How to change the bearing on the drum of a Candy washing machine
The components and assemblies of Candy brand washing machines, like any other brand, wear out over time, which becomes the basis for the appearance of extraneous sounds (humming, noise, grinding). The frequency and intensity of use of the mechanism does not reduce, but increases the intensity of the unpleasant sound. Don't be afraid! The traditional problem that causes such discomfort is bearing wear. For proper and stable operation of the installation, it is necessary to replace the drum bearing on the Kandy washing machine. The process cannot be called particularly difficult, but it will take some effort.
What causes bearings to break?
If a part fails, it is necessary to find out the cause of this phenomenon. The information obtained will facilitate the repair process and help eliminate the possibility of a recurrence of the breakdown. The reason for wear of a part may be:
- long-term operation of the installation (metal parts have a certain service life, after which the manufacturer allows them to break);
- corrosion resulting from moisture entering the bearing;
- design features - the belt drive causes serious loads on small parts, which leads to serious destruction of their surface layer.
Failure to timely replace a worn bearing and oil seal entails incorrect operation of other components of the device, which leads to complete failure of the machine. Restoring such a unit will be more difficult and expensive. It will be cheaper to purchase a new washing machine.
We are starting to prepare for the renovation
Before you begin repair work, you should take care of preparing both tools and materials, and the machine itself. First of all, the device is disconnected from the communications and pulled out into a free space that can provide the “master” with access to all units. It is recommended to choose uncluttered spaces (rooms, outbuildings, garages). The next stage is preparing the tool. To perform simple manipulations you will need:
- hammer;
- hand tools for plumbing and installation - pliers;
- two figured, Phillips and slotted, screwdrivers;
- metal rod;
- set of open-end wrenches;
- one-component sealing agents;
- lubricants that prevent corrosion (as an option - lithol);
- a pair of bearings, an oil seal (sold at service centers or specialized retail outlets).
In order not to make a mistake in choosing parts, it is worth implementing the advice of an experienced craftsman. Disassemble the unit to find out what bearings are on the Kandy washing machine. Thanks to accurate information, the seller will offer the required consumables. Tell the seller the brand of the machine.
Purchasing original spare parts for a specific Candy washing machine model will ensure uninterrupted operation of the unit for a long time.
When making repairs yourself, you should use a camera. Thanks to its use, you can easily monitor the process of correct assembly of components after the repair is completed.
Getting access to the tank
Disassembling the Candy machine should begin by removing the top cover. To do this, it is necessary to free the rear panel of the unit from the screws holding it.The top panel gently slides back and slowly releases. At this stage there should be no difficulties. To get to the drum you need to disconnect:
- top counterweight;
- side top panels on the left and right (loose, pulled out with a slight upward movement);
- front panel (held by two bolts on both sides of the structure), carefully disconnect the connected wires;
- hoses connected to the powder tray;
- pressure switch;
- control unit (held by two bolts, pay attention to the correct disconnection/connection of the main wires);
- rheostat (held by one bolt);
- a cuff on the tank door, held in place by a latch clamp;
- receiving tray for detergents (held with a screw);
- pipes holding the powder receiver (bottom left, behind the cuff);
- tube leading to the rheostat;
- Heating element, tube, motor, temperature sensor (bottom, near the tank);
- a wire that reads the number of rotations of the drum;
- mounting bolt (bottom left);
- drain pipe with a barrel held by a clamp.
When disconnecting the wires (control unit, heating element, temperature sensor), you must carefully remember their location and color so as not to make a mistake during assembly. To be sure, it is recommended to use colored markers. All work carried out requires accuracy and caution, control of fastenings and sequence of actions.
Before proceeding to the stage of removing the tank from the body, you should disconnect the pulley, once again check the locations of possible fastenings and make sure that there is sufficient free space. The machine door must be open so as not to interfere with the removal of the unit. If there is no interference, the drum is removed by removing it from the side springs and lifting it up.The knot is quite heavy (including due to the presence of a lower counterweight), which requires considerable strength or friendly assistance from the “master”.
Craftsmen use a tow sling from a washing machine or a strong rope to lift the drum. This device, fixed closer to the front side of the unit, makes it easier to remove and put the drum in place.
Let's look inside the tank
To continue the disassembly process, it is necessary to remove the rubber cuff and lower counterweight from the tank. This will give access to the bolts holding the cover in place. After unscrewing the indicated structural elements using a small ratchet, remove the cover and put it aside.
The next step is to remove the drum. To do this, the tank is installed on its side (working position in the assembled device). Using a hammer and gentle blows on the shaft, knock out the drum and release it from the structural frame.
The next step is the process of inspecting the bushing and shaft. Using a clean rag, clean the shaft from grease and dirt. This will reveal the degree of wear and eliminate possible damage. Detected wear is the basis for replacing parts. The actions taken led to the stage of fitting new bearings.
The presence of play is the basis for replacing the cross.
The process of determining the condition of the shaft sleeve is mandatory. This structural element is intended for installing the oil seal. The presence of pronounced wear and clearly visible transverse grooves is grounds for replacement. These facts, if left unattended, will lead to constant moisture leaks, which will quickly and very negatively affect the condition of the new bearing.
Part replacement
The location of the bearings requiring replacement is the rear wall of the removed drum. Before you get them out, you need to remove the oil seal. To do this, a straight-pin screwdriver is used, which simultaneously prys up and removes the oil seal, which is thoroughly inspected and, if necessary, replaced.
The next step is to remove the internal (small) and external (large) bearing. The process is carried out using a punch (metal rod) and a hammer. The outer bearing is knocked out first, the inner bearing second.
Next, you should make sure that the new parts are installed in a clean seat. The small bearing is installed first, and the large bearing second. Parts are also hammered using a metal rod installed according to the “crosswise” principle. The dull sound emitted by the part during the driving process becomes louder at the stage of correct installation.
Before installation, the oil seal must be treated with a lubricant with water-repellent characteristics. The installed part is a signal for assembling the washing machine in the reverse order to how it was disassembled.
Craftsmen claim that changing bearings in a Candy washing machine is not a very complicated process. The main condition is consistency, caution and attention to detail, especially fragile ones. Advice for those who doubt their own strengths and abilities: seek the help of professionals. But remember that getting a bearing replaced by a professional will cost money - approximately 30% of the price paid for a new Candy machine.
Nice, useful article. Thank you.