How to change springs, shock absorbers and dampers in a washing machine
The design of the washing machine includes parts to reduce vibration and shock absorption of the tank. Like all other spare parts, they fail over time. And if there is a need to repair or replace them, then first you need to understand their structure. It is with this question that we will begin this article.
Shock absorber device
The design features of washing machine shock absorbers made for use in different models of washing machines can vary significantly. But in all cases they contain such important parts as:
Cylinder, piston,
return spring,
stock,
bushings and inserts for fixation,
gasket located between the cylinder and the piston.
The main task of a shock absorber for a washing machine is to reduce the vibration of the automatic washing machine tank. The necessary effect of weakening the vibrations of the units of this type of household appliances is achieved due to the movement of the piston inside the cylindrical shell. The gasket, which is located between the piston and the cylinder, is generously moistened with a special non-drying lubricant. When the tank vibrates, the piston is pressed into the cylinder, reducing vibration. And a spring brings it back into the reverse position.
In addition to the special high-friction lubricant that impregnates the gasket, holes in the piston structure help reduce vibration. They allow air to move from one part of the piston to another and in the opposite direction.
In order for the washing machine to function properly, it is necessary to maintain the stability of the force in the shock-absorbing part.Several parts of the shock absorber are responsible for maintaining this. This is why we do not recommend repairing a damaged shock absorber. It is easier to dispose of it and replace it with a working one. In addition, individual parts of the shock absorber for the washing machine are not on sale.
Damper structure
Dampers are similar in design to shock absorbers for a washing machine. However, they have better performance in reducing tank vibrations. They are more reliable. This is explained by the fact that the springs that return the piston to its original position are located on the outside of the damper. In addition, in some cases they can be repaired or restored after a breakdown. In the washing machine they (2 pieces) are located in the lower part of the body. And their task is to maintain the tank and dampen its vibrations. On top, the tank is fixed by two springs.
Dampers with pressed liners - how to repair and replace
This type of damper is one of the most common. It is used in many models of washing machines. In dampers with pressed liners, the vibration force of the tank is weakened due to the friction of the piston and the liners tightly pressed to it. The inserts are clamped with a special bracket, which is shaped like the letter “P”. It, in turn, is attached using a gasket to the washing machine from the inside.
It happens that the pressing force of the earbuds weakens. And then the damper begins to dampen vibrations worse.
In such a situation, it is necessary to tighten the springy parts of the U-shaped bracket more firmly. Over time, the liners can wear out. In this case, they need to be changed. In order to change them, we need to tighten the 4 screws that secure the bracket to the washing machine and remove our part.Then we need to straighten the “whiskers” of the bracket.
It is not always possible to do this by hand. Because many people simply do not have the strength to do this. Therefore, you can try to fix the bracket with your foot. And spread the springy “mustaches” with both hands. After this, we remove the worn liners and replace them with new ones. Next we just have to assemble the damper.
Replacing washing machine springs
The springs are attached to the top of the washing machine body. They hold the tank of the machine and, if necessary, return it to its original position. The return spring has two ends. There is a hook at each end. With the help of this hook it is attached to the tank and the body of household appliances. Most often, it is in places close to the fastening that the spring breaks. In order to change a faulty spring, it must be removed. It can be removed either from the top of the case. Or from the connection point with the tank of the machine. Both options are acceptable.
In order to change the spring through the mounting point with the tank we will need:
Remove the upper part of the washing machine body.
Raise the tank of the machine as much as possible and fix it in this state. You can fix it by placing some strong object under it. For example, a wooden block.
With one hand we pull the spring towards the tank. With the other hand, use pliers to unhook the spring.
Now all we have to do is unhook the spring at the point of its connection with the body of the washing machine.
In order to replace the spring through the upper part of the housing, you need to do the following:
We perform actions similar to the first and second points of removing the spring through the attachment point with the tank, written above. That is, we remove the cover of the machine.And with the help of some object we fix the tank in the highest possible position.
While maintaining the required position of the damaged spring with one hand, we need to engage the fastening hook. This can be done with a screwdriver or other strong and thin tool.
Then you need to unhook it from the place of fixation with the body of the machine.
After this, we move the spring to the side and unhook it from below.
If you don’t have enough space to replace the spring, then you will have to remove the interfering parts of the machine.
Replacing dampers
Dampers have special holes. It is through these holes that they are secured with bolts or other fasteners. These bolts, like other fastening elements, are quite easy to remove. After which, you can easily remove the faulty damper and replace it with a new one.
Here is a video in which an English master changes the damper through the bottom of the machine. If you have a similar model, you can do the same:
Replacing shock absorbers
Shock absorbers for a washing machine may differ in the type of fixation. Some are mounted vertically, others at an angle. One side of them is attached to the tank of the washing machine, and the other to its body. In some cases, shock absorbers are fixed with a rod. Unfortunately, with this mounting method, in order to change the shock absorber, you will have to disassemble almost the entire machine and remove its tank.
Video of replacing shock absorbers in a washing machine:
The design of the washing machine includes parts to reduce vibration and shock absorption of the tank. Like all other spare parts, they fail over time. And if there is a need to repair or replace them, then first you need to understand their structure. It is with this question that we will begin this article.
The main task of a shock absorber for a washing machine is to reduce the vibration of the automatic washing machine tank. The necessary effect of weakening the vibrations of the units of this type of household appliances is achieved due to the movement of the piston inside the cylindrical shell. The gasket, which is located between the piston and the cylinder, is generously moistened with a special non-drying lubricant. When the tank vibrates, the piston is pressed into the cylinder, reducing vibration. And a spring brings it back into the reverse position.
Dampers are similar in design to shock absorbers for a washing machine. However, they have better performance in reducing tank vibrations. They are more reliable. This is explained by the fact that the springs that return the piston to its original position are located on the outside of the damper. In addition, in some cases they can be repaired or restored after a breakdown. In the washing machine they (2 pieces) are located in the lower part of the body. And their task is to maintain the tank and dampen its vibrations. On top, the tank is fixed by two springs.
The springs are attached to the top of the washing machine body. They hold the tank of the machine and, if necessary, return it to its original position. The return spring has two ends. There is a hook at each end. With the help of this hook it is attached to the tank and the body of household appliances. Most often, it is in places close to the fastening that the spring breaks. In order to change a faulty spring, it must be removed. It can be removed either from the top of the case. Or from the connection point with the tank of the machine. Both options are acceptable.
Thank you. I went to fix my washing machine. I'm hoping it's just the spring that's broken.
The springs are different. Which ones go where?