Automatic balancing in the washing machine

To prevent overloads in the machine, modern washing machines are equipped with a load sensor, which starts the cycle only if the balance is maintained in the drum. Otherwise, the wash will not start, and an error code will appear on the display, and then the user will need to manually redistribute the laundry. However, the auto-balancing function in washing machines is now gaining popularity. What is it and how is it used?

How does auto balancing work?

At first glance, an imbalance in a washing machine is absolutely harmless, but in reality it has a negative impact on several fundamental structural elements (for example, a motor or a shock-absorbing system). Overload is especially noticeable during spinning at high speed and manifests itself in sounds uncharacteristic of the washing machine and increased vibration. SM manufacturers from Italy and Korea have come up with a solution - an auto-balancing mechanism.

It consists of sensors installed in the tank that detect excessive accumulations of clothing in one area. As soon as the machine's brain receives the appropriate signal, it stops the wash and rebalances the contents of the drum by rotating it in reverse. If automatic balancing does not help, the user will be prompted to continue the process manually. In any case, the washing machine will be saved from overload.

What brands of washing machines offer such a useful option? Absolutely all models from Samsung, LG, Bosch, Smeg, AEG. Not all, but most washing machines from Candy, Gorenje and Beko are also equipped with this function. The loading volume of the tank does not affect the availability of auto-balancing; you can find a model to suit your taste, the only difference will be in price.

Why did the imbalance arise?

In essence, an imbalance is an incorrect loading of the washing machine: the laundry is either stuffed inside in lumps, which creates the illusion of overload, or its volume actually exceeds the norm. In such cases, it is enough to redistribute the clothes or remove some. But sometimes an imbalance can be caused by incorrect installation or a malfunction in the machine.

• Unscrewed shipping bolts. They are designed to hold the drum in a stationary position during its transportation. Imagine the “stress” the washing machine experiences when working in this condition. Shaking, bouncing and overload are guaranteed if you violate this simple rule of operation. In addition, damage to the washing machine due to the fact that you did not remove the transport bolts is not a warranty case, and the unit cannot then be repaired. There are only four bolts, they are located on the back wall, and removing them is not difficult at all.
• Incorrect installation. The smoother the surface on which the washing machine stands, the less noise, vibration and risk of imbalance. The standard procedure for leveling the floor (tile or concrete) under the machine is mandatory, but special attributes such as an anti-vibration rubberized mat or attachments on the legs will also help. It is not advisable to place the machine on carpet, linoleum or laminate.
• Problems with shock absorbers. These parts are designed precisely to reduce the natural vibration of the washing machine during washing and spinning. The rubber gaskets in the dampers wear out over time, the fasteners weaken, and then the system can no longer cope, leading to an imbalance.

You can easily check the performance of the damper. Open the top cover of the washer and press down on the tank.If he jumped a couple of centimeters and stopped, then everything is fine. And chaotic movements from side to side and jumps indicate disorder.

• The problem is the counterbalances. What it is? The shock-absorbing system includes not only a damper, but also an artificial load - counterweights, several of which are hung on the tank from all sides. If the counterweights fail, vibration is not suppressed, the machine begins to move very actively, and parts of the destroyed counterweights (concrete blocks) hit other elements of the machine. The problem may be that the counterweight retaining elements have worn out, or the counterweights themselves have become damaged. In this case, a replacement is needed, which should be done with extreme caution.

Important! Cracks in a concrete counterweight can easily be filled with PVA glue or cement mortar.

• There is a problem with the bearing assembly. If the drum rotates unusually slowly, and you hear a clunking sound during the wash and spin cycle, then the problem is most likely in the bearings. This also leads to overload and requires intervention. However, repairing bearings or replacing them is a complex procedure that requires professional intervention, so if this type of problem occurs, contact a service center.

According to statistics, machines that do not encounter overload last 5-7 years longer. The principle of auto-rebalancing is that the machine independently distributes the laundry in a way that is comfortable for it. So if your home assistant is equipped with this feature, she can independently protect herself from imbalance and ensure a long service life.

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