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.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your sewing machines
Choose a symptom to see related sewing machine repairs.
Main causes: dirty shuttle race, improper thread routing, incorrect thread tension…
Main causes: dirty shuttle race, wrong thread tension, bad needle timing, damaged needle, using the wrong type of needle…
Main causes: thread bunched up in the shuttle race, bad needle timing, internal drive gear failures…
Main causes: machine needs lubrication, internal gear failure…
Main causes: problems with the feed dogs, setting stitch length to 0…
Main causes: lack of lubrication, lint buildup, worn drive belt, faulty drive motor…
Main causes: disengaged clutch, broken drive belt, internal drive gear failure…
Main causes: faulty foot pedal, locked drive gears, wiring failure, bad drive motor…
Main causes: power supply failure, bad power cord, faulty On/Off switch…
Most common repair guides to help fix your sewing machines
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your sewing machine.
How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch
If the sewing machine is completely dead, replace the On/Off switch using these 6 steps.…
How to replace a sewing machine drive belt
You can replace a broken sewing machine drive belt in about 15 minutes. …
How to replace a sewing machine drive motor
If the drive motor on your sewing machine runs roughly or doesn't run at all, you can replace it in about 30 minutes usi…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your sewing machines
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your sewing machine.
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…