3w ago

I fixed the washing machine the other day

Needed to replace the coals in the motor.

30 comments

the coals in the motor
Steam-powered washing machine, is it?
- Carbon brushes, most likely. They wear down over time.
  
  What brand of washing machine uses a universal motor? That seems like a terrible idea for a high demand appliance with such a large footprint.
  Edit: Apparently some older front load units use a brushed DC motor. Another commenter mentioned this as well. TIL.
- Haven't unlocked electricity in the tech tree yet.
- They sure don't make 'em like they used to
What is it?
- Motor brush. Its a chunk of carbon that makes contact with a bit on the motor shaft.
  
  Hol up. Do most washers use brushed DC motors??? Why? That's such a strange choice of motor for that application.
- It's a big metal box you put your dirty clothes in, but that's not important right now.
  
  Take your up vote and GET!
After I looked at everything else the problem with our dishwasher was a malfunctioning motherboard that could "only" be replaced by a certified professional. I at least fixed our dryer once and our vacuums as needed, so I got that at least.
Great Job! Washing machine repair is one of the great skills. Mostly because they are heavy and new ones take a bit to arrive.
- Except for the control electronics they're relatively simple machines.
I am proud of you, sir!
Fine job 🦾
What's that for a component?
- Coal. Transfers electricity between the motor housing and the rotor inside the motor.
  
  Ive never heard of carbon brushes referred to as coal. Is it a language thing? They are made out graphite, which is also mined, but its different enough from say https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthracite. I think graphite is actually closer to diamond than it is to coal, in terms of chemical makeup.
Official member of the SuperfixeruperMan Club.
That's a massive brush. Guess they wanted it to last long enough to get out of warranty.

30 comments