Checking shock absorbers and dampers on a washing machine
If your washing machine has problems with shock absorption, this is immediately obvious. The machine will knock when spinning, vibrate strongly and jump around the room. The matter will not end “dancing” - over time, due to constant impacts, the tank will break through and a leak will occur. It’s better not to delay and check the performance of the shock absorbers in the washing machine. We will tell you in detail how to test dampers and replace them if necessary.
Testing shock-absorbing elements
There is no need to immediately install new shock absorbers on the washing machine - first you need to make sure that the old ones are faulty. Such a “diagnosis” cannot be made by eye: you will have to remove the racks, inspect and test. The dampers are located at the bottom of the machine under the tank and to get to them, partial disassembly of the equipment will be required. The procedure depends on the brand and make of the washing machine.
There is no need to completely disassemble the machine. On most models, for example, on Bosch, you only need to remove the front panel. Here the dampers have a standard design; they are attached to the body from below with one bolt, and are fixed from above to the plastic tank with a latch provided on the stand. Dismantling the shock absorbers is carried out as follows:
the machine is disconnected from the power supply and water supply;
unscrew the screws securing the front cover;
the end is retracted to the side;
a long drill with a diameter of 13 mm is used to drill out a bolt holding the damper from below;
the top latch snaps off;
The stand is removed from the washing machine.
On other washing machines, including LG models, disassembling the case is not required. You can get to the shock absorption system through the bottom.It is enough to disconnect the washing machine from communications and place it on its left side. Then we press out the plastic “fingers” fastenings from each end of the racks. If the fastener is difficult to remove, then generously lubricate it with WD-40 cleaner - the fastener should give way.
The dampers are located at the bottom of the washing machine.
Depends on the brand of the washing machine and the type of fastening. On Samsung, Miele and AEG, the dampers are connected to the body and tank with M8 and M10 bolts, to unscrew which you will need 12 and 13 socket wrenches or socket heads, respectively. On Whirlpool brand machines, shock absorbers are fixed with special latches that can be easily loosened without tools.
Dismantling and diagnostics of shock absorbers must be performed as carefully as possible. The fasteners should be pressed out and unscrewed carefully, without applying strong pressure or using “heavy” tools. It is important to monitor the integrity of the racks themselves, the plastic tank and other adjacent elements.
The removed racks are tested for serviceability as follows:
press the rod;
pull the rod out of the body;
assess the tension exerted by the stand.
If the rod enters easily or even “flies” out of the body, it means that the shock absorber is faulty and is no longer able to absorb outgoing vibrations. On some struts, it is also important to evaluate the amount of sealing grease in the piston: the lack of fluid will indicate wear on the dampers. Signals of unsuitability of parts and traces of rust.
How to change these parts?
During the diagnostics it turned out that the shock absorbers are worn out? Then you need to replace them with new ones. The ideal solution would be to install an original spare part with identical characteristics. But finding branded parts is not easy or the waiting period is too long.
When repairing the shock absorption of a washing machine, it is recommended to use original spare parts from the manufacturer.
Another option is to use third-party shock absorbers. This is possible if you choose the right analogue. You need to focus on three main parameters: the resistance provided, the length and type of fastening.
Resistance. Varies from 80 to 120N. It’s easy to find out its meaning - the number must be applied to the body of the element.
Length. You need to look at the distance between the mounting axes, both in the folded and compressed positions.
Fasteners There are fasteners in the form of latches, bolts and plastic fingers. As a rule, silent block bushings are designed for a diameter of m8-10.
The found shock absorbers are installed instead of the old ones. The racks are attached to the body and tank, after which the machine is assembled, connected to communications and started for a test wash.
If your washing machine has problems with shock absorption, this is immediately obvious. The machine will knock when spinning, vibrate strongly and jump around the room. The matter will not end “dancing” - over time, due to constant impacts, the tank will break through and a leak will occur. It’s better not to delay and check the performance of the shock absorbers in the washing machine. We will tell you in detail how to test dampers and replace them if necessary.
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