How to replace shock absorbers on an Indesit washing machine

Most often, replacing shock absorbers on a washing machine is quick and trouble-free, but not with Indesit washing machines. To get to the Indesit dampers, you will have to remove the electric motor, the drive belt and the “tricky” clamps on the struts themselves. It will not be easy to complete the task blindly, so we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the step-by-step instructions, difficulties and installation nuances. First things first – read below.

Let's get to the details

Worn shock absorbers make themselves felt by increased hum, vibration and jumping of the machine during operation, and in order not to aggravate the situation with drum balancing, the dampers must be changed. But the “diagnosis” is confirmed by disassembling the machine, so let’s get down to business. We act strictly according to the established algorithm.

1. Disconnect the unit from the power supply, turn off the water supply, and disconnect the drain and inlet hoses.
2. We provide free access to the washing machine from all sides.
3. We drain the residual water through a garbage filter.
4. Remove the tray.
5. Unscrew the bolts from the back and remove the back wall.
6. Remove the drive belt by pulling the rubber towards you while rotating the pulley.
7. Disconnect all conductors suitable for the engine.

Important! To facilitate the reassembly process, record the location of the wires leading to the motor with notes, markers or a photograph.

8. Using a 13mm wrench, loosen all the fasteners holding the electric motor.
9. We hook each fastener with a flat screwdriver, squeezing out the stuck joints.
10. Pull the engine towards you and remove it.

The path to the shock absorbers is open, but you can only reach them from the bottom.Therefore, we cover the floor with rags and turn the machine on its side. Be prepared for some water to spill out, which you need to wipe up quickly, avoiding getting moisture on the wiring and control board.

Problems removing shock absorbers

What prevents you from quickly and easily removing shock absorbers from an Indesit machine are special fasteners in the form of expanding plugs, called “nails” among repairmen. Each passes through a damper and two plastic plates that hold the stand on both sides. Its outer base is absolutely smooth, so it is almost impossible to pull it out.

Attention! It is not recommended to try to “get” to the plug on the other side with a screwdriver - there is a high risk of damaging the thin plastic and disrupting the pressure in the pressure switch system.

The problem can be eliminated if you upgrade the plug in this way:

• find a drill with a diameter of 2-2.5 mm and a length of at least 20 cm;
• use a drill or screwdriver to drill a hole in the middle by 3-4 cm, but you can also drill it right through;
• screw the self-tapping screw into the hole made, leaving 3-4 cm on the surface;
  
• Grab the screwed in screw with pliers and pull it towards you.
• carefully remove the self-tapping screw with the “nail”;
• pull the damper out of the grooves.

To remove the second shock absorber, we repeat the algorithm, turning the washing machine on the other side. The main thing is to choose the optimal drill length and reach the lock. If you can’t get close to the racks, it is recommended to take the tank out and try again.

Installing a new part

Now it's time to replace the old shock absorbers. It is logical that for this you will need new spare parts, which are purchased at service centers or online stores.There are two ways to select suitable parts: bring a previously used stand to the consultant or copy down the brand and serial number of the washing machine. Reassembly goes like this:

• we take out the shock absorber and, applying force, place it in special grooves;
• take the previously used plug and carefully drive it into the hole on the damper through both partitions;
• we install the drill in the drill and, including the “reverse” movement, remove the self-tapping screw;
• check the reliability of fixation;
• repeat the steps with the other stand, turning the machine over to the opposite side;
• if the tank was removed, then install it back into the body;
• we return the engine to its place, securely tighten the screws and hook up all the supply wiring;
• put on the drive belt, not forgetting to rotate the pulley;
• We raise the machine gun “to its feet” and screw the back wall.

The final stage will be running the washing machine at maximum spin. If the machine is stable throughout the entire cycle, the vibration is moderate, and there is no hum or knocking, then the DIY repair was done correctly. Otherwise, we return to the disassembly stage and tighten the retaining shock absorbers of the mount.

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