Washing machines have become an integral part of our lives. Their design contains dozens of different parts, each of which has its own purpose. Almost every washing machine has shock absorbers. This is a kind of suspension of the device, which is used to dampen vibrations during drum operation. This is a reliable and durable part, but if it fails, it becomes necessary to replace it. We will provide detailed instructions on how to do this yourself at home.
When do you need to change shock absorbers in a washing machine?
Over time, they wear out and cease to perform their functions. Therefore, if you begin to suspect that the washing machine has begun to vibrate more than usual or loud knocking noises have appeared while the drum is rotating, then the shock absorbers may need to be replaced, since they cannot be repaired.
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Replacement and repair instructions
Important! In the event of a malfunction, do not replace only one part, even if the second one is still working. Both spare parts must be new, otherwise the risk of wear and tear on the machine will only increase.
Option 1: disassemble the case
- Unplug the machine and turn off the water supply.
- Open the laundry hatch. Remove the clamp - a ring with a screw or spring that tightly secures the rubber seal:
- on screw ones - loosen the screw;
- on spring ones - pry the spring with a screwdriver and pull it towards you.
- Bend the edges of the cuff seal and pull it out. Behind the cuff in the right center there is a block from the machine door lock wires - this also needs to be disconnected.
- Open the drain filter plug at the bottom of the machine. Disconnect the drain hose. Unscrew the screw that holds the casing and remove the casing. Then remove the screw that secures the front panel.
- Let's move on to the back of the machine. Unscrew the two top screws that hold the washer cover in place. Remove the cover - pull it towards you, lifting it up a little.
- Pull out the powder tray. There are two more screws under it - unscrew them.
- Remove any existing screws behind the control module panel.
- Carefully lift the control panel up. You will know that you have removed it when you hear the characteristic click of the latches. Once you have the panel in your hands, place it on top of the machine without removing the wire.
- Remove the screws holding the front panel. Slide the panel itself up and pull it out.
- Access to shock absorbers is open! Take pliers and remove the fasteners - the plastic “fingers” on the top and bottom of the part. Remove the parts from the supports.
- Install new parts.
- Reassemble the machine in reverse order.
If you can’t easily get to the necessary details, move on to option 2.
More nuances of disassembling washing machines are in a separate article, here.
Universal instructions for disassembling washing machines: 23 videos for all brands
Option 2: remove the entire tank
If after disassembling the body the shock absorbers are not accessible, you will have to remove the drum itself. For machines with vertical loading (from above) and automatic machines (from the front), the process is almost the same: on “vertical” machines you will have to remove the side wall, counterweights and wiring, on “automatic” machines you will have to remove the pulley from the back.
Details are in our future article, but for now here are two video instructions.
How to repair a broken shock absorber
We warn you: self-repair, lubrication, or installation of a repair kit will only help for a while. It is safer to replace the shock absorbers for your washing machine with new ones than to try to restore them.
Let's assume you have already disassembled the machine and removed the necessary parts. Let's make a new gasket instead of the old one:
- Take a flat-head screwdriver. Press the plastic ring onto the part.
- Now you have access to the rubber gasket in the lubricant. Get it out.
- Clean the entire shock absorber thoroughly.
- Take a leather belt and cut 2 strips from it. The length and width of the strips are based on the gasket. The thickness of the strips should be 3.5 mm. The length should be “overlapping” so that the strips form a “ring” inside the part.
- Check the density. The rod - the metal sleeve - should move with noticeable force.
- Put a little thick lubricant inside so that the spare part does not rust and the movement is not “dry”.
- Reinstall both parts. Assemble the machine.
Where can I buy new dampers, at what price?
You can buy new parts to replace worn ones at specialized sales points and on the Internet. The cost depends on the place of purchase and the manufacturer . On average, a pair of shock absorbers will cost 600 rubles.
You need to select a new part in accordance with the model of your washing machine, focusing on the model. Also, detailed information on the operating resistance of the part can be found on the body of the dampers themselves after they have been removed.
Some stores indicate on the Internet the cost for 1 damper. But you only need to purchase a pair of completely identical parts.
Characteristics of the substance
Theoretically, lubricant should solve the problem with dampers wearing out. After treatment with a viscous compound, the friction force between the rod and the “head” of the shock absorber will be smoothed out, which will prevent the drum from swinging, imbalance and other technical problems. But ordinary products like WD-40 or Solidol will not help here - special mixtures are required.
Finding a suitable lubricant is where difficulties arise, since it is unclear where to find a professional product. At service centers and branded sales points that supply components for washing machines, you can purchase either a repair kit for repairing racks or the damper itself. The consultants working there had never even heard of lubricants - we checked several large stores and left with nothing.
Calling a professional: how to avoid falling for scammers, how much does the work cost?
In the event that you cannot carry out repairs yourself, you can contact a company specializing in servicing household appliances . Such companies are widely represented on the Internet.
Before calling a specialist, you can check the prices for the work of the masters and look for reviews of the company on the Internet. Firms that have been working in the service market for years try to maintain their reputation and fulfill orders with high quality.
The cost of work depends on the complexity of the breakdown . If other repairs need to be done in addition to replacing the shock absorbers, the price will be higher.
On average, replacing shock absorbers in the capital will cost from 2,900 rubles and will take up to 1.5 hours. If the client does not have new parts, the dispatcher should be notified about this when registering the technician’s call. In this case, the cost of shock absorbers will be paid separately.
After completing the work and reassembling the washing machine, the technician performs a test run and issues a warranty.
Question answer
How to check that the shock absorber is still working?
To diagnose a malfunction, inspect the part - it should not be deformed or damaged. The main sign of wear is that you can easily squeeze the spare part, causing a squeaking sound. The device will have to be repaired or replaced urgently.
How to choose a model compatible with your car?
Most often, shock absorbers are made not by car manufacturers, but by third-party factories, so analogue parts will be no worse than the original ones. Quality models are provided by Philco, AKS and Indesit, and manufacturers Aweco, Sebac and Suspa are also known.
The rigidity of the new spare part should be the same as that of the original one. This indicator is indicated on the case - for example, 85N or 80N.
The bushings must strictly match your diameter. The standard indicator is 8, 9, 10 or 11 mm.
What lubricant should I use?
Lubricants have several general parameters that must be adhered to:
- moisture resistance;
- increased viscosity;
- resistance to elevated temperatures.
The best lubricants are Amplifon, Anderol, Staburags NBU 12, Liqui Moly “Silicon-Fett”, Huskey Lube-O-Seal PTFE Grease.
What is the importance of shipping bolts?
Shipping bolts secure machine parts to prevent damage during shipping. First of all, they secure the drum. If you forget to remove the bolts during installation, the machine will vibrate very strongly and literally bounce during washing. Moreover, if you forget to remove them, they can cause great harm to almost all modules in the washing machine.
Read more: Instructions for working with transport bolts in a washing machine
How to replace?
Installation of new shock absorbers is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- We place the new element in place of the removed part, in special grooves.
- Carefully screw in the “nail” fastener and remove the self-tapping screw from it.
- Turning the washing machine over to the other side, repeat the steps.
The assembled machine is returned to its original location and connected to the water supply and sewerage system. The device is connected to the network.
The final stage is verification . To do this, start the wash at maximum spin mode. If during the process the washing machine does not shake much (moderate vibration is acceptable) and does not change its location, then the repair is completed successfully.
The video will show you how to change shock absorbers on an Indesit washing machine:
We fix the problem ourselves
Repairing the shock absorber yourself will help you save money on purchasing new parts. Restoring the functionality of an old part is possible in the event of abrasion of the liner or gasket. Mechanical damage (distortion, cracks) requires complete replacement of the part.
How to change gaskets or liners?
Light, fast movement of the rod when compressing the shock absorber indicates that the gasket has worn out. Replacing it is easy, just follow a clear algorithm of actions:
We measure the diameter of the sleeve hole (use a caliper).- Based on the measurements, we cut off a piece of rubber (thickness of at least 3 mm; alternatively, you can use a brake pad or a piece of PCB).
- We insert the cut piece into the place of the previously worn out seal (the edges of the new gasket should meet).
- Lubricate the part and install the shock absorber rod in its original place.
Lubricate the new part immediately before installing the rod. It is important to use lubricating oils that are resistant to moisture, resistant to high temperatures, and have a high viscosity index.
Signs of breakdown
We will provide a short list of malfunctions in the operation of the Indesit washing machine, which may indicate the need to replace the shock absorbers:
- During operation, uncharacteristic sounds appeared - creaking, grinding;
- the drum rotates with force or much slower than usual - for no apparent reason;
- general vibration and noise indicators are above standard;
- The drive belt began to fly off frequently.
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These are only indirect signs of shock absorber wear; only a comprehensive and professional diagnosis of the Indesit washing machine will help accurately answer the question of which part needs to be replaced.
Diagnosis of typical faults
Shock-absorbing devices of washing machines belong to the mechanical part of household equipment. Their repair and replacement do not require fundamental knowledge in the field of electrical or even mechanics. This means that even the intervention of an amateur will not be able to cause serious damage.
Please note that unique technical documentation is issued for each model of washing unit. Service techniques are usually authorized and devices are patented. However, there are methods for repairing shock-absorbing devices that are common to almost all types of washing machines, the specifics of which are worth understanding.
The appearance of typical damage to shock absorbers or dampers will be signaled by a specific noise that occurs during operation of the machine, or too much knocking inside its body.
If alarming sounds are detected, their condition should be examined, and for this you need to provide yourself with access to the devices being tested. Depending on the model, for the examination you will need to remove either the top panel, the side panel, or the back panel.
Methods for diagnosing shock absorbers for washing equipment depend on the type of load:
- From the front. If, when applying force to the tank from above, folds form on the sealing collar of the loading hatch, the shock absorbers must be replaced. By the way, you can also notice a couple of folds while the machine is operating with worn-out accessories.
- From vertical. If, when applying force to the tank from above, no resistance is felt, and the tank, after interrupting the pressure, continues to swing like a pendulum, it needs to be repaired.
When carrying out diagnostics with top loading, you must definitely pay attention to how much the tank sags when pressed, if the indicated defect occurs. It would be nice to track the fact of sagging and its conditional value with a full tank load
It is imperative to check whether there is at least some reserve for the reciprocating movement of the tank of the washing machine being examined. If it sags so that there is simply no room left for it to move during vibration, then a loud knock will occur during washing or spinning. And this is a sure sign of damage to the tank in the near future, and simply imbalance.
In normal technical condition, front-loading washing machines should not have cuff folds at all, regardless of the function being performed. Note that the formation of a single fold on this rubber seal indicates that only one of the shock absorbers is damaged.
If the folds on the cuff of the washer do not indicate damage to the shock absorbers, it means that it is worn out or deformed from the use of substances undesirable for its structure. In this case, the seal should be replaced.
In normally functioning units with a top load, if the shock-absorbing devices are not damaged, after applying force to the tank from above and abruptly interrupting the load, i.e. retracting the hand, the tank should smoothly return to its original place without excessive swinging and vibration.
