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Clutches & Brakes

Clutches

A clutch is a mechanical component that transfers driving force from one mechanism or component to another mechanism or component. This is accomplished by applying pressure through some kind of friction plate (The driving component) to some other part (The driven component).

Clutches are often created from materials that will allow a small amount of slipping to occur. This slipping helps to ease any jarring effect caused by the fast application of force produced by most

motors. However, friction over time will cause damage that can lead of poor clutch operation. In the case of a direct drive washing machine, clutch pads can become worn down causing rivets that attach the pads to become exposed, scaring the driven component, similar to brake pads on your car wearing down and scarring the rotor. Just like breaks on your car worn out washing machine clutch pads cause a squeaking noise when the washer is spinning, especially when the washer is first picking up speed at the start of a spin cycle.

Washing machine clutch pads can often become lubricated by oil leaking from the washer's transmission (transmission problem). Oil leaking from the washing machine's transmission can usually be seen in the form of a band of oil on the inside of the washer cabinet that has been slung off of the clutch bell (the driven component) as it spins. This oil will reduce the amount of friction applied by the driving component and allow too much slipping. This effect will result in complaints like...

My washer is spinning too slowly!

Why won't my washing machine spin?

My clothes are still soaking wet after the spin cycle!

My dryer is taking forever to dry a load of clothes. (See dryer troubleshooting)

In many cases the washing machine clutch can be removed, cleaned, and reused in addition to replacing the washer's transmission.

Whatch the Drive System Video

Brakes

The opposite of a clutch is a brake. A brake applies friction to reduce or stop a motion instead of transferring it forward like a clutch. A brake applies friction to a stationary object or something that is fixed in place causing it to come to a stop.

There are many forms of brake mechanisms but the idea is always the same, I will use a direct drive washing machine again as an example.

Direct drive Washing machines use a brake assembly that is directly attached to the drive tube which spins the inner washing machine tub.

When the washing machine spins a brake cam lever is engaged by the clutch and pulls the brake pads inward as the drive shaft rotates in the counter clockwise direction. When the motor suddenly stops driving the clutch when the washer's lid is opened or the cycle ends the momentum of the spinning washtub runs ahead of the brake cam lever allowing the spring loaded break pads to expand and stop the tub from spinning.

Brakes can also be internal unseen mechanisms, however they are generally activated and released by the direction of the wasing machine's motor rotation.

Brakes can also be the cause of problems like...

My washer is squeaking!

My washing machine makes a fast ticking sound when it's stopping. (Tub Hub)