It will fill and empty, but the motor will not turn.

Zenek, February 2008

In attempting to replace the carbon brushes on my Exxcel 1400 I find the replacement brush on one side is too long to slide in as a yellow block is in the way. This will not allow the longer brush to go into the channel. What should I be doing?

Pegatome, June 2012

I think the carbon brushes have worn on my bosch exxcel 1400 express washing machine. How do I fit the new pair?
The problem started with a noise, then when the programme finished, the washing was still soaking wet and needed another spin. Then the drum would stop rotating altogether.....?

Carl, April 2012

how do you remove motor have undone to bolts but there are someplastic flange stopping it coming off

Mal C, July 2010

Apologies Zenek, I answered your query by mistake. TURN OFF AND UNPLUG THE MACHINE then, like Dan says, check out the brushes.
You'll probably need to remove the motor to get at them easily, but this is relatively simple.
Ask at the washing machine forum on ukwhitegoods.co.uk and quote the correct, full model number (probably on a sticker in the door surround - it will be something like "WFO2468GB/01").
If the brushes are around 10mm long or less they need replacing. Replacement brushes are around 10 or 20 GB£ - get Bosch originals as pattern brushes can destroy the motor after a while (crummy quality carbon structure means lots of dust means shorting across the armature = dead motor). Also get a special cleaning tool for the armature (around a tenner from UKWG). before fitting new brushes.
Even if the brushes were worn down, you might find that after replacement the motor still doesn't turn. That probably means either the main control board is broken (GB£250), or the motor is cooked.
Don't be too upset, as you will still have saved on a 50 GB£ call out charge.
A new motor will be around 120GB£ inc shipping from Bosch or try UKWG. I just replaced mine. You might consider that your machine is too old and knackerred to be worth it though.
IMPORTANT - if you are not totally sure about safely working on electrical devices call out a professional - your life isn't worth saving the GB£50! If you have the money just do it - use UKWG to get a decent reliable service engineer in. He/she will also advise on whether it is worth spending out any more on the thing.

Adrian, April 2008

Most likely it's the bearings. If you're a competent DIYer and have the time and inclination you could probably manage to replace them yourself but it will be a git to do, especially if you are on your own.
The drum will almost certainly need to come out, and that is likely to mean dismantling much of the machine.
If you are careful (UNPLUG FIRST!)and have a decent set of tools it should be possible but for a first timer you'll at least need a full day, and if you hit a problem it could be longer.
The trickiest bit will be drifting out the existing bearing, and installing the replacement without damaging the bearing, drum or "spider" (thats the bit that is attached to the rear of the inner drum). That will mean finding some heavy gauge pipe (or similar)of the same or slightly smaller diameter (width) as the bearings. You then put the pipe carefully against the bearing and carefully wack (the pipe) with a mallet until it comes free, making sure the pipe and the angle it is struck at is exactly 90 degrees to the bearing surface. If you managed to remove the drum you might get a friendly local garage to do it for you for 30 mins labour. Fitting the replacement bearings (there are usually two sets) often means dropping them in a freezer for a while, and/or heating the drum around where the bearings seat. This gives a bit more clearance when positioning the new bearings and avoids the need to wack them too hard (saving possible damage)
The parts will be easy enough to get hold of and are likely to be pretty cheap (I'd guess around GB£30).
Have a look at the washing machine forum on ukwhitegoods.co.uk which is a good place to ask for advice on your particular machine - make sure you have the model number off the machine label as they will want that. I had an FL1032 Zanussi and it was great - ran for years with maximum daily punishment.
To sum up, only consider doing this if you are either handy with a spanner and have plenty of time so you won't be rushed (not likely I grant you), and there isn't something else that is going wrong. Don't bother buying a new cheapy machine as it is sure to be crummy and break in no time.
Otherwise buy a s/h Miele off ebay. Pay around GB100 and you'll have a machine that will last ages and always be worth repairing.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

Adrian, April 2008

Most likely it's the bearings. If you're a competent DIYer and have the time and inclination you could probably manage to replace them yourself but it will be a git to do, especially if you are on your own.
The drum will almost certainly need to come out, and that is likely to mean dismantling much of the machine.
If you are careful (UNPLUG FIRST!)and have a decent set of tools it should be possible but for a first timer you'll at least need a full day, and if you hit a problem it could be longer.
The trickiest bit will be drifting out the existing bearing, and installing the replacement without damaging the bearing, drum or "spider" (thats the bit that is attached to the rear of the inner drum). That will mean finding some heavy gauge pipe (or similar)of the same or slightly smaller diameter (width) as the bearings. You then put the pipe carefully against the bearing and carefully wack (the pipe) with a mallet until it comes free, making sure the pipe and the angle it is struck at is exactly 90 degrees to the bearing surface. If you managed to remove the drum you might get a friendly local garage to do it for you for 30 mins labour. Fitting the replacement bearings (there are usually two sets) often means dropping them in a freezer for a while, and/or heating the drum around where the bearings seat. This gives a bit more clearance when positioning the new bearings and avoids the need to wack them too hard (saving possible damage)
The parts will be easy enough to get hold of and are likely to be pretty cheap (I'd guess around GB£30).
Have a look at the washing machine forum on ukwhitegoods.co.uk which is a good place to ask for advice on your particular machine - make sure you have the model number off the machine label as they will want that. I had an FL1032 Zanussi and it was great - ran for years with maximum daily punishment.
To sum up, only consider doing this if you are either handy with a spanner and have plenty of time so you won't be rushed (not likely I grant you), and there isn't something else that is going wrong. Don't bother buying a new cheapy machine as it is sure to be crummy and break in no time.
Otherwise buy a s/h Miele off ebay. Pay around GB100 and you'll have a machine that will last ages and always be worth repairing.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

Adrian, April 2008

Check out the carbon brushes in the motor. Theyre graphite blocks which transfer mains power to the copper segments of the motor - located at the other end of the motor from the drive pulley. Theyre probably worn down. They're quite cheap parts and easy to replace - the holders are plastic or bakelite and are generally held in with screws or plastic clips. Also, look at the copper segments they run on to check for burning or pitting. If the segments are burnt or damaged you need a replacement motor or a replacement armature (motor part) if you can source one. Occasionally may be a fault in the motor drive circuit board - in which case replacement of board only real option.
Check out this site for spares : www.4directelectricals.co.uk
Check out this site for info: www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html

dan, February 2008