What is a rotor?

The rotor is a large disc lined with permanent magnets that bolts directly to the back of the wash drum. Because it is fixed to the drum itself there is no belt, pulley or transmission between motor and basket — that is what "direct drive" means. Rotors rarely fail outright, but the magnets can crack or come loose, and the centre nut can work loose and round off the splines. If the drum turns freely by hand but the machine reports a locked motor, suspect the sensor or stator before the rotor.