How to Replace Samsung Washing Machine Motor Brushes (Older Brushed Models)

Older Samsung washing machines manufactured before 2014 used brushed universal motors rather than the modern brushless direct-drive design. These brushed motors have carbon brushes that wear down over time, eventually becoming too short to maintain electrical contact with the motor commutator. When brushes wear below their minimum length (typically 15mm), the motor loses power gradually — first exhibiting weak spin, then failing to turn entirely. This guide covers brush replacement on these older Samsung models.

Modern Samsung WF-series washers (2014 and later) use brushless direct-drive motors that have no brushes to replace. If your Samsung washer was manufactured after 2014 and the motor is not turning, the issue is electrical (hall sensor, winding, or control board) rather than brush wear. Check your model year before ordering brushes.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, flat-blade screwdriver, multimeter, flashlight
• Parts needed: Carbon brush set (pair, model-specific, approximately $15-30)
• Time required: 30-45 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Safety warning: Disconnect power. Carbon dust is conductive — avoid getting it on circuit boards or into electrical connections.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access the Motor

Unplug the washer. Remove the rear panel (8-12 Phillips screws around perimeter). On older Samsung models with brushed motors, the motor is mounted at the bottom rear of the machine, connected to the drum via a belt and pulley system. Locate the motor — it is the cylindrical component with a belt pulley on its shaft.

Step 2: Locate the Carbon Brushes

The carbon brushes are housed in two brush holders on opposite sides of the motor body, positioned approximately 180 degrees apart. Each brush holder has either a Phillips screw retaining it or a push-clip mechanism. The brush holder is a small plastic housing that contains the carbon block and a spring that pushes the carbon against the commutator.

Step 3: Remove the Old Brushes

For screw-retained brushes: remove the single Phillips screw holding each brush holder. Pull the holder straight out from the motor body. The carbon block and spring will come out as a unit. For clip-retained brushes: press the clip with a flat-blade screwdriver and pull the holder out.

Inspect the old brushes. Measure the carbon length — if less than 15mm (approximately 5/8 inch), they are worn and replacement is correct. If both brushes are worn evenly, the motor is healthy. If one is significantly shorter than the other, the commutator may be damaged (grooved or burned), which requires motor replacement rather than just brush replacement.

Step 4: Inspect the Commutator

With the brushes removed, look at the commutator (the segmented copper ring on the motor shaft where the brushes contact). It should appear smooth and copper-colored with slight darkening. If you see deep grooves, heavy blackening, burned spots, or lifted copper segments, the commutator is damaged and the motor needs replacement. New brushes on a damaged commutator will wear rapidly and provide poor performance.

Step 5: Install New Brushes

The new brushes must be oriented correctly — the curved face of the carbon must match the curve of the commutator. Most replacement brushes are pre-shaped but verify orientation. Insert the spring and carbon into the holder, compress the spring, and slide the assembly into the motor housing. The carbon should contact the commutator with the spring providing pressure. Secure with the retaining screw or clip.

Repeat for the second brush on the opposite side of the motor.

Step 6: Break-In Period

New brushes need a break-in period to conform fully to the commutator curvature. Run 4-6 empty wash cycles (normal cycle, no clothes) to allow the brushes to seat. During break-in, you may notice slight sparking visible through the motor ventilation openings — this is normal. Motor performance improves as the brush faces conform to the commutator shape.

Do not run heavy loads during the first few cycles after brush replacement. The motor draws higher current with new brushes until they seat, and a heavy load can cause overheating during this period.

Step 7: Verify Proper Operation

After break-in cycles, run a full loaded cycle and verify: motor accelerates smoothly to wash speed, spin cycle reaches full RPM without hesitation, and no burning smell is present. If the motor performs well, reinstall the rear panel and return the machine to service.

Troubleshooting After Brush Replacement

• Motor still does not turn: Brushes may not be making contact. Verify the springs are compressed and pushing the carbon against the commutator. Also check motor wiring connections at the terminal block
• Excessive sparking beyond break-in period: Commutator surface is damaged or contaminated. Clean with fine sandpaper (400 grit) while rotating the motor by hand. If deep grooves exist, motor replacement is needed
• Burning smell during operation: A brush is hung up in its holder and not contacting the commutator evenly. Remove, verify free movement in the holder, and reinstall
• Motor runs but weak at high speed: Carbon brushes may be the wrong grade (too soft or too hard for your model). Use Samsung OEM brushes for proper commutation

When to Call a Professional

• If the commutator shows signs of damage beyond surface discoloration — commutator turning or replacement is a motor shop operation
• If the motor armature wobbles when rotated by hand (bearing failure) — brush replacement alone won't fix a mechanical motor issue
• If you are uncertain whether your Samsung model uses brushed or brushless motor — professional inspection prevents ordering wrong parts
• If sparking is severe and continuous after proper brush installation — winding short or commutator failure requires motor replacement

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

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FAQ

Q: How do I know if my Samsung washer has carbon brushes? A: Samsung washers manufactured before approximately 2014 used brushed universal motors with carbon brushes. Models from 2014 onward use brushless direct-drive motors (no brushes). Check your model year on the rating plate inside the door frame.

Q: How long do Samsung washing machine motor brushes last? A: Typically 5-8 years of normal use. Heavy use households (multiple daily loads) may see brush wear in 3-4 years. Symptoms of wear include weak spin, failure to spin at all, or error codes indicating motor RPM feedback failure.

Q: Can worn brushes damage the motor permanently? A: Yes. Running a motor with severely worn brushes causes the brush holder spring to contact the commutator directly, scoring the copper surface. If caught early (brushes above 5mm), replacement is clean. Below 5mm risks commutator damage requiring motor replacement.

Q: Should I replace both brushes even if only one is worn? A: Always replace both brushes as a pair. They wear at similar rates, and a new brush paired with a worn brush creates uneven motor loading that reduces the new brush lifespan significantly.

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