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.
This video explains how to replace the drive motor on a sewing machine.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the electricity
Unplug the sewing machine's power cord from the wall outlet.
- 02.
Remove the drive belt cover
Remove the screws securing the belt cover to the sewing machine and pull the belt cover off.
PHOTO: Remove the front screw from the belt cover.
PHOTO: Remove the bottom screw from the belt cover.
- 03.
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.
PHOTO: Loosen the motor mounting screws.
PHOTO: Pivot the motor upwards.
PHOTO: Slide the belt off the hand wheel and remove.
- 04.
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.
PHOTO: Remove the drive motor mounting screws
PHOTO: Remove the terminal block mounting screws.
PHOTO: Disconnect the motor wires.
PHOTO: Remove the drive motor.
- 05.
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.
PHOTO: Connect the new motor wires to the terminal block.
PHOTO: Install the new drive motor.
- 06.
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.
PHOTO: Reinstall the drive belt.
PHOTO: Tighten the motor mounting screws.
- 07.
Reinstall the belt cover
Position the belt cover on the sewing machine and reinstall the belt cover mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the drive belt cover.
- 08.
Restore power
Plug the sewing machine into the electrical outlet.
Symptoms common to all sewing machines
Repair guides common to all sewing machines
If the sewing machine is completely dead, replace the On/Off switch using these 6 steps.
You can replace a broken sewing machine drive belt in about 15 minutes.
If the drive motor on your sewing machine runs roughly or doesn't run at all, you can replace it in about 30 minutes using these simple steps.
Articles and videos common to all sewing machines
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