position — lift forward and let the spring clips snap back into place. Plug in the washer and run a full load at maximum spin speed. The motor should run quietly with no hesitation, no excessive sparking, and no burning smell.

Check motor performance after 1 week of normal use. If performance degrades, re-inspect the commutator for damage that was not visible during initial inspection.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Brushes wear out quickly (under 3 years): The commutator has a rough surface that grinds brushes prematurely. The commutator needs professional resurfacing or the motor needs replacement.
• Motor still sparks excessively after new brushes and bedding-in: The commutator segments may have shorts between them, or the armature windings are partially shorted. Motor replacement is likely needed.
• Motor runs in one direction only: One brush is not making contact. Check that both brushes are properly seated and their springs are pushing them against the commutator.
• Burning smell with new brushes: If the smell is acrid (electrical), stop immediately — there may be a shorted winding. If it smells like hot carbon (similar to pencil), this is normal during the first few uses as the brushes bed in.

When to Call a Professional

• Commutator has deep grooves requiring resurfacing on a lathe
• Armature windings are visibly burned or shorted
• Motor shaft bearings are worn (wobble in the shaft)
• You are uncertain whether your model has a universal or brushless motor

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

Need Professional Help?

• Washing machine repair service
• Frigidaire appliance repair
• Washing machine repair cost guide

FAQ

Q: Does my Frigidaire washer have carbon brushes? A: Only older top-load models with universal motors. Front-load EFLS and newer FFTW (2015+) use brushless motors — no brushes exist.

Q: How do I know if the brushes are worn? A: Sparking, burning smell, reduced spin speed, intermittent stops. Remove brushes and measure — below 1/4 inch (6mm) means replacement time.

Q: How long do washer motor brushes last? A: 8-12 years of normal use. Heavy-use households may need replacement sooner. Cost: $15-30 for a set.

Q: Do I need to bed in new motor brushes? A: Yes. Run 4-5 short spin cycles with small loads. Slight sparking is normal initially and stops after bedding-in.

---

Need a certified technician? Book same-day repair →