How to replace a sewing machine drive motor

This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace the drive motor in a sewing machine. The drive motor rotates the drive belt, which turns the hand wheel and upper shaft. If the sewing machine drive motor runs roughly or won't run at all, replace the motor with the manufacturer-approved sewing machine part.

Follow the basic steps in this repair guide and video to replace the drive motor in Kenmore and Brother sewing machines.

Instructions

1. Shut off the electricity

Unplug the sewing machine's power cord from the wall outlet.

2. Remove the drive belt cover

Remove the screws securing the belt cover to the sewing machine and pull the belt cover off.

3. Remove the drive belt

Loosen the two motor mounting screws and pivot the motor upward to release the belt tension.

Slide the drive belt off the hand wheel and remove the belt.

4. Remove the drive motor

Remove the two motor mounting screws and slide the motor out.

Remove the terminal block mounting screws and remove the terminal block.

Disconnect the motor wires from the terminal block and remove the drive motor.

5. Install the new drive motor

Connect the new motor wires to the terminal block.

Reinstall the terminal block and screws.

Position the new drive motor in the machine and loosely reinstall the motor mounting screws.

6. Reinstall the drive belt

Position the drive belt under the motor pulley and then roll the belt onto the hand wheel.

Pivot the drive motor to apply slight tension to the belt and tighten the motor mounting screws firmly.

7. Reinstall the belt cover

Position the belt cover on the sewing machine and reinstall the belt cover mounting screws.

8. Restore power

Plug the sewing machine into the electrical outlet.