The washing machine worked diligently for a long time, but one sad day a strange sound appeared noise During the spin cycle at high speeds, the bearings are likely worn out, and you need to address this as quickly as possible to prevent wear on the housing.
Perhaps nothing serious has happened and you just need to lubricate the washing machine's drum bearings, which will certainly significantly extend the life of the appliance. How do you do this?
Choosing a lubricant for your washing machine
First of all, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing lubricant for washing machine bearings.
It comes in different forms and has distinctive characteristics. But each of them should be:
- heat-resistant, since the bearing and seal heat up during machine operation when washing at high temperatures;
- moisture-resistantIf water gets on the bearing, it will have to be replaced, as this is unacceptable. To prevent this, a seal is needed. It prevents moisture from entering the part. If the lubricant is washed out during machine operation, the bearing will fail;
- thickThis quality prevents leakage during washing.
- not aggressiveThe lubricant must be suitable for the rubber. If it doesn't have the required properties or is of poor quality, the seal may harden or, conversely, become soggy. This will lead to leaks.
You should not use automotive lubricants (Litol-24, Azmol, etc.) due to their ineffectiveness.
What kind of bearing grease should I buy for washing machines?
Manufacturers of Indesit washing machines recommend using lubricant AnderollYou can buy it either in a jar (100 g) or in a syringe.- There is a waterproof lubricant of Italian origin on the market. Amplifon from Merloni.
- The grease has good water and heat resistance. Staburags nbu12.
- High-quality German silicone grease Liqui Moly Silicon-Fet Effective, but expensive. Sold in 50g containers.
If you need to lubricate both the bearing and the seal, then use waterproof grease. Huskey Lube-O-Seal PTFE Grease Excellent choice and high quality.- Kluber Staburags NBU12 Sold in up to 1 kg. It retains its viscosity up to 140 degrees.
What and where to lubricate
Not many people know that care is required bearings, but lubricating the seals is also essential. Bearings are usually already lubricated.
If this part is original, made at the manufacturer and purchased in a specialized store, then it can be installed in the car without additional processing.
Otherwise, questionable quality definitely requires preliminary maintenance, as cheap materials and lubricants are typically used. It's best to renew them yourself.
Everything needs to be lubricated! Bearings, seals, and bushings. But! They must all be lubricated using the same lubricant. Mixing different products is not allowed.
Disassembling a washing machine
Lubricating a washing machine bearing without disassembling it is not possible, so the process of lubricating the internal parts is labor-intensive.
This is necessary to remove the drum tank containing the part we need. Before starting work, turn off the power and disconnect the water supply. Place the machine in a location with easy access. You will need pliers and screwdrivers.
The top cover of the machine, which is held at the back by two bolts, is removed.- It is pulled out compartment for detergents.
- The wires are disconnected from the board and the control panel is disconnected.
- Using a slotted screwdriver, remove the clamp, which is released by pressing on the spring. Then the edges
the rubber bands are inserted into the drum, and cuff is taken out. - The bottom panel needs to be removed. It is secured with latches.
- Next, remove the front panel. To do this, unscrew the bolts behind the powder receptacle.
All wires and pipes that go to the tank must be disconnected.- It is being removed pressure switch with wires and the front panel is pulled out.
- Both counterweights are removed to lighten the tank.
- It is being removed tank From the springs, after unscrewing the shock absorbers. The tank is placed on the floor with the pulley facing up.
- The belt is removed from the engine, and then the engine itself.
If you can't detach or remove something while working, don't force it. You can soak rusted screws in WD-40 and drill out broken ones.
Often, to be able to reassemble the machine in reverse order, users take photos of each stage of the work and the correct connection of the wires and pipes.
Pay attention to the tub. There are two types: detachable and one-piece. If you have a Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine, for example, the tub is likely non-detachable. In this case, you'll have to cut it apart to access the bearings. This is done with a hacksaw along the joint. The halves are then reattached with bolts and sealant.
If the tank is collapsible, then it needs to be opened by unscrewing the bolts.
How to remove bearings
So, the tank is disassembled.
Now it's necessary release the drum pulley, which is held in place by a nut. If the bolt is stubborn, use WD-40. Next, remove the drum itself by rocking the pulley housing.
To separate the drum from the tank, carefully knock out the shaft. There are bearings in the bearing seat on both sides that need to be knocked out.
After this, an inspection is carried out: which bearing is worn out or broken?
If it is damaged, you will have to buy a new bearing and seal.
How do you lubricate the bearings in a washing machine? If there's no damage, clean them with WD-40, wipe them with a cloth, and then lubricate them. This type of care should be performed on this part. once every five yearsIf the bearing is disassemblable, remove the protective cover (a scalpel is a good way to do this) and apply lubricant to the inside of the part.
If the bearing is new, it doesn't need to be lubricated, unlike the seal. This is done simply by applying an even layer of lubricant to the side that contacts the bushing. Install the bearing first, then the seals.
The bearing lubrication process itself is not complicated. It's difficult to access, which is why a mechanic's services are much more expensive than the cost of a new part.
Without knowledge and experience in such matters there is always a risk of damage drum, which would require a complete replacement of the washing machine. However, despite this, it's entirely possible to handle the issue yourself.
