Everyone meet Horsey->LG

[supremewhirlpol]

This LG (WM2277HW)came in->Time to see what it's made of.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

7 cycles
1200 RPM spin
Direct Drive Brushless 3 phase DC Vector PWM
heater
pump recircation feature
2004-2005
Korea

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The original owners state that it gives "LE" error a few minutes after a cycle is started. They also state that it has a leak. bearing test shows that they are bad-> looking at the rear of the outer tub shows Mud-Butt->failed tub seal->flooded bearings. Machine roars, and vertical "play" in the clothes basket. Address one issue at a time-> first the LE error.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

LE error means bad Hall Effect sensor. This machine has a Direct Drive Brushless DC PWM motor. I refer to them as "Pan cake" motors. The motor control system is "closed-loop" in that it and the computer rely on feedback from the motor in the form of vector data. This vector data tells the controller and computer things such as the rotation speed of the motor, voltage and current, etc. This data allows the computer to react better to sudden changes to the load that is on the motor. When the hall effect sensor goes bad, the vector data can be out of range. A bad hall effect sensor will often cause the motor to lock and emit a weird metallic sound when current is applied to it. Replacing the sensor is easy, and costs ~$25. A picture of the motor is below.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

To replace the sensor, the armature of the motor(hub) must be removed, followed by the stator. Remove the hub by removing the center bolt. To remove the bolt, it's best to have another person hold the cylinder from the front of the machine. Applying pressure to the bolt will cause the hub and cylinder to turn. There are other ways to remove the hub, but you could damage the windings on the stator, IF you don't know what you are doing.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

After removing the bolt, grab the outer ends of the hub with both hands and gently pull it toward you. There are magnets on the inside of the hub, and they will try to cling to the stator once the hub is off the shaft. Try not to let the hub touch the stator!! (Picture of the stator)

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Inside of the hub.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Remove the metal guide that holds the supply wires in place.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Close up of the wire guide.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Remove the 6 bolts that hold the stator in place. Hold the stator as you remove the last bolt->YOU DO NOT WANT TO DAMAGE IT IN ANY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Turn the stator over, disconnect the supply and hall effect sensor connector. These connectors are VERY snug and will require a little force to remove. Hold the connector jacket on the unit while you apply opposite force removing the connector.
Picture of opposite side of stator.(supply connector and hall effect sensor)

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Close up of the sensor that needs replaced.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Side view of the sensor. The sensor is attached to the stator by tabs. Remove the sensor by lifting the tabs.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

New sensor bag

 

[supremewhirlpol]

New sensor

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The sensor will align itself in the proper place, it has been properly installed when the tabs snap in place.

New sensor installed

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Now... put back together and test! Video below shows how the machine should behave. Put the machine in diagnostic mode and test. Press Spin Speed + Soil Level buttons at the same time, then press the power button. The machine will sound and light up. Make sure the door is closed, press the >|| button to advance the tests. Motor should rotate at this point. If motor still locks, you have other issues that need to be addressed.

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Now it's time to address issues with the bearings and failed seal.

 

[revvinkevin]

Very Cool!

This is very neat Melvin, THANKS for posting! I look forward to seeing the bearing and seal documentary!

Kevin

 

[amyswasher]

Is this going to be your washer to keep or are working on it at you job to sell later?