The title, "not emptying" and the question, "where are the brushes located top or bottom"? have no relation to one another.
Brushes are made of hard carbon/graphite and remain stationary and deliver electrical power to the rotating part of the motor - the big motor that spins the washing drum.
Another motor in the machine (it may have brushes but probably doesn't) pumps the water out and is much smaller...
Washing machine pump...
http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00RBTQObuFhVqcM/Washing-Machine-Pump-PX7-1-.jpg
Washing machine motor...
http://www.tdspares.co.uk/prodimages/mtr1003.jpg
You can just see a brush holder at the back with a red wire running to it.
Either way - you usually get access from the rear.
You do not mention the make or model of the machine.
Good luck...
Peccavi
June 2009