To ensure that your washing machine lasts a long time and is stable during spinning at the highest speeds, its tank is supported by shock-absorbing elements. Previously, shock absorbers were installed on washing machines; today dampers are more often used. How many shock absorbers are in a washing machine, how to care for them and change them if they break, we will tell you today in this article.
Let's count the shock absorbers
Any modern washing machine uses sophisticated shock absorption technology. To dampen the centrifugal force that comes from a drum spun up to 1000 rpm, springs and dampers are installed. The former help balance the tank from above, the latter are responsible for the bottom of the tank.
Modern shock-absorbing devices are struts with a piston that dampen vibration and provide balance to the washing tank. Their positive distinguishing feature from shock absorbers is that they do not have springs inside, which could wear out during operation and lead to breakdown of the entire device. However, the absence of springs does not guarantee eternal service. Therefore, dampers also often fail, but manufacturers still install them due to the low cost of these parts.
At the moment, two dampers are installed in the machines, located on both sides of the tank. The standard situation is that one breaks down, while the second remains unharmed.But there is little joy in this - this only makes the machine worse, because one shock absorber dampens vibration unevenly, the balance of the drum is disrupted and the washing tank begins to hit the body of the machine at great speed.
Diagnostics of shock-absorbing elements
If the washing machine starts to act up, then this is not a reason to run out and buy new dampers and install them instead of the old ones. Before changing machine elements, it is worth checking them to accurately understand whether they are damaged or not. To carry out diagnostics, it is necessary to remove suspicious elements and arrange a test:
first we inspect the damper;
press on the rod;
pull the rod out of the machine body;
We evaluate the resistance that the shock absorber provided.
If the piston can be compressed and released only with strong tension, then it is intact. If the rod comes in very easily, “flies out” of the groove, or does not respond to pressure at all, as if it is stuck, then the stand must be urgently changed. A device in this condition has lost its ability to dampen vibration and must be replaced immediately.
Always listen to the sounds the machine makes. It is cheaper to replace one damper than a failed washing tub.
In addition to resistance, you need to inspect the parts for traces of rust and plaque. It is also worth assessing the amount of lubricant in the piston. If the sealing helium layer has disappeared, this is another signal about the need to dispose of such a part.
We change parts with our own hands
If you have already discovered a breakdown, do not delay repairs. Believe me, the consequences can be devastating for the washer. As soon as you start to think that the dampers have become unusable, check and replace them. How to do it?
Prepare pliers or a hammer, Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, then disconnect the washing machine from all communications;
Turn the machine upside down and look for two shock absorbers - these are racks installed on both sides of the washing tank;
Find the retaining pins at the ends of the dampers, then clamp the tongue on them;
Next, you must “sink” the pin into the part, and then knock it out using a hammer;
The steps must be repeated from the other end of the rack, and then on the second shock absorber;
Finally, remove the posts from the grooves.
To make a replacement, you must purchase two dampers - you should replace them in pairs at once, otherwise the vibration will be damped unevenly. There is nothing complicated in the installation - just a different procedure.
We turn the part with the rod down so that dust cannot get into it, accelerating wear of the product;
Install the shock absorber into the groove;
Carefully install the pin into the groove.
The stud always fits extremely tightly into the newly installed damper, but this is normal.
Be sure to check the tab after installation as it should snap into place and secure the post. If the latch does not rise, you should pry it off with a small screwdriver. The procedure should be repeated at the other ends of the dampers.
After installation, return the washing machine to its normal position, carefully lift the lid and try to press on the washing tank. If, after pressing, it immediately rises to the standard level, then the replacement was successful.
To ensure that your washing machine lasts a long time and is stable during spinning at the highest speeds, its tank is supported by shock-absorbing elements. Previously, shock absorbers were installed on washing machines; today dampers are more often used. How many shock absorbers are in a washing machine, how to care for them and change them if they break, we will tell you today in this article.
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