How to Test If Your Washing Machine Motor Is Failing
The motor is the heart of a washing machine. When it starts to fail, the symptoms can be hard to pinpoint — they often look similar to other electrical or mechanical faults. This guide explains how to recognise the warning signs of a failing washing machine motor and what to do about it.
How a Washing Machine Motor Works
Most modern washing machines use one of three motor types:
- Universal (brush) motors: Traditional motors used in older machines. They use carbon brushes that wear down over time.
- Induction motors: Found in many mid-range machines. More reliable but heavier and less speed-variable.
- Inverter (brushless DC) motors: Used in many modern machines. Quieter, more efficient and generally more reliable, but more expensive to repair when they fail.
Warning Signs of a Failing Motor
1. The Drum Won't Spin or Agitate
If the drum doesn't move during the wash or spin cycle but the machine makes a low humming noise, the motor may be trying to run but unable to turn the drum. This could be a seized motor, failed start capacitor, or in direct-drive machines, a failed motor coupling.
2. Burning Smell
A burning or acrid electrical smell during operation is a serious warning sign. It may indicate the motor windings are burning out, the motor is overheating, or carbon brushes are wearing down rapidly (in brush motors). Stop using the machine immediately if you smell burning.
3. Machine Stops Mid-Cycle
If the machine repeatedly stops during the spin cycle or partway through a wash, the motor may be overheating and triggering its thermal protection cutout. This can happen with a motor that's starting to fail, or if the machine is overloaded too frequently.
4. Unusually Loud Grinding or Squealing
Grinding during operation (not related to objects in the drum) can indicate motor bearing failure. Squealing may indicate worn carbon brushes in a brush-type motor — brushes are a cheap, replaceable component and not necessarily a death sentence for the machine.
5. Machine Won't Start at All
If the machine powers on (lights up, control panel works) but doesn't start any cycle or start agitating, the motor or its control circuit may have failed completely.
How to Check the Motor Brushes (DIY Option)
On machines with universal (brush) motors, the carbon brushes are a known wear item. Replacing worn brushes is a relatively accessible DIY repair:
- Unplug the machine.
- Access the motor (usually requires removing the back panel or tilting the machine).
- Locate the brush holders on each side of the motor.
- Remove the brushes and inspect them. If they're worn down to 5–10mm or less, they need replacing.
- New brushes are inexpensive (typically $20–40 for a pair) and available from appliance parts suppliers.
Be aware that this is not suitable for inverter motor machines, which have no brushes to replace.
Repair vs Replace: The Motor Decision
Motor replacement is one of the more expensive washing machine repairs — typically $250–$500 or more for labour and parts, depending on the motor type and machine. For a machine over 8–10 years old, this cost often isn't justified against the value of the appliance.
Compare the repair cost against the price of a quality used or graded-new replacement machine. At Oceania Appliances, we regularly have top-loaders and front-loaders in excellent condition at prices that make replacement the smarter financial choice.
Browse Replacement Washing Machines
We carry a wide range of certified pre-owned and graded-new washing machines from all major brands, with a 3–6 month warranty and free delivery across Sydney. Shop at oceaniaappliances.com.au or visit our showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, open 7 days.