Bearing replacement
After successfully disassembling the washing machine we took out the tank and we can proceed to replace the bearing, but to do this we need to disassemble the removed part into 2 halves. All bolts around the perimeter should be unscrewed. After that the drum will easily split into 2 parts.
Next you need to carefully remove the drum from the back of the tank. To do this, dislodge the drum shaft from the bearing. to prevent damage to the shaft by hitting it with a hammer, a wooden block may be used. Place a block on the shaft and hit it with a hammer. The wood prevents the metal from being deformed. all mechanical damage is absorbed by the block. The second option is to screw a bolt into the shaft of the drum and hit it with a hammer. It is necessary to screw in this fastener to the very end of the thread, so that it rests against the metal. This prevents damage to the threads while knocking.
After successfully disconnecting the drum from the tank it is necessary to knock out the bearing itself, which requires replacement. In Zanussi washing machines, you will find two types of bearings: single-row or double-row.
The single-row bearings are mounted in pairs and the double-row is the only one. To dismantle both types of parts together with the oil seal, you can use a special bearing puller or an ordinary hammer and any metal object (chisel). When all old mechanisms have been successfully removed, the seats must be cleaned of all contaminants.
Now you need to install the new bearing and oil seal. The new parts need to be hammered in as carefully as possible. When mounting new bearings by hammering, the inner ring and cage must not be hit. Allowed mechanical impacts only on the outer cage. To make the bearing fit more easily, it can be lightly greased with any technical grease. It is advisable to treat the new stuffing box with a special grease after installation.
Replacing Bearings in Non-Disassembly Tanks of Washing Machines (CMAs).
In this article we will look at replacing the bearings in Ariston and Indesit brand washing machines with side-loading laundry through the door (front-loading), but more specifically in those of them that use a polycarbonate non-disassembly tank. Recently installation of non-dismountable tanks is also available for other brands of automatic machines, so that all written above is also valid for them. But first, two warnings:
1) Never try to delay the bearing replacement operation by putting it off “for later”. This can lead to the fact that the replacement itself can lose its meaning, because the remains of worn bearings and the remains of the oil seal can damage the brass bushing, which is located on the axis of the drum cross, which will require replacing it as well (the entire cross), and this will cost much more. It is also not uncommon for water leaking from under worn bearings to get on the power terminals of the motor and heater element, which are energized by 220V. This leads to short circuits and failure of the electronic module of the washing machine, and in this case the repair makes no sense, because it will be cheaper to buy a new machine than to repair this one.
2) Try to follow the instructions exactly and not to “do it yourself”, which may cause even more problems. There is no need to add another malfunction to the car in addition to the existing one. Believe me, not every master will agree to take it on after such a “repair”.
But if you are determined and confident in your abilities. go ahead and do it.
Tools and fixtures
Tools and appliances you will need for carrying out the operation to replace the bearings in the washing machine.
- a set of flat and shaped screwdrivers of different diameters;
- adjustable wrenches, two, small and medium;
- a set of socket heads of different diameters and a T-handle for them;
- a set of powerful sockets and a handle for them (car kit);
- medium hammer;
- pliers, side cutters, a set of wrenches “star” (sold in auto stores);
- a steel dowel 20-25 cm long and 10-15 mm in diameter.;
- hacksaw for metal and several changeable blades for it;
- angle grinder with a disc for metal, power drill with drill bits of different diameters;
- grease “CROWN” and liquid WD-40, sold in auto stores;
- silicone (transparent) sealant with good water resistance;
- crossing pliers;
- awl, thin marker;
- a pack of 15-20mm long self-tapping screws. (Fig. 1)
Figure. 1 Self-tapping screws to repair the washing machine
Step 1 Disassemble the machine.
Since we are considering the issue of replacing bearings in non-disassembled tanks of various brands of washing machines, we are not going to specify and describe the process of disassembling the machine in detail.
It is done differently for different automatic machines, depending on the model. The main purpose is to remove the tank itself, and then free it from anything that might interfere. It is desirable to remove from the tank everything, including the sealing collar (although I leave it) (Fig. 2). It’s not even that something can interfere with further work, the goal is to avoid damage to everything else.
Fig. 2 Removed washing machine tank
Cutting the tank.
To cut the tank is used an ordinary hacksaw for metal. For acceleration of process it is possible to apply a blade with the increased teeth, for reduction of width of sawing on a blade it is possible to pass preliminary by a hammer to reduce a spread of teeth.
I must tell you right away. before I ran into this myself, I read a lot of advice, and everyone does it in his own way. What I’m describing. tested in practice and in several years there was not a single puncture. So, let’s start sawing the tank. The cut goes exactly along the glue joint. Difficulties are possible here, depending on what kind of tank you have. If the seam is located in the front of the tank. you are lucky and the operation will be less time-consuming.
In most cases the seam goes through the pressure chamber (pressure control chamber) and this is where it gets tricky. Since it is no longer possible to cut here with a hacksaw, we have to take a single blade. First you go through the upper part of the chamber, then the lower part. On average, depending on skill and experience, to saw the tank takes from 30 minutes to an hour and a half (Fig.3). Be especially careful when sawing is completed, so the tank does not break under the weight of its halves.
The tank is sawn. Preparing tank and drum.
Finally, the tank is sawed. pull the drum out of its back half or knock it out depending on if it is firmly seated in the bearings, but first remove the pulley. The difficulty here is that the bolt for the pulley, as a rule, is made either under the star, or under the hexagon, and the thread itself is filled from the inside with special thread glue.
After breaking a few sprockets, I have thought of a simple and rather effective way to deal with bolts that will not unscrew. Use an angle grinder to cut off one or two sides of the bolt (fig. 5), a little bit back from the edge, thus, we create a possibility to grasp it with an ordinary adjustable spanner (fig. 6).
Picture. 6 Unscrew the bolt with an adjustable wrench
How to Change the Bearings in a Washing Machine
After such “improvement” the bolt can be easily unscrewed (Fig. 7).
Fig. 7 Unscrewed pulley bolt
Remove pulley by gently rocking it to the right. to the left. Then pull out the drum.
In most cases it does not come out easily (especially if the bearings are very worn) and so we have to knock it out. There is also a risk here. The threads on the drum shaft end can easily be damaged by hitting with a hammer (fig. 8).
First you need to pour the liquid WD-40 on the outside of the shaft and wait a while. After that (here the help of a partner will be required) one person takes the tank in hands, so that the drum shaft is directed upwards and holds it in balance. The second person hammers hard and sharply on the end of the drum shaft with a thick metal plate against the end of the shaft (to avoid damaging the shaft).
In most cases the drum comes out and the bearings stay in the tank sleeve.
Fig. 9а Pulled out the drum (top view)
Fig. 10 Cut tank with drum removed
In neglected cases it also happens that the bearing inner ring remains on the shaft. It’s pretty hard to remove, I also use an angle grinder to gently saw the jammed ring out.
easiest way to do it is with an adjustable wrench: open the jaws and use the wrench to grip the stuffing box like a lever, and pull it out easily.
Apply the blows at a slight angle, alternating from right to left, forward to backward. When beating out the outer bearing, the drum is placed at an angle, and I use one of the counterweights as a support. The bearings have been removed (fig. 13), now the inner and outer seats for the bearings should be machined with fine emery cloth, otherwise later, when pressing the new ones, difficulties may arise.
Rice. 13 The tank with the bearings removed
Now let’s turn our attention to the drum, especially to the brass bushing, which is located at the tank itself. The bushing should be undamaged by worn bearing parts and should be smooth, without grooves and scuffs (fig. 14).
Fig. 14 Visually inspect the condition of the brass bushing
This is very important; inattention during examination will ruin your efforts. If you can visually see the damage of the bushing. you will have to replace the entire cross (as an option, you can mill a new bushing, but this requires a good turner). Finely sand the surface of the shaft and bushing with emery cloth. Check once again, the surface should be flat and shiny. (Fig. 15)
Rice. 15 Grinding the Brass Bushing
After taking the two new bearings one by one, fit them in their seats on the drum shaft. They should go in firmly, with a little effort and sit on the shaft without backlash. If there is a little play, it is an indication that the jammed bearing inner ring rubbed the shaft, and here you also need to replace the spider.
Now we press in the drum new bearings. It is convenient to use the outer rings from worn bearings for pressing in, this eliminates the risk of damaging the bearing and drum. Next, press in a new oil seal with a little grease on the inside. I use either a CV joint (Fig. 16), or Lithol, and although all advise differently, I had no problem with this. The entire interior cavity of the stuffing box should be filled with grease.
Figure. 16 Bearing replacement repair kit
Now let’s prepare the tank halves for reassembly. Having put them sawn upwards, we mark on one of the halves according to the saw the holes, with an interval of about 10. 15 cm. Particular attention should be paid to the bottom, because it is always there is water. Having marked the holes, drill them with a drill 3 mm in diameter. Evenly stack the halves of the tank, making sure they are exactly aligned. The half with the drilled holes should be at the top. Having aligned the halves, through the holes made mark the second half of the tank. Drilling holes in it.
Changing the bearings of the washing machine
Creaking, strong vibrations or knocks are clear signs of bearing failure, over time, the sounds and vibrations will only intensify. If the faulty element is not replaced in time in the future it can lead to complete destruction of the washing machine. A complete repair will be very expensive, so it is recommended to make repairs in the first stages.
The main reason for breakage is a long period of operation. Also parts can fail due to water ingress (water leads to corrosion, which subsequently reduces the life of the washing machine). Water leakage is most often caused by the stuffing box packing. The average life of oil seals is 5 to 7 years. If you want to replace the bearings, make sure you also replace the oil seals: you save both time and money.
Machine Assembly
The last stage of replacing the bearings on the automatic machine will be the assembly of the structure, which is carried out in reverse order. This is where beginners and professional repairmen can benefit from a record of disassembly of the washing machine.
Assembly is carried out very carefully, and vulnerable places, especially in the connection area of the two halves of the tank should be treated with silicone sealant.
Before carrying out a test wash, it is necessary to wait for the sealant to dry completely.
How to change the bearing on the washing machine
As a result of regular use of the washing machine its parts gradually deteriorate. Frequent problems are caused by bearing wear and tear. To replace the assembly, you can contact a service center or a master. However, with sufficient knowledge and the necessary tools to replace the bearing in the washing machine yourself can. To do it correctly our tips will help.
You can replace the bearings in a washing machine by yourself. This requires new parts, tools and knowledge of the construction of the machine
How to change the bearing in an Indesit washing machine by yourself
In these popular washing machines, the 2 pcbs that act as a link between the pulley and the drum must also be replaced. Scheduled repair with natural wear and tear may be required after 5-6 years of regular, but fairly careful use, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If overloaded, improperly installed equipment, imbalance can occur, leading to increased loading, damage to glands, moisture on the working surfaces of components and, as a consequence, corrosion and failure.
As in other modifications with front loading, disassembly and replacement of parts is accompanied by a preliminary almost complete disassembly of equipment to get to the drum.
A brief sequence of activities in the independent repair at home:
- Prepare tools, consumables and new bearings;
- draining all remaining water, disconnecting from the utilities;
- disassembly of the machine, it is worth using the video instruction, requesting on YouTube for the model of the unit;
- removing the drum, you may need a metal hacksaw to cut along the seam, or unscrew the fixing screws, dividing it into two halves;
- Pull out the bushing, oil seal;
- dismantle p/sh puller or use a chisel and copper hammer, tapping on the contour of the outer cage;
- clean the seats, all parts, check the integrity and the presence of defects.
Finally, install the new elements and reassemble in reverse order.
Preparing for repair
Repair of the washing machine with your own hands begins with the preparation of the necessary tools and spare parts. Remember, the quality of spare parts determines the further life of the automatic machine, for this reason do not buy cheap analogues, give preference to the original parts. So, you’ll need:
- Hammer
- Open-end wrench of various sizes
- Pliers
- Metal spindle
- Screwdriver set
- Silicone-based sealant
- Water-repellent grease or Lithol
- Camera
- 2 bearings
- Gland packing
In order to be sure to get exactly the bearing you need, you should first remove the old one and already with it pick up an identical one. You may need a camera to help you assemble the repaired machine. Before you disassemble this or that part, take a picture of it, and then you will know exactly how to assemble it after the repair. When taking pictures, pay special attention to the connection of the wiring.
Before replacing the bearing in the washing machine make sure that normal grease does not solve the problem. It often happens that the washing machine begins to rattle from a thinning layer of lubricant. How to Grease a Bearing in a Washing Machine? To lubricate this element, it must be freed from the protective covers with a scalpel. Carefully remove the cover. Lubricate the part with a special waterproof washing machine bearing grease. Next, take the new packing, also treat it with grease and install it. Close the lid. If after these actions the noise is not eliminated, it is necessary to replace the bearing.
See also. How and how to Grease a Washing Machine Oil Seal
Changing the bearing on the washing machine
Most types of washing machine repairs can be done by yourself. But if cleaning the hoses is simple enough, then replacing the bearing in the washing machine is very time consuming. However, even this type of repair can be done by yourself. The main thing to remember is that each bearing has its own size, which must be accurately observed when looking for new parts. We will tell you how to change the bearing in a washing machine with your own hands to extend the life of your household appliances without much expense.
Repair and replacement of the bearing in the washing machine
The washing machine is one of the most susceptible to wear and tear types of household appliances. Even well-known brands can not give a guarantee of eternal operation of their product due to a number of inevitable technological problems resulting from downtime of the unit, including in normal mode. What to say about using this home appliances in conditions of stressful loads: high washing temperature, washing very dirty things, washing oversized items or drum overloading. As a result, to extend the life of the washing machine, even with careful attitude, a number of nodes will sooner or later have to be replaced. This article is about replacing drum bearings.
