Brother XR3340 Sewing machine repair - E6 error, 2020-03-15

2020-03-15 Clip showing repair of Brother XR3340 sewing machine. The repeat error was E6 meaning, the motor is jammed. Sometimes this can be caused by thread dust and particles, and a good cleaning can fix the problem. This time however, it required disassembly.
The root cause failure was a jammed bushing on the bobbin driveshaft. It could have been caused by the belt tension set too high when it left the factory. This is a splined drive mechanism and unlike a standard V-belt it doesn't need to be that tight to work as intended. Another possibility is that it could have been caused by dust contaminating the lubricating grease, gumming it, and eventually seizing it onto the driveshaft. Whatever the contributing factor, the bearing was so jammed that it required forceful removal using a hammer to drive the stuck bushing off of the driveshaft.
After removing the bushing we cleaned the old grease and relubricated it. We reset the bobbin timing and reassembled the machine, and then, as can been seen, ran a successful test.
For additional related interest, here is a link to various threads magnified and photographed using a medium power microscope,
1drv.ms/u/s!As...

[@ivancho5854]

This is an excellent diagnosis and repair tutorial. Thank you for making it. I really like your use of tape to remind you what screw goes where. 👍 I can recommend TriFlow oil (which will assist to break down residue), TriFlow grease and SuperLube grease. This machine will need to be opened frequently to lubricate, so you may want to try it next time. Unfortunately these machines are deliberately designed to be disposable. I would say that it's lifespan is 10 years at most. The chrome plating on the shafts is thin and often rusts in humid environments; plastic gears which don't last; plastic frame which is not mechanically stable and won't last; deliberately designed to make service difficult; impossible to get any spare parts in a few years; the worst design element is that the user is not ever able to lubricate (industrial machines have lubrication baths or are lubricated EVERY DAY!). I could go on. Designed obsolescence is a criminal concept. So what brand and model of machine should you get to avoid this? Spend $200 or $10000 on a domestic machine it doesn't matter, you are out of luck they are all the same now. And don't believe the sales people when they tell you otherwise. Such a shame. Rant over.

[@mikeregan7974]

Can't thank you enough for making and posting this video, it's extremely helpful. I repaired a machine for a friend with this exact same problem, good as new now. Thanks again!

[@serendipitymoments4684]

I have the same problem with my sewing machine but I'm not brave enough to open the whole sewing machine to figure out the problem. You did a great job fixing that machine! Thanks for the tutorial!

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

Thanks for the feedback. For me it was a choice between not being able to use it, essentially ever again, or to try and fix it, and so there was nothing to lose. It's complicated, no doubt, but proceeding slowly and working carefully, it can be done.

[@jake-mv5oi]

Thanks buddy. My wife will be happy to have her machine back running again. Sad that they couldn't spend another 50c on a ball bearing that would last forever instead of the 7-8 years that this bushing lasted. Planned obsolescence at its finest.

[@belenarriaga2474]

thankyou sooo much for that video is a blessing my machine yammed and i really wanted to fix it my self thank you one more time for your help.Love the way you explain every step on how to fix the machine.

[@sarahcorrigan8059]

I dropped the little screwdriver inside my machine tonight ... going to use this as a guide to help me retrieve it in the morning! Thank you 😊

[@rosepaul9681]

Thanks for this excellent lesson. My Brother cx155LA has the same problem except it's the top bearing & shaft near the take up lever. I can see that the bearing is not turning. I'm thinking it's better to replace my machine with a Janome or Baby Lock that's not all plastic in the body. At least I got a few years of good sewing and lots of quilts before it seized up. All the feet and the extension table fit my mechanical Janome, so not a total loss. I think the repair cost would be best spent on a better built machine.

[@ethelryan257]

I bet the lower timing gear slipped sure to the jammed bearing and that threw the timing off. Well done, thanks.

[@alancox2566]

Thanks for this video Michael, really useful. We had the exact same problem which I would never have diagnosed without this video! Took off the bearing and cleaned the shaft, even rubbed it down with some wet and dry Emery paper but it still feels pitted and no doubt the issue will be returning. Strikes me as being a design fault and I wonder if the bearing is really fit for purpose, something I will take up with Brother. Thanks again for the video.

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

Great. Regarding the sleeve bearing, I had a suspicion that the toothed belt was tensioned too high at the factory and that this contributed to the problem.

[@matiasituarte624]

NECESITO AYUDA!!!! POR FAVOR. SI ME RESPONDE LE DIGO CUAL ES EL PROBLEMA.

[@TheEvie202]

This is why I only own mechanical machines! Helps me make up my mind and getting another Janome in the futbure

[@mariokoenig9965]

Thanks. Had exactly the same problem and followed your solution to fix it

[@lewisdundas1281]

Fine job! Just bought one of these refurbished on Amazon. Thank you for the inside view of the machine and sharing your insight.

[@khdzstudio]

Hi, I'm curious to know how well is the machine running now. It's been a few months hope all is well. Thank you for the video will try this on my sisters Brother Machine.

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

The repaired sewing machine is working perfectly and is used almost every day. Given the high internet reported frequency of this problem, I believe that the toothed belt was tensioned too high at the factory and that caused unusual friction and heat to build between the bearing sleeve and shaft, which eventually caused the failure. When I reassembled it, I ensured that the tension was very light (read almost none), and I don't expect it to fail again. For this application, the cogged drive maintains the important bobbin/needle timing, and it is by design a very light load [to drive]. Research the internet for a good grease to use for sewing machine motor and gear applications, adjust the belt tension so it's very light, and this problem will not reappear.

[@joejoelesh1197]

Thank you! I just bought a used one with this same issue. I diagnosed it down to that same bushing. :-( I am driving the shaft out now

[@norm1124]

Great video, I have exactly the same problem in a Brother PE-150 machine.

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

Regarding this repair, work slowly and carefully, don't disconnect any wires, and you're sure to have good results. There's no trick to taking it apart - nothing inside comes loose or falls off when it's disassembled - it is as you see it in the video. For the bushing lubricant use a sewing machine motor and gear grease. During reassembly, watch for the position of the internal lever that connects to the thread tensioner; it can be put into two positions, but only one is correct. If you get it wrong the first time, there's no harm but the tensioner won't work correctly, and you'll have to split the case again to reposition it. The bobbin/needle timing is important, but even if it's lost during the gear positioning, it can be readjusted after the machine is reassembled, by just removing a bottom cover (four screws), which gives you access to the cogged gear set screws.

[@ebby69k]

So do you recall which side the tensioner arm goes to? The arm that is sticking out horizontally from the cover.

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

@@ebby69k It goes towards the top.

[@ebby69k]

@@michaelsworkshop3670 I think you misunderstood. I am talking about the tensioner arm. It can either go to the left side of the little shark fin looking piece or to the right of it.My machine is a brother cs6000i. Similar to yours in this video. I can see the arm sticking out of your case cover you removed.

[@junitapullins7909]

Hi what if the machine is jamming and you’ve cleaned all the dust and you are not seeing any bushels that are seized - all of them are seeming to be fine - then what ?

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

@@junitapullins7909 The E6 error means that the drive mechanism is sensing an over-current condition. Before taking the radical step of disassembly, it's best to first consult the Brother user guide for instructions on how to normally clear it. You can also visit the Brother website help area, help.brother-usa.com/ and search for sewing machine E6 error. According to information found there, the error can be caused by incorrect thread routing, bent needle, and for other reasons.

[@EgyRow]

That was a stunning video thank you for all the details you explained you are awesome

[@bealexander2424]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing this.

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

Okay! Thank you.

[@adventuremusic9152]

Hello thanks you so much for your sharing this helpful video, Next I want to ask you about the similar problem that I my mom had the same model as you and had the E6 error neither 😢 but after I tried to twist the flywheel, the needle is running again but it never touch the bottom of bobbin case I oiled the systems but it doesn’t work can you please show me how to fix this similar problem but not ? 😅 thank you so much

[@jehnamartinez906]

I did this with my brother machine sq9186 (looks almost exact to this one.) But after putting it back together, the thread was getting stuck. A little piece of metal from under the top measurement cover, is just barely touching the top of the bobbin case, and creating a little post the thread can't get pulled past to come up to the top. So I adjusted the top measurement cover piece to go more back/up, just a tiny bit (the machine doesn't really allow for more than a few hair lengths of wiggle room,) and it was enough for the thread to clear, and pulls up nice. I did notice while I was trouble shooting that issue, that when my needle goes all the way down, (I have bobbin holder out) my needle is "ticking" because it's just touches on a small little square of metal, inside the circle part, (the "holder" of the bobbin holder, right below the hook piece that catches the thread) I'm unsure if that's normal, as it looks like it's there to push the need back a bit, maybe to help with catching the thread on that hook. Any how... It caught the bobbin thread nicely, and pulled up to the pop. So I try to sew a test piece of fabric. Now my fabric won't move. The feet come up high enough, I can feel them with my finger, I also see them moving normally. I set the length as high as possible, and it just barely moved my fabric, and started sounded like it's working hard. It almost seems like the whole bobbins piece (like you removed in the video) got moved a few hair widths higher, or like I tightened the front and the back just a hair too close? I don't know anything about fixing sewing machines. I can fix computers, but this was my first time trying to fix a sewing machine. Any tips or thoughts? Things that come to mind I can try or look out for? Thank you for the video and your time. Sorry so long.

[@naziaparveen7007]

Hi, I have brother basic model.... Nidle is not moving side ways for Zig zag.... Nidle is moving up and down.... Can you please tell me what should I do to get the free movement of nidle to get zigzag stitch.... Please sir, iam waiting

[@joycelondon1639]

Thanks for sharing from Atlanta Ga USA helpful 👀 first time here

[@Cashfizzy]

So from time 2 time you're going to need to use white vinegar to clean the shaft when too much material gets caught in between the shaft and the bearings once cleaned and oild and put back together that's the only problem for this machine light work not bad

[@abitofbirdsong]

Thank you for this!

[@lugo2214]

Ty good vid Kind of shaky at times but I thank you

[@sierrawalton1345]

Hello. I’m glad I found your video. I’m trying to fix a feed dog issue on the same machine. Can you tell me…. Is the black rod that comes off and down under the feed dog in the back supposed to be strongly affixed and not wiggle? Mine wiggles. The plastic piece that moves from side to side with changing feed dog position still moves. So I’m wondering if the problem is that rod? Thanks.

[@nadiamartinez9441]

I should had watch the video before taking the screws lol but thanks to this video I was able to put them back where they belong thanks

[@EnglishEZ]

Hello Michael, and thank you so much for the video! In my case, error E6 appeared after I had assembled the machine back together (ours is Brother JS-70E). Looks like I have desynchronised the whole thing by slipping off both toothed belts (yeah, I know 🤦‍♂, I'm not a tech person, just trying to help my wife) in order to turn the shafts manually to find out where the problem was (the shaft was stuck, but the problem was in the top part of the mechanism - reoiling helped). Is it hard to find those points again if I didn't put markings on the gear tooth and belt? I'd really appreciate if you saw this and replied. All the best from Russia!

[@valerienicollet1820]

Hello, Thank you very much for this video! Despite my beginner level, I managed to solve the E6 error by following your instructions. Unfortunately, since the reassembly, two new problems have appeared: - my bobbin thread no longer goes up, even though I do the right thing and it worked until then, - an E1 error message systematically appears (while my presser foot is lowered) and prevents me from sewing. What can explain this? Did I miss something during the reassembly? Thanking you very much!

[@GuillermoGonzalez-ss2cc]

Hola gracias por el video, solucione el error, y ahora tengo e1, pero ya esta armada y calibrada, que puede ser?

[@denisesewell602]

Can you demonstrate how to replace the bobbin winder for a Brother CE1100PRW sewing machine. The stem broke off & I have the replacement part. Thank you

[@rxmakeupqueen]

sewing machine oil evaporates. there is a synthetic grease that can be used instead. i must say that I don't repair machines but I have several vintage machines that I use both oil and grease. I grease the gears and oil the points..but then again. hey I am open to learn things.

[@kaitlynnkennythomas5514]

if you had a table top grinder and a wire wheel on it , it would clean that crap right off and not disturb your shaft, plus a gun barrel pipe cleaner to clean your bushing hole... you guys be all set.... your welcome. :)

[@sniffer2500]

Bottom shaft is stuck because of " nuclear bearing is frozen and needs to be reduced and clean the same time.

[@sniffer2500]

No , don't take off, oil it and hold the bearing and oil it and turning the bearing the same time. Banging it is not the solution.

[@bryansopranes572]

THANK U 😊

[@MustangGT50bmg]

I have same machine with e6 error. I opened it up and both shafts are turning freely no gunk next to shafts but I still oiled. when I try running machine the motor does not even spin. any idea?

[@brunamf133]

Does this machine have a fuse? If so, where is it and how can it be changed?

[@AdaptiveHarmony]

I’m having trouble getting one screw out and don’t know what I need. It’s the one you see from back side on top right by spool pin. It’s deepest and Philips head. Anyone know what to use?

[@leahr9038]

I have the Brother CS6000i and have this same error. I took it all apart, got two left over screws from God knows where, and I tried to oil the two big ball bearings. Oiled and cleaned everything else... I didn't oil it enough to have the two ball bearings move. Now I gotta do it all over 😢😭 I was going to just buy a new machine but they're not available on Amazon anymore. I paid like 160 now they're 360+

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

That is funny - I almost always end up with extra hardware when working on some project, somewhat alarmingly so after I've worked on the car! Concerning lubricating the bushing, a light grease such as white lithium, might be preferred over oil. Some discussions on the topic may be found on internet sewing forums.

[@sniffer2500]

Possible broken needle.

[@matiasituarte624]

NECESITO AYUDA. POR FAVOR. LES NECESITO MANDAR UN VIDEO DE LA FALLA DE LA MÁQUINA.

[@bellagranda1190]

HELLO I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS THE REASON OR CAUSE THAT I TURN ON THE BROTHER SQ 9285 MACHINE AND THE NEEDLE DOES NOT MOVE OR SOUND THEN IT COMES OUT ON THE E1PITA SCREEN FOR A FEW SECONDS I TURN IT OFF, I TURN IT ON AGAIN AND E3 APPEARS AND FOLLOWED BY THE BEEP PLEASE IF YOU HELP ME I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU GIVE ME A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM THANK YOU GREETINGS FROM ECUADOR

[@Kara-mf7vk]

I have two screws that won't come out. What kind/size of screwdriver do you use? (Although, I was able to remove the rest w/ the s.d. I was using.)

[@fayes7220]

I have singer sewing machine.The lift is stuck & it won’t go up & down ! Please help!

[@lesliebrowne5241]

I have a brother machine I wasn't able to use it for months because the pressure foot was taken. When it was finally returned the metal piece controlling the pressure froze. Can anyone give me advice on what to do please??

[@ebby69k]

Hey Michael... So I had this issue too. Wish I would have watched this first. I have the top bearing froze. I fixed that but in my process of doing things I lost the timing between the top shaft and bottom. Ughhhh DO you have a video on how to fix this?

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

Not to worry! The hook timing can be restored and it's not difficult to do, and can be done with the machine assembled by just removing the bottom plate. In the current clip I talk about checking and resetting the timing a bit, between, 15:32 to 16:46. It's not that clear though, and I have decided that I need to record another video showing resetting the timing. For now though, no matter if your machine is assembled or not, take off the bobbin cover, pull the bobbin and plastic holder, and manually cycle the machine while watching the needle penetrate into the bobbin area. When it reaches the bottom of the stroke and begins to come up again, the bobbin hook spinning around the needle has to be right there just above and behind the needle thread hole ready to pick up the thread at the needle thread hole. If the hook's not there, if it doesn't catch the thread on the upstroke, your machine will skip that stitch. Take a look at the bobbin mechanism as its working, manually cycle it, and I'm certain --- I'm certain --- that you'll see the logic of the function of how that hook has got to be in position to pick up the thread on the needle upstroke, and with that you will glean an understanding of how to reset the timing (by temporarily loosening the set screws on the splined gear that drives the bobbin drive shaft, while moving the needle)!

[@ebby69k]

@@michaelsworkshop3670 Thanks for the response. After watching a few other videos I did see the logic . I was able to slip the belt off the lower gear and turn the assemble until the needle was approximately where it needed to be. I had to move it one more tooth after that to get it exact. I figure if nothing was really touched it was just a matter of getting it back to where it was.

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

@@ebby69k Great! For the adjustment, it's fine that you slipped the belt from the lower gear and then aligned everything by either spinning the upper needle drive shaft or the lower bobbin drive shaft, but the adjustment can also be done while the machine is assembled, and adjusted with a finer resolution than one gear tooth. With the machine assembled, you would do that by removing the bottom cover, and loosening the set screws on that lower toothed gear that drives the bobbin shaft. Then the needle drive shaft and the bobbin drive shaft can be moved independently of each other, the needle and hook positioned correctly, and the set screws retightened.

[@zobiyagibran7206]

I have brother innov 40 machine some time my machine runs backward and some times its sewing length becomes very long .how to fix this problem plz suggest I m from india

[@robertfell6770]

How much did this repair cost?

[@sniffer2500]

Now reclean it again.

[@sniffer2500]

Using fine steel wool would be better.

[@milagrosr9309]

How I fix F5 error on brother sq9185

[@marcelocevallos5238]

error F4!!! please help me!!!!

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

For additional related interest, here is a link to various threads magnified and photographed using a medium power microscope, 1drv.ms/u/s!As8Op29l1afejJIjy-QhK3AYpVi-1g?e=jBSMxj

[@lilim8286]

Как скинуть ошибку Е 6

[@ambergarman2573]

Remove screws split case it's not as easy as he shows it to be🤪

[@Vee_Hobbys]

Hi, i have a problem with my brother fs-40. Can i ask you something about that? Maybe you can help me. 🫣☺️

[@michaelsworkshop3670]

I don't have experience or knowledge about that model.