Replacing shock absorbers on a Siemens washing machine
Each washing machine has a shock absorption system. Dampers are fixed under the washing tub, and springs are tensioned on top. This is necessary so that during the washing and spinning process the machine “suppresses” the vibrations and vibrations that occur when the drum spins. If the equipment has lost its former noiselessness and stability, and has begun to knock and “jump,” it means that the dampers have become damaged and have ceased to cope with their function. In this case, replacing the shock absorbers in the washing machine is indicated.
How are these elements arranged?
You can replace shock absorbers at home without going to a service center. The main thing is to follow the instructions and observe safety precautions. Ideally, before starting repairs, you should become familiar with the structure and operating principle of the pistons. Modern Siemens machines are equipped with friction dampers, which are optimally suited for machines with centrifugal stroke. Such racks consist of several elements. Key ones:
fixed body;
a moving piston pusher, slightly “peeking out” from the body;
a movable pad through which the spacer is fixed;
a guide that is energized and ensures movement of the mechanism in the desired direction;
sliding surface located between the pad and the guide;
spacer.
The damper operates due to the resistance force that occurs during the movement of its components. The well-coordinated mechanism smoothly dampens the vibration received from the spinning drum, taking upon itself the main centrifugal “impact”.Unlike previously used shock absorbers, modern struts do not have return springs, so they last longer.
On average, dampers on Siemens washing machines last 5-7 years.
Some Siemens models are equipped with shock absorbers. These racks have a fairly standard design: a cylinder is placed inside a stationary body, and a moving rod is fixed in the latter. For ideal interaction, gaskets are provided, rubber and polymer, treated with a special lubricant. They provide optimal glide, smoothing out mechanical vibrations.
The damper is fixed in two places: the body is attached to the bottom of the machine using a silent block (rubber-metal hinge-bushing), and the movable rod is screwed to the washing tub. Longitudinal movement must be established, for which sliding supports are installed nearby. The latter are secured with dowels to prevent axial displacement.
How does a damaged shock absorber manifest itself?
On Siemens washing machines, original shock absorbers serve an average of 5-7 years. However, some dampers “work” trouble-free even longer, while others, on the contrary, can barely withstand 1-3 years. It all depends on the operation of the machine and the quality of the build. The following reasons lead to damage to dampers:
natural wear and tear of rubber components (sealing rubber bands);
long-term loads and constant vibrations;
drying out or washing out of the lubricant provided in the shock absorber body;
violation of Siemens operating rules.
Most often, premature damage to dampers results from careless operation of equipment. Constantly reloading the drum, long spins at maximum speed, and washing when unbalanced significantly reduce the service life of the racks. You can suspect a shock absorber failure based on the following “symptoms”:
the Siemens case vibrates strongly, especially when the spin cycle is turned on at high speed;
the washing machine constantly knocks and “jumps” around the room;
the drive belt often flies off the pulley;
Leaks occur through the hatch (the drum hits the washing machine body, the rubber cuff wears off and begins to let water through).
Severe vibration, knocking, leaks, and a flying belt may indicate problems with the dampers.
You can’t immediately blame the dampers - other breakdowns have similar signs. But you can’t do without checking the depreciation system. Testing the racks is quite simple: remove the top cover, press on the tank and evaluate its behavior. If the container smoothly returns to its place, then there are no problems with the shock absorbers. When the drum reacts to pressure with jerks or chaotic rocking, the pistons need to be replaced.
You can finally verify the serviceability of the dampers after inspecting them. But first the racks need to be dismantled. It is difficult to do this, but it is quite possible at home.
Opening access to details
Removing the dampers will require partial disassembly of the machine. Therefore, the repair begins with preparing the equipment: we disconnect Siemens from communications, fix the hoses and cord on the back wall, and then move the washing machine to the center of the room. Next we follow the instructions:
Before disassembling the washing machine, you must make sure that the equipment is disconnected from the power supply, water supply and sewerage!
unscrew the top cover;
take out the dispenser;
we unscrew the bolts and other fasteners “hiding” behind the tray that hold the dashboard;
disconnect the board from the case (be careful with the wiring - it must not be damaged);
lower the machine onto the back wall;
loosen the screws securing the bottom;
open the hatch and remove the outer clamp from the cuff;
thread the cuff into the drum;
We unhook the “end” from the body, while simultaneously disconnecting the wiring from the UBL.
After removing the front panel, you can see the dampers - two posts on which the tank is fixed. Ideally, to disconnect the shock absorbers, it is necessary to continue disassembling the machine until dismantling the washing container. But self-taught masters allow us to simplify the task and remove the pistons now that Siemens is in a “lying” position with the drum not removed. Yes, it will be more difficult, but much faster.
Changing details
To replace the dampers, you need to remove the old ones - unhook them from the body and the washing tub. From below everything is simple: just loosen the fasteners. On top, special plastic holders are used to fix the racks. They cannot be unscrewed in the usual way, so when dismantling the shock absorbers we proceed as follows:
take a 13 mm drill;
insert the drill into the screwdriver;
Carefully drill through the fasteners, freeing the pistons.
Old shock absorbers cannot be repaired. They are disconnected and disposed of in the prescribed manner. Afterwards, the vacated seat is cleaned and treated with a lubricant-sealant. Then new dampers are mounted: they are bolted from below to the machine body, and from above they are attached through previously drilled holes to the tank.
Having completed the installation of the dampers, we screw the previously removed elements into place and return the Siemens to a vertical position. We definitely check the new shock absorbers by running a test wash. If the washing machine stops vibrating and knocking during the spin cycle, replacing the racks was successful.
Each washing machine has a shock absorption system. Dampers are fixed under the washing tub, and springs are tensioned on top. This is necessary so that during the washing and spinning process the machine “suppresses” the vibrations and vibrations that occur when the drum spins. If the equipment has lost its former noiselessness and stability, and has begun to knock and “jump,” it means that the dampers have become damaged and have ceased to cope with their function. In this case, replacing the shock absorbers in the washing machine is indicated.
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