DIY shock absorber repair

The purpose of the shock absorbers is to reduce the vibration of the tank during operation of the unit. This applies to both the washing process itself and the spin cycle. These parts are located at the bottom of the washing tub. Their principle of operation is about the same as automobile shock absorbers - smoothing of vibrations. Over time, components naturally wear out and lose their working qualities. Let's try to figure out how to repair the shock absorbers of the washing machine with your own hands. In modern models, washers use dampers, which differ somewhat in design from classic shock absorbers.

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Device features

Classic depreciation components, which are still used on obsolete models, consist of the following parts:

• Cylinder with piston.
• A return spring, which, like the piston, is located inside the cylinder and is designed to return it to its original position.

Important! The difference between the damper is that there is no return spring. It is replaced by springs on which the tank is suspended. There are no other design features. Therefore, the algorithm of actions given in this article is suitable for both options; there are no fundamental differences between them. In any case, before disassembling the device, read its instructions and learn aboutwarranty repair of the washing machine. 

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Repair of shock absorbers for the LG washing machine

As a rule, the “weak link” that is subject to wear in the first place is the liners and gaskets that create the necessary friction and give elasticity to the parts. In addition, the cylinder wears out over time. The appearance of extraneous noise, bouncing the unit during operation indicates precisely this problem. In addition, the damper can simply break or deform. Naturally, in these cases, repairs are needed.

If the damper itself is intact, but it does not perform its functions well enough, it is enough to replace the liners and gaskets. Unfortunately, repair kits for dampers are not available, respectively - you can not buy them. Therefore, the best option is to replace the components completely. This procedure is simple and it is quite possible to execute it yourself.

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Dismantling and testing shock absorbers

Before you repair the shock absorber of the washing machine with your own hands, it is logical to evaluate their performance. Therefore, first of all, they must be removed from the washer.

Provide yourself access to the shock absorbing part. Sometimes it’s enough to put the unit on its side. Of course, this is not very convenient for a replacement, but for a performance assessment, it will do. On some modifications of the washers, in order to gain access to the damper, you need to unscrew the bolts of the back wall and remove it.

Proceed in this order:

• Unscrew the 2 fixing bolts located at the rear of the machine.
• Remove the top cover.
• Remove the powder detergent drawer.
• Remove the plastic panel covering the drain filter.
• Disconnect the plastic control panel. To do this, unscrew the corresponding bolts and disconnect the wires.

Important! Do not want to disconnect the wires - well, you can do without it.Carefully lay the control panel on top of the machine.

• Remove the cuff from the front of the unit. First, use a screwdriver to remove the fixing collar, then - remove the cuff by tucking it inside the washer.
• Disconnect the front wall by unscrewing the bolts and carefully pulling out the wires.

Access to the damper obtained. To assess the performance of the shock absorber, try squeezing and unclenching it:

1. Serviceable construction is very tight.
2. If you can easily push the shock absorber and return it to its original state, then the damper must be replaced.

Many washers vibrate during operation, so we have prepared a separate publication, after reading which you will learn how to usemat for washing machine. 

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Shock absorber repair on a Zanussi automatic washing machine - replacement procedure:

• Provide free access to dampers.
• Unscrew the bottom bolt, with which the shock absorber and the unit wall are interconnected.

Important! The fastening may not be bolted, but with the help of pins with special latches.

• Fix the bracket connecting the shock absorber and the washing tank. The fastening can also be by means of a pin with latches or bolted.
• Having disconnected both fasteners, take out the shock-absorber and, acting in the opposite order, put new.

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Preventative measures

To prevent wear on the dampers of the washing machine, observe the following conditions:

• Make sure from the very beginninginstallation of a washing machine in the bathroom It was made strictly on a horizontal surface with sufficient rigidity.
• Do not load more items in the machine than specified by the instructions.
• Do not allow foreign objects to enter the drum.
• Listen for the appearance of extraneous noise in the washer in order to timely respond to a malfunction and make repairs.

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Stock footage

A completely natural question: are parts interchangeable from different machines? Not always. The ideal option is to take accessories specifically from "your" model or consult with a specialist, which option is possible. Shopping at random is unreasonable.