Replacing the belt on an Electrolux washing machine

It is useful to know how to change the belt in an Electrolux washing machine with your own hands. On machines with a commutator motor, the rubber often falls off and is damaged, stopping the operation of the entire system. There is no need to contact the service center - it’s easy to deal with the problem yourself. To adjust the drive, you need to know how to properly replace and secure the rim. Detailed algorithms, explanations and recommendations are given below.

Inspecting the drive mechanism

Without partially disassembling the machine, it is impossible to see the fallen belt. The rubber band is hidden from view behind the back panel of the case, so you must first remove it using a screwdriver. But you can suspect problems with the pulley by noticing certain “signals” from the washing machine.

Firstly, Electrolux is able to report a faulty drive itself. Thanks to a modern self-diagnosis system, the board can detect a problem and display the corresponding error code on the display. Deciphering the instructions will make it clear that the cause of the failure is a slipped belt. If the machine is not equipped with a screen, then an indication will work, and the user manual will also help you “read” it.

Secondly, problems with the drive can be guessed by the behavior of the machine. We are talking about the following telling “symptoms”:

• the wash is started, the tank is full, the engine is humming, but the drum remains motionless;
• the machine's motor hums, then abruptly stops and quiets down, while changes in actions occur at regular intervals;
• the wash starts, the engine runs, but the machine freezes, not responding to button presses;
• the drum rotates freely by hand, but the motor cannot accelerate it.

If there are problems with the drive, you cannot operate Electrolux - this can lead to overheating and engine damage!

Even if one of the indicated symptoms is present, you need to sound the alarm, forcefully stop the started cycle and check the drive belt. You will have to partially disassemble the machine and assess the condition of the rim and pulley.

Tension the belt yourself

A broken belt is not a reason to contact a service center. You can return the rim to its place on your own, the main thing is to prepare and get used to it. But this “repair” cannot be called easy, since tightening the elastic is not as easy as it seems at first glance. It will take a lot of patience, time and effort, but even a “newbie” has a chance of repairing it without hassle.

A one-time belt failure is not a big deal. You are allowed to simply return the fallen rim to its place without any additional manipulations. If the elastic falls off regularly, then you cannot do without replacement. But in any case, you first need to remove the tape from the case and assess its condition.

We proceed according to the following instructions:

• turn off the power to the equipment and disconnect it from other communications;
• provide access to the “back” (move and unfold);
• remove the “back” from the body;
• find the drive belt.

On any washing machines with a collector, including Electrolux, the belt is always located immediately behind the “back”. It is stretched onto the drum pulley and the motor shaft. If there is no elastic in the designated place, it means that it has flown off its seat and is lying on the bottom or on the floor.

The fallen belt must be removed and inspected. First of all, we pay attention to the existing markings. Its initial 4 digits are the factory rim diameter in millimeters.It is logical that the second step is to measure the circumference of the belt and compare it with the original value. A deviation of up to 2 cm is acceptable, if more, then the tape has stretched too much and needs to be replaced.

If the belt has stretched by more than 20 mm, then it must be replaced with a new one.

To replace or re-tension a loose belt, follow these instructions:

• put the rubber band on the motor shaft;
• pull the large wheel onto the drum pulley, turning to the right.

The drive belt is put on like a bicycle chain: it is important to be able to simultaneously tension the belt and turn the pulley. For the first time, it is recommended to invite an assistant - together, it will be easier and faster to cope with the task. You should be prepared for the fact that the rubber band used on Electrolux is tight and difficult to give in, which will require a lot of effort from repairmen.

At the “finish” it is important to make sure that the belt is locked in the grooves. To do this, rotate the pulley 2-3 times, assessing the degree of tension. If the rotation is too tight, it means the rim diameter is small and it is better to choose a looser option.

After checking the belt, we complete the repair. We fix the backdrop to the body by screwing in all the previously removed screws. Then we place the washing machine in its original place and set up connections to the network, water supply and sewerage. Be sure to run a test cycle and evaluate the behavior of the drum and elastic band.

Repeated breakdown

If the belt falls off more than twice every six months, then one replacement will not be enough to repair. Moreover, the rubber band you just replaced will fall off again on the bottom - the problem is not a weakened or damaged rim. Most likely, there are other problems with the washing machine, and the falling belt is their consequence, not the cause.To determine the “culprit”, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnostics of the drive.

Repeated belt failure may indicate several problems at once. These include wear of the rubber itself, play in the drum, loose engine fixation, broken bearings, a deformed shaft or a damaged cross. Let's look at each “diagnosis” in more detail.

1. Rubber wear. Failure to replace the belt in a timely manner will result in it permanently falling off the pulley. In this case, even with a quick inspection of the tape, traces of wear will be visible: cracks, strong stretching, holes. All this will clearly indicate that the rim is no longer suitable for use and must be replaced.
2. Drum play. More precisely, a drum pulley. Perhaps the wheel mount has become loose and the structure has become loose. Replacing the rubber band is not enough here - you need to tighten the retaining screw. It would also be a good idea to inspect the rim: if it is damaged or deformed, it will have to be replaced.
3. Unfixed electric motor. Initially, all parts on the Electrolux are securely fastened, but during operation the components become loose. Especially if the equipment is installed incorrectly and the terms of its use are violated. Constant vibration aggravates the situation; the motor becomes loose, which leads to problems with the belt drive. The problem is corrected by tightening all the fasteners on the engine.
4. Warped shaft or pulley. If the repair is unsuccessful, inexperienced “masters” may damage neighboring parts when repairing some parts. For example, bend a drum wheel or shaft. Sometimes parts can be straightened, but more often they have to be completely replaced.
   
5. Damaged crosspiece. Breakdown is rare, but brings a lot of trouble.The cause of deformation can be either a manufacturing defect or excessive vibration emanating from the washing machine during washing and spinning. In any case, the part must be changed, otherwise the situation will be aggravated by an unbalanced drum. An imbalance will result in more serious mechanical damage.
6. Worn bearings. A broken bearing assembly is not able to ensure smooth rotation of the drum - the shaft will begin to “dance” and provoke “misalignment”. In this case, failure of the drive belt is considered a favorable outcome. Other options, imbalance or excessive vibration, will result in more expensive repairs.

Often the drive belt falls off due to poor installation - it is important to fix the elastic band in the provided grooves.

The new belt does not always fall off again due to serious problems in the machine. More often, the problem is a poorly selected replacement - an off-brand rim or the wrong diameter is purchased. To avoid mistakes, it is recommended to choose original spare parts from trusted sellers, focusing on the serial number of your existing Electrolux.

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