Samsung WF8EF5E0W4W/EU Washing machine not spinning
The machine starts and water goes into pre-wash drawer. The drum does not start moving and the machine stops after about a minute. We ran it in test mode and everything seems fine until we got to the 'spin' test. Then we got a 3E error. There is water in the drum. Doing some research, we think we need a commutator (or more than one) We bought this washer new in 2015.
Tools Required
Hi Ross,
Thanks so much for your question—and my apologies for the delayed response. I've been away travelling, but I remember you joined one of our live sessions, and I'm glad to finally get this to you.
I've done some digging into your Samsung WF8EF5E0W4W/EU, and I'm confident we can get to the bottom of why it's not spinning. This model uses a carbon brush motor, which is actually one of the more straightforward issues to diagnose and repair yourself.
Where to Start: The Carbon Brushes
Your first port of call should be the carbon brushes inside the motor. These wear down over time and can prevent the drum from spinning when they're too short or damaged. You'll need to remove the motor to inspect both brushes properly. I've included a detailed video walkthrough below to guide you through the removal and inspection process—it's easier than you might think.
Check the Motor Wiring
While you're in there, pay close attention to the wiring running from the circuit board to the motor. This is a common failure point: wires can fracture or break where they're secured to the drum with cable ties, especially if there's been any vibration or movement over time. A continuity test will quickly tell you whether the circuit is intact or broken.
Understanding Power Draw
I've included two multimeters in the resources below. One is for standard testing, and the other is specifically designed to measure how much power your machine draws during each cycle. This is genuinely useful information—it helps you understand whether the motor is receiving the correct voltage and current, and it's a skill that pays dividends across all your appliance repairs.
Finding Your Spare Parts
Scroll to the bottom of this page, and you'll find carbon brushes and other replacement components specific to your model. If you can't locate an exact match, take a few clear, close-up photographs of your brushes (showing the length, wear pattern, and any markings) and send them our way. We'll match them for you and get them dispatched quickly.
Best of luck with the repair—you've got this. Drop us a line if you hit any snags along the way.
Parts for This Model
Showing compatible parts for model WF8EF5E0W4W/EU