How to change shock absorbers in a Beko washing machine
Any automatic machine has a depreciation system. The tank is supported from below by dampers, from above it hangs on springs. This is necessary to dampen the vibration that occurs during the washing process.
If the SMA begins to make noise, knock, stagger and “jump” during operation, this indicates wear of the dampers. We'll tell you how to diagnose racks. Let's figure out how to replace the shock absorbers of a Beko washing machine.
What elements will we change?
You can change the shock-absorbing elements of SMA Beko yourself, without calling a specialist. To work you will need a minimum set of tools. It is important to follow the recommendations and not deviate from the instructions for action. Before starting repairs, you need to familiarize yourself with the structure of the racks of the automatic washing machine and the principle of their operation.
Beko SMAs are equipped with friction dampers, the design of which has several components.
The Beko washing machine damper consists of:
housings;
piston;
movable pad (a spacer is fixed through it);
spacers;
guide;
sliding surfaces.
The damper body is static. The pusher piston “peeks out” a little from the shock absorber “shell”. The guide ensures the movement of all elements in the desired direction.
Parts of the damper move, creating resistance. The mechanism, taking on the vibration of the tank, gradually dampens it, taking away the entire “impact”. Racks with which washing machines are equipped Beko, without return springs, so they work without requiring repairs for about 5-8 years.
Older Beko models are equipped with standard shock absorbers consisting of a body, cylinder and moving rod.The design also includes rubber seals lubricated with a special compound. The pads provide perfect glide to smooth out vibration.
From below, the damper clings to the body of the automatic machine with a silent block. From above, a movable pusher-piston is screwed to the SMA tank. Sliding supports are provided next to the shock-absorbing elements in order to ensure longitudinal movement. They are fixed with keys - this is necessary to prevent axial displacement.
Have these parts really failed?
The average service life of original dampers on Beko automatic machines is 5-8 years. Sometimes shock absorbers work longer, others, on the contrary, perform their functions for only 2-3 years. Much depends on the operating conditions of the washing machine and the quality of its assembly.
The main reasons for the breakdown of shock-absorbing elements are as follows:
mechanical wear;
damage due to prolonged loads and constant vibrations;
washing out the lubricant from the shock absorber body;
violation by the user of the operating rules of the Beko SMA (overloading the machine, installation not level, on an uneven floor, etc.).
The main reason for premature wear of dampers is careless use of the washing machine.
What is meant by careless use of SMA? Exceeding the maximum permissible load weight, spinning at maximum speed, washing with an imbalance in the drum. All these factors reduce the service life of dampers. You can understand that it’s time to change the shock absorbers by the following signs:
the body of the automatic machine wobbles and vibrates, which is especially noticeable during the spin cycle;
When the washing machine is operating, a strong knocking and rumble is heard;
the machine “jumps”, moving from its installation location;
the drive belt often falls off the pulley;
a leak is observed from under the door (the drum hits the SMA body, the sealing lip of the hatch is damaged, and liquid begins to leak through it).
All these “symptoms” may indicate problems with the shock absorbers. However, these symptoms are also characteristic of other malfunctions. Therefore, it will not be possible to do without diagnostics.
It is very easy to check the shock absorption system yourself. It is necessary to remove the top panel of the SMA housing, press firmly on the tank and release it sharply. If the container slides smoothly into place, then the dampers are doing their job well. A randomly swaying drum will indicate the need to replace the racks.
If after such a check the tank “swings” for a long time and cannot stop, you will have to inspect the dampers. The struts are located at the bottom; to dismantle the shock absorbers, you will need to partially disassemble the SMA body. We'll tell you how to do this.
Getting to the shock-absorbing mechanism
Removing shock absorbers requires disassembling the washing machine. Work begins with preparing the washing machine. Before starting repairs, de-energize the SMA and disconnect the device from communications. Having disconnected the drain and inlet hoses from the body, move the machine to the center of the room.
The further algorithm of actions is as follows:
Unscrew a couple of screws and remove the top panel of the case;
pull out the powder receptacle;
remove the bolts securing the control panel;
disconnect the instrument panel from the SMA body (carefully so as not to damage the wiring);
Place the washing machine on the floor, on the back wall;
Unscrew the screws securing the bottom of the machine;
open the hatch, remove the outer collar of the cuff;
insert the rubber seal into the drum;
disconnect the wires from the hatch locking device;
remove the front wall of the housing.
After dismantling the front panel, you can see the dampers. Ideally, experts advise continuing to disassemble the SMA, right up to removing the tank, and only then removing the racks. However, self-taught craftsmen suggest simplifying the process and removing the shock absorbers now that the machine is in a lying position.
We make a replacement
The next task is to remove the worn shock absorbers. Everything is easy from below - just loosen the clamps. The dampers are secured on top with special plastic holders. You won't be able to unscrew them in the usual way.
To “free” the upper part of the dampers, you must:
take a 13 mm drill;
“arm yourself” with a screwdriver;
Carefully drill the fasteners.
Beko washing machine dampers cannot be repaired.
Dismantled shock absorbers are disposed of. New stands are purchased for a specific Beko SMA model. You can go to a store with old dampers and ask the seller to pick up similar spare parts.
Next, the seat is cleaned and treated with a special lubricant. Then new dampers are installed. They are fixed with bolts from below and cling to the tank from above through previously made holes.
Having finished installing the shock absorbers, reassemble the washer in the reverse order. Return the front panel to its place, connect the UBL wiring, straighten the cuff and secure it with a clamp, screw the bottom. Then place the machine vertically.
Next, fix the dashboard and put the powder receptacle back. Check the shock absorbers again - press firmly on the tank and release it. The container should immediately return to its original position. If everything is fine, secure the top cover of the case and run a test wash. The machine should stop making noise, “jumping” and vibrating.
Any automatic machine has a depreciation system. The tank is supported from below by dampers, from above it hangs on springs. This is necessary to dampen the vibration that occurs during the washing process.
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