How to replace the washing machine activator?

How to replace a washing machine activator Wear of the activator in a semi-automatic type machine is a case when you can refuse the services of a specialist and carry out the repair yourself. This technique is quite simple. Replacing a washing machine activator is a simple procedure that can be done at home.

Purpose of this part

What is an activator in a semi-automatic machine and what is its purpose? This is a disk made of plastic with special blades on the front part. It may have different sizes in different washing machine models. It is installed at the bottom of the tank or wall to rotate the drum. When the washing machine starts working, this part is used to “activate” the wash: the laundry begins to mix, spin, and shake in the drum. Thanks to the activator, things do not bunch up into a single lump, which improves the quality of washing.

In automatic washing machines, a similar function is assigned to “rib punchers” located on the surface of the drum. They also prevent the centrifuge from forming a lump by shaking it.

Important! The process of replacing the activator depends on how the part is installed in the device - horizontally or vertically.

On washing machines like Malyutka, Otrada, Samara

A common feature of these models is the location of the activator on the drum wall. Experienced experts note that it is almost impossible to disassemble Soviet devices using standard modern keys. And finding a suitable tool on sale is not an easy task. Therefore, you can make it yourself in advance.

To design a special key for the Malyutka washing machine, you need to prepare:

a tube whose diameter should be 15 cm larger than that of the activator;
several bolts, nuts;
drill with a diameter of 6 mm.

A custom-made wrench will make your work much easier and faster. It will take a minimum of time to prepare. You can construct the tool like this:

take a tube and make two holes in it so that the distance between them is 9.5 cm.
insert the bolts. From the back of the tube they should “peek out” by 1–1.5 cm.
tighten the nuts.

Using this key, you can begin replacing the activator in a semi-automatic machine. To dismantle it correctly, you must follow a certain sequence of actions. The operating algorithm is as follows:

disconnect equipment from the power supply;
remove the plug on the side of the washing machine;
rotate the disk so that the holes on the housing wall and on the impeller coincide;
take a screwdriver and use it to block the engine rotor;
Use the key you made to unscrew the activator. In different models it has to be rotated in different directions.

Once the worn part is removed, you can begin installing a new disc. The procedure should be reversed. Lastly, the washing machine is connected to the mains.

Washing machines Fairy, Ivushka, Mini-Vyatka

In comparison with previous models, devices of the brands “Fairy”, “Ivushka” and “Mini-Vyatka” have a somewhat more complicated design. To replace the activator, you must take this feature into account. The disk in such devices rotates from a belt drive mechanism, repeating the design of automatic washing machines with a commutator motor.To remove the activator yourself, you must: Fairy machine with activator

turn off the power;
loosen the screws that hold the motor;
remove the belt from the pulley;
Unscrew the nut that secures the pulley;
remove the stopper first and then the activator.

When replacing a part, it should be taken into account that the maximum permissible distance between the tank and the activator is 2 mm.

The displacement of the part along the axis can reach no more than 0.5 mm. Precise adjustment ensures correct and uninterrupted operation of the device.

Semi-automatic devices such as Rainbow or Renova

These models are compact in size. The activator is located on the side. To replace it, you need to:

disconnect the washing machine from the power supply;
remove the panel from the back of the case;
unscrew the bolt that holds the pulley and remove this part;
remove the disk and install a new one.

Next, you should return the pulley to its place and tighten the drive belt. The final stage is to assemble the washing machine body and connect it. This work usually takes no more than 20 minutes.

Removing the activator on Daewoo

Semi-automatic Deo models are activator machines with a drum. It is not removed when replacing a disk. The rim is removed from the device, after which they proceed as follows: Daewoo with activator

use a socket wrench to unscrew the nut that secures the activator and is located at the bottom of the tank;
pry up the part using a thin screwdriver and take it out.

When installing a new activator, repeat the steps in reverse order. It is better to replace a worn part in models of this type with two people, so that an assistant holds the drum, preventing it from rotating.