Do washing machine bearings need to be lubricated?
Destroyed bearings and a damaged oil seal are the most difficult and expensive failures on a washing machine of any manufacturer. Once faced with the need to replace a bearing assembly, users try by all means to avoid its repetition. It is believed that you can protect yourself by generously lubricating the rings and elastic band. We suggest you figure out whether it is necessary to lubricate the washing machine bearings, when and with what means.
Why lubricate the bearing?
There is a misconception that there is no need to additionally lubricate factory bearings. The argument is the idea that the less you bother with a new part, the longer and better it will last. But this is fundamentally not true - lubricant can protect the bearing assembly and significantly extend its service life, so it must be added when installing the “rings”.
Bearings must be lubricated during installation!
But a lot depends on the chosen lubricant. Ordinary Litol will not bring the required effect - special compounds designed for such mechanisms are needed. This is the only way to ensure the safety of the unit and protect it from the external environment.
There is also no need to go to extremes and constantly lubricate the bearings. There is no need to disassemble the entire washing machine without a reason - it is long, difficult and risky. It is enough to treat the seat during a planned replacement and not worry for the next 7-10 years.
Which drug should I use?
Another question is what means to treat the bearings and seal. Conventional washing machine ones are not suitable due to low efficiency. We need special compounds with special characteristics.
Moisture resistance.The drum shaft is constantly in contact with water, so the lubricant must have a water-repellent effect. Without such protection, the bearing will gradually lose its factory sliding filler and quickly collapse.
Heat resistance. At high temperature conditions, the water in the tank heats up, and along with it the drum itself with the shaft. If the product does not “work” in a hot environment, it will lose its properties, allow moisture to pass through, and corrosion will begin.
Can be used on rubber surfaces. Too aggressive compounds will lead to hardening of the seal, which will disrupt the tightness of the unit and accelerate its destruction.
Thick consistency. Liquid lubricants do not adhere well to the surface and leak out during operation of the machine.
Ideally, you should choose a product that has all of the above qualities. So, several compositions fit the description:
“Amplifon” is a moisture-resistant lubricant from the Italian company MERLONI;
“Anderol” - produced by the manufacturer of washing machines Indesit and is distinguished by a convenient dosage (sold in syringes for 2 uses);
“STABURAGS NBU 12” – moisture-repellent, restorative, heat-resistant and resistant to various detergents;
“Silicon-Fett” from LIQUI MOLY is a silicone lubricant that can withstand temperatures from -40 to +200 and adheres firmly to the surface due to its thick texture;
“HuskeyLube-O-Seal PTFE Grease” attracts with its optimal consistency, strong adhesion to the surface, corrosion protection and operation at temperatures from -18 to +117 degrees.
It is not difficult to extend the service life of a bearing assembly - it is enough to treat it with a special lubricant during installation. This move will protect the bearing from washout, corrosion and premature wear.
Destroyed bearings and a damaged oil seal are the most difficult and expensive failures on a washing machine of any manufacturer. Once faced with the need to replace a bearing assembly, users try by all means to avoid its repetition. It is believed that you can protect yourself by generously lubricating the rings and elastic band. We suggest you figure out whether it is necessary to lubricate the washing machine bearings, when and with what means.
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