The drum cross is the basis that ensures the operation of the moving elements of the washing machine. Any defects in the crosspiece can affect the operation of the machine in such a way that it will lead to the destruction of the bearings, drum, heating element, and even the tank body. That is why if you have any suspicions or know about problems with the cross, you need to immediately begin repair work.
Causes of crosspiece failure
Generally speaking, all the reasons for the breakdown of the cross boil down to the inattention and carelessness of the user of the washing machine, who did not listen to its operation in time. In this case, you don’t even need to listen too much, because if the machine is brought to the point of breaking the drum cross, this means that it has been working for some time with a terrible creaking and metallic grinding sound. What causes the spider to break?
Bearing defect;
manufacturing defects;
hard water;
unsuccessful repair.
The main reason is, of course, the untimely replacement of the bearings, which led to their complete destruction, which in turn led to damage to the cross shaft.
Note! The destroyed bearing race and balls scratch it very much during rotation of the shaft, leading to wear-out, which in turn leads to the fact that a new bearing cannot be installed on this shaft; replacement must be done on time.
Factory defects are less common, although on machines from Italian companies this is not so uncommon. Why is this happening? The reason may be the quality of the alloy or insufficient quality control during the production of components.History is silent, but the fact remains that the crosspiece is destroyed.
Even in a perfectly working washing machine LG or any other, the crosspiece can deteriorate from constant exposure to hard water. Although, of course, hard water is a secondary reason, since it makes it difficult for the drum to rotate, and this in turn damages the bearings, which already damage the cross shaft.
Also, the cause of a crosspiece failure may be an unsuccessful repair. This is generally a separate topic for conversation, since there are different craftsmen who try to remove and change the crosspiece bearing. Some, trying to remove the bearing with a grinder, cut off the shaft, others lick the threads, trying to unscrew the mounting bolt, in general, the meaning is clear, if your hands do not grow from there, you can’t say anything!
Is repair needed or not?
Perhaps only an experienced master will be able to determine whether or not it is worth repairing the crosspiece, whether it needs replacement or whether you can try to revive the part. It is necessary to study the wear of the shaft and the condition of the thread, so we recommend that you be extremely careful and if you have the slightest doubt about the serviceability of the shaft, contact the service center for advice. A faulty crosspiece must not be left in use.
If the bearings of the crosspiece of the LG washing machine have failed and the shaft wear is small, then there is no need to change the entire part, much less the crosspiece along with the drum, as representatives of ARDO service centers suggest to us. Such repairs will cost us almost more than a new washing machine, we can separately install new bearings. But if there is obvious damage to the cross shaft or its elements (especially the seats), replacement of the part cannot be avoided.
Repair or replacement?
So, repairing this part of the LG washing machine or any other is possible only if the bearings located in the tank lid sleeve are damaged. Separately, I would like to note the fact that some craftsmen install non-original, unsuitable bearings that are not designed for a given load. As a result, the bearings are destroyed and repairs have to be done again. To prevent this from happening, you need to purchase bearings that will match a specific LG (or other) washing machine.
To change the cross bearings of a washing machine you need:
remove the old bearings from the shaft (since they stick to the shaft);
remove old seals;
install new seals;
press in new bearings.
But, as they say, it's easier said than done. The main problem is related to the careful removal of old bearings from the drum cross shaft. Usually damaged bearings stick to the shaft seat so much that it is extremely difficult to pull them out. You have to make an effort.
Under no circumstances should you hit the bearings with a hammer in an attempt to destroy the race; you can damage the shaft along with the race, since it is made of soft metal.
Knocking down bearings with a chisel is also quite dangerous, although you can still use a chisel, but in a slightly different way. How can you act?
Take a grinder or drill.
Make cuts on the old bearings on both sides.
Then install a chisel at the cut points and knock the bearing off the shaft.
If there are cuts, it is easier to knock down the bearings, you don’t need much effort, and therefore there is less risk of damaging the shaft. The most important thing is to take your time, because haste is the enemy of any business. Old seals also need to be removed.Moreover, they are always removed in all cases, even if it seems to you that the seals will still work. It’s better to spend extra pennies on seals than to have to make a new repair on an LG or other washing machine soon because of them.
We put new bearings and seals in place of the old ones, assemble the washing machine and rejoice. It happens that bearings have difficulty seating in the bushing or do not want to seat at all. In this case, you can warm up the steel bushing a little with a blowtorch and carefully press the bearings in - they will hold tight! The crosspiece is attached to the outer wall of the drum with 6 bolts, in some cases with 3 bolts, unscrew these bolts, remove the crosspiece, install a new one and put the machine back together.
Important! Some models of washing machines have crosses that are welded to the drum. Since the cross is inseparable from the drum, we change it along with it.
To summarize, we note that repairing the drum of an LG machine or any other, or rather replacing the cross is a very labor-intensive task. The main problem is not even the repair or replacement of the cross itself, but the long and tedious disassembly of the washing machine. If you are determined to complete the job, this article is for you!
The drum cross is the basis that ensures the operation of the moving elements of the washing machine. Any defects in the crosspiece can affect the operation of the machine in such a way that it will lead to the destruction of the bearings, drum, heating element, and even the tank body. That is why if you have any suspicions or know about problems with the cross, you need to immediately begin repair work.
Even in a perfectly working washing machine LG or any other, the crosspiece can deteriorate from constant exposure to hard water. Although, of course, hard water is a secondary reason, since it makes it difficult for the drum to rotate, and this in turn damages the bearings, which already damage the cross shaft.
If there are cuts, it is easier to knock down the bearings, you don’t need much effort, and therefore there is less risk of damaging the shaft. The most important thing is to take your time, because haste is the enemy of any business. Old seals also need to be removed.Moreover, they are always removed in all cases, even if it seems to you that the seals will still work. It’s better to spend extra pennies on seals than to have to make a new repair on an LG or other washing machine soon because of them.
What alloy?