How to replace a bearing on an Indesit washing machine yourself

If your washing machine started working with with a frantic noise, then almost 100 percent of the bearings are worn out. Why did this happen? How can it be avoided? Is it possible to replace a broken bearing yourself? Read on.

How does a bearing work?

In a standard assembly, two bearings are installed inside the washing machine, which connect the drum and the pulley.

These parts have different sizes, the large bearing is located near the drum and bears quite a high load.

The small one is located at the opposite end of the shaft.

By means of bearings washing machine drum rotates evenly when executing the program and additional functions.

Causes of wear

With proper use, replacing the bearings in an Indesit washing machine may only be necessary after five to six years of operation. This is not a breakdown, but rather normal wear and tear.

If you have just had a breakdown, that is, less than 5 years have passed since the date of purchase, then most likely it happened due to reason:

• constant overload of linen, resulting in imbalance during operation and premature wear of components;
• A damaged seal, which protects the bearing from water ingress thanks to its lubricant. If the seal is leaky, water leaks in and washes away the lubricant, causing the bearing to corrode and fail.

External signs of bearing failure:

• leak under the washing machine;
• When spinning there is a loud noise and grinding sound.

You can also rotate the drum; if you see any play between the drum and the tank, then you should be wary.

Replacing bearings in an Indesit washing machine

When choosing bearings for your washing machine in the store, take some of the worn parts with you to avoid making a mistake. If you buy online, make sure the bearing you choose is actually compatible with your Indesit. You can also check prices online or by phone.

It's important to buy not just the bearing itself, but the entire kit: two bearings and two seals. They must be replaced together, otherwise you'll need to replace them again soon.

Tools for disassembling an Indesit washing machine

Replacing the bearings in an Indesit washing machine yourself isn't all that difficult. The main thing is to remove the bearings themselves, which will require disassemble the entire machinePlease be patient and have the following tools:

• Phillips and flat head screwdrivers;
• socket and open-end wrenches;
• hammer;
• bit;
• hacksaw;
• pliers;
• WD-40 lubricant;
• glue and, finally, replacement parts.

Disassembling a washing machine

First of all, disconnect the equipment from the power supply, turn off the water, drain the water and disconnect all utilities.

Empty the pump filter (behind the hatch, under the front panel) of water. Unscrew and pour out the water. Next, move the unit being repaired away from the wall for further work.

Repair of washing machines Indesit WS84TX, WIUN 81, WISL 85, WISL 83, W84TX, IWSC 5085, IWSB 5085 and other models, when replacing the bearing, is carried out in the same way.

Let's proceed directly to disassembling the device:

1. We remove the top cover by unscrewing the two screws at the back using a Phillips screwdriver.
2. We remove the back panel, unscrew the bolts and remove the panel.
3. Removing the front panel:

• we get it powder tray and detergents, by pressing the central clamp, we remove the tray;
• unscrew all the screws on the control panel, two behind the tray and one on the opposite side;
• Using a flat-head screwdriver, release the latches on the panel;
• we don’t touch the wires, we’ll place the panel on top of the case;
• To open the hatch door, bend the rubber, use a screwdriver to pry up the clamp, and remove it;
• we unscrew two screws on the hatch, disconnect the wiring, and remove the cuff inside the tank;
• unscrew the door bolts with glass and put them aside;
• removing the front panel, unscrew the screws.

4. We remove the parts to take out the tank with the drum:

• we remove the drive belt, pull it towards ourselves while turning the pulley;
• remove the pulley, fix its wheel and unscrew the central bolt, spray with WD-40 if necessary;
• We do not remove the heating element, but disconnect the wires from it and from the electric motor;
• we take out the motor, unscrew three bolts and rock it back and forth;
• disconnect the pipe through the bottom, put the washing machine on its side, loosen the clamp with pliers and disconnect it from the tank;
• unscrew the bolts that hold the shock absorbers to the bottom of the body;
• We unfasten the cuvette, first remove the branch pipe by loosening the clamp, then the hoses, then unscrew the bolt and remove everything together, disconnect the pressure switch hose.

5. We take out the tank, pulling it up a little.
6. If the tank is soldered, we make holes for future bolts and saw the tank with a hacksaw.
7. We take out the drum by hitting its sleeve.
8. We remove the oil seal by lifting it with a screwdriver.

Let's start replacing the Indesit bearing:

1. Use a puller to remove the bearing; if there is none, use a chisel and hammer to knock out the bearing by tapping it lightly.
2. Clean and lubricate the area for the new bearing.
3. Tap the bearing's outer surface to ensure the part is seated evenly. Install the second part in the same manner.
4. Preliminary lubricated oil seal put it on the bearing.
5. Insert the drum into the tank, glue the two parts together, tighten the bolts and begin reassembling the washing machine.

In addition to this article, we recommend watching a video on replacing the drum bearings in an Indesit washing machine.

Common mistakes when replacing

Please read the following recommendations carefully to ensure that replacement does not result in costly repairs:

• the pulley is broken, you can’t pull it, just slightly rock it from side to side and pull it lightly;
• stripped bolt heads, if the bolt does not go in, spray WD-40;
• the temperature sensor wire is broken, be careful with the tank lid;
• the moving unit is damaged;
• the sliding unit gasket has not been replaced;
• During assembly, not all sensors and wires were connected.

So, you have seen that replacement is a rather labor-intensive task, but it is doable if you have at least a little experience working with technology.

If this process is too complicated for you, we recommend contacting a professional, such as an authorized service center. Check the website for pricing.