How to remove the front panel on an LG washing machine
Washing machine not working? You can repair household appliances yourself. Most breakdowns can be fixed by any man with a head on his shoulders and “hands in the right place.” The main thing is to correctly identify the problem, and to do this you need to look inside the broken device. Today you will learn how to properly remove the front panel of an LG top-loading washing machine without damaging the electronics.
Let's get ready to disassemble the washing machine
First of all, make sure that the equipment is disconnected from the power supply and the plug is removed from the socket. Also turn off the water and disconnect the water inlet and outlet hoses. Pull the washing machine to a location where it will be convenient to carry out repairs and begin performing the necessary manipulations.
When disassembling a technical device, you will need a minimum set of tools. Prepare pliers, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a torx screwdriver. The latter will come in handy when working with certain LG models that use special fastening bolts. The dismantling process is carried out in stages:
- unscrew the top cover;
- remove the lower decorative part of the trim;
- remove the control panel;
- separate the hatch locking device;
- set the front panel aside.
It is important to adhere to the sequence of steps so as not to damage the case and not increase the number of device breakdowns. Before performing the first steps, make sure you comply with safety regulations, then follow the recommendations in this manual.
Removing the top cover
The top of the case performs a protective function, covering the inside of the machine from moisture and dust, as well as from mechanical damage.The cover is fixed on the back wall with two cross-threaded bolts on the heads. Unscrew them with a screwdriver and set them aside. Be careful not to lose small parts so that you don’t have to separately look for suitable replacements.
To perform the next step, you need to go to the back of the product, grab the cover with your hands, and pull it towards you in a horizontal plane. Do not try to lift the part up until you have moved the plate a few centimeters from its place. Its vertical movement is impossible due to the design features of the fastening.
Removing the narrow panel
It is necessary to unscrew the lower front strip, since it hides the fastening of the large front panel. There is also a hatch that provides access to the pump and filter. Once you remove it, you will see screws that will have to be unscrewed.
After removing the bolts, lightly pry the cover from the bottom using a flathead screwdriver. The fastening elements will slide out of the grooves, and the plate can be removed and then set aside.
Removing the control panel
The hardest part will be removing the control panel. This process requires maximum precision and accuracy, since damage to this spare part can lead to irreparable damage to the electronic system. Take it step by step.
- Unscrew the screws.
- Using a flat-head screwdriver, pry up the plastic latches located on the upper edges, slightly pull up and release them.
- Slide the panel towards you to release the bottom fasteners, then lift it up and remove it.
When the fasteners come out of the grooves, you will hear clicks, light when working with the lower latches, and louder in the upper part. Also, do not forget to monitor the integrity of the wiring so as not to damage it.
Removing the UBL and the front wall
Before the final stage of work, it is necessary to remove the hatch blocking device so that it does not interfere with dismantling the wall. To do this, you need to perform sequential steps.
- Loosen the clamp that holds the front wall in place using pliers, a screwdriver or round nose pliers.
- Remove the cuff to gain access to the inside of the machine and the lock.
- Unscrew the two screws located near the connection of the lock hook with the UBL.
- Remove the part through the hole.
- Disconnect the wires and remove the lock.
At the last stage, the front panel itself is removed. To do this, you need to unscrew the screws holding it, located on the front upper edge of the case, and under the lower decorative strip. Now you can remove the wall and start directly repairing the washing machine.
On some LGs, in order to remove the front top panel, you first need to do everything described above. And then unclip the two latches from the bottom inside (lift them up, otherwise you can break them). Distance from the right edge +-10cm and 20cm. Caution! Thanks for the site, it was very helpful.