have a hotpoint aquarius washer. Brushes wore and I replaced them -- so far so good. New brushes lasted one wash and the machine stopped again. Removed the brushes and they were shattered to pieces, plus the metal holders were bashed and twisted. Can only presume it is the armature causing the damage. Any advice? How do I get the motor open to look? I undid two retaining bolts on the cover but it wouldn't come apart. Does anyone have a drawing with guidance? many thanks.

By removing the brushes and looking down the hole they came from should help you see if there's any damage. Sounds like there's a contact missing:wonder:

I think you mean the commutator, the split ring the brushes bear on?

Anyway, it does sound like that. Take the brusholders out, spin the motor slowly by hand, and shine a light down the hole.

If the brushes got short enough for the metal holders to make contact with the commutator, this can smash off one or more segments.

If so, it's a new, or recon, motor I'm afraid:(

Alcazar

tks for the helpful advice. Do you have any tips for getting the cover off the motor? I undid the two bolts on the end (at the brush end) but it is stuck solid. Is there anything else I need to undo?