Direct Drive Washer Repair -How Washing Machines Work-
Belt
A Belt is used to transfer energy from one mechanical component to another. A belt can also be used as a clutch to reduce the amount of strain applied by fast starting motors used in washing machines. A belt's surface can become "glazed" or burned slightly reducing the belt' ability to hold a pulley. This lack of holding ability in the belt's surface leads to slipping creating more heat and additional burning of the belt's surface. Some of the Whirlpool build Cabrio and Maytag Bravos washing machines now use a belt driven "Splutch Drive" system in place of the direct driven stator drive models.
Washer Belt Repair Videos
Motor Coupling
Direct drive washing machines use a part called the motor coupling in place of a belt to transfer motion energy from the washer's motor to the washer's transmission. The washer's motor coupling is made of rubber and plastic and is fairly common to break when the washer is regularly overloaded, creating a sound something like this (Click the speaker icon to listen) Fear not, a washer motor coupling is inexpensive and simple to replace.
Washer Motor Coupling Repair Video
Transmission
The washing machine transmission drives both the spinning of the inner tub and the back and forth ratcheting motion of the agitator. a washer has either a single direction or a reversing motor. With a single direction motor, an electromechanical device called the (Solenoid) controls whether the transmission drives the agitator or the inner tub. Reversing motors engage the tub when they rotate in one direction and the agitator when they move in the opposite direction.
Direct Drive Washer Transmission Repair Video
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