How do I know if my washer motor coupler is bad?

Category: home and garden home appliances
4.5/5 (2,230 Views . 15 Votes)
Signs of a Broken Motor Coupler on a Washing Machine
  1. Wet Clothes. Different symptoms arise when a motor coupling is bad in a washing machine.
  2. Agitator Doesn't Work. Once the washer fills with water, the center agitator shakes or rotates back and forth so all of the clothes can be pushed around in the water.
  3. Motor Spins but Drum Doesn't Rotate.
  4. Noise.



Keeping this in view, how do I know if my motor coupler is bad?

If the washer fills to the selected level and you hear the motor running but the washer is not agitating, set the dial on the spin cycle. If the washer drains the water and you hear the motor running (making noise but not spinning), it is likely you have a broken motor coupler.

Beside above, what does a motor coupler do? The motor coupler is a flexible coupling on the motor shaft connection to the direct-drive transmission. If the motor coupler breaks, the washer can still fill with water and drain but the washer won't agitate or spin, even though the drive motor runs. You might hear a loud buzzing sound when the motor is running.

Thereof, how do I know if my washing machine motor is bad?

The five most common signs of motor issues are listed below.

  1. Washer Won't Pump or Spin. It may happen that the washing machine fails to pump water in and out, as well as spin.
  2. Pumps, but Won't Spin.
  3. Washer Won't Agitate.
  4. Clothes Still Wet.
  5. Problems in Every Cycle.

Where is the motor coupler on a washing machine?

This replacement motor coupling kit is for direct drive washing machines. The coupler is located between the motor and the transmission; it is only used on direct drive washers with no belt.

38 Related Question Answers Found

What is a drive block on a washing machine?

Instructions. This step-by-step washer repair guide explains how to replace the drive block on a top-load washer. The drive block is on top of the spin tube and rotates the spin basket during the spin cycle. If the drive block wears out, the basket wobbles and rattles during the spin cycle or won't spin at all.

What would cause a washing machine not to spin?

If your washer fills with water but doesn't agitate, the problem is likely to be a faulty lid switch, a broken belt, or a problem with the motor. 1 Check the washing machine's spin cycle. If this works, the motor is operating and the belt is not broken. If the spin cycle doesn't work, the belt may be loose or broken.

How much does it cost to replace a motor in a washing machine?

Below are average costs for common washing machine replacement parts, though they vary widely by brand: Water or drain pump: $35-$200. Drain hose: $3-$30. Motor: $150-$500.

When should you replace a washing machine?

The average life expectancy of a new washing machine is 11 years. Consumer Reports recommends replacing any appliance that's more than eight years old, unless it's a high-end model and has a particular appeal to you. Others suggest replacing any top-loading washer manufactured in 1999 or earlier.

What causes a washing machine motor to burn out?


Worn bearings can place a heavy load on a motor and cause it to burn out prematurely. Any of the bearings in the washing machine's transmission, the tub bearing or the sleeve bearings in the motor itself can cause early motor burnout.

What happens when brushes go on washing machine?

If your brushes are worn or damaged when you come to use your washing machine it will fill up with water, appear to sit idle for the duration of the wash and spin cycle (because the drum won't turn), and then drain out the water, and when you open the door of the machine to remove your clothes they will still be

How much does it cost to fill a top load washer?

A top-load washing machine should never be filled to the top. The general rule of thumb is that you should add clothes until the machine is about two-thirds full. That's two-thirds of loosely packed clothes, so don't try to pack as many clothes as you can in that area either.

What is the drive motor in a washing machine?

This is a 2-speed drive motor for your washing machine. The motor rotates the spin basket when the washing machine is in spin or tumbling mode. You will likely need to replace the motor if you are experiencing burning smells or your washer will not start.

What is a motor coupling?

Coupling is a component used to connect a drive shaft and a driven part, for example, a motor shaft and a ball screw for the purpose of transmitting the torque. Also, Coupling introduces mechanical flexibility providing misalignment for the shafts.

How do you drain a washing machine?


Drain a Top-Loading Washing Machine
  1. STEP 1: Turn off the power.
  2. STEP 2: Locate the drain hose and water supply hoses.
  3. STEP 3: Drain the washing machine of water.
  4. STEP 4: Remove a drain hose clog.
  5. STEP 5: Remove a drain pump clog.
  6. STEP 1: Turn off the power.
  7. STEP 2: Locate the drain pump filter and/or drain tube.

What's the difference between Kenmore and Kenmore Elite?

Summary: Kenmore Elite is the up-scale lineup while the non-elite version is the basic lineup. Kenmore Elite costs more than the non-elite versions. Kenmore Elite have better features and improved aesthetics than the non-elite versions.

What are the signs of a bad capacitor?

The most common signs and symptoms of a bad AC capacitor include:
  • AC not blowing cold air.
  • AC takes a while to start once you turn it on.
  • Humming sound coming from your air conditioner.
  • AC shuts off on its own.
  • AC won't turn on.

Which capacitor is used in washing machine?

There are two types of capacitors -- starter capacitors, which run for just a few seconds when a high-load motor starts, and run capacitors, which run continuously. Washing machines use starter capacitors to start the motor by increasing the torque for a few moments.

How do you check if a capacitor is bad with a multimeter?

To test the capacitor with a multimeter, set the meter to read in the high ohms range, somewhere above 10k and 1m ohms. Touch the meter leads to the corresponding leads on the capacitor, red to positive and black to negative. The meter should start at zero and then moving slowly toward infinity.

What happens when a motor capacitor goes bad?


A bad motor capacitor may cause starting problems or could shut off the motor while running. Motor capacitors store electrical energy for the motor to use. A damaged or burnt out capacitor may hold only a fraction of the energy needed for the motor if its capacitance is low.

Will a bad capacitor cause a motor to run slow?

Weak or bad capacitors can also cause blower motors to not run or to run slow.

Why capacitors are used?

A capacitor can store electric energy when it is connected to its charging circuit. And when it is disconnected from its charging circuit, it can dissipate that stored energy, so it can be used like a temporary battery. In car audio systems, large capacitors store energy for the amplifier to use on demand.