Bosch washing machine drum repair

If the drum in the washing machine starts to creak or clank loudly during operation, then most likely this is due to faulty bearings. However, you should not rush to buy new parts, because repairing the drum of a Bosch washing machine always begins with disassembly, which will show exactly what is wrong. If after disassembly you find out that the problem is not in the destroyed crosspiece, but in the bearings, then this can be dealt with quite well.

Making room to remove the tank

There is nothing complicated in the process of replacing the bearings, but the preparatory procedures are a whole story. This is due to the fact that first you need to pull out of the body of the "home assistant" all the elements that can interfere with the extraction of the tank-drum unit, which takes a lot of time. Before disassembling, be sure to prepare a working screwdriver, as well as a Phillips and flat screwdrivers - three tools that will be enough for dismantling . Strictly follow our instructions so that the entire procedure goes as it should.

• Disconnect the Bosch washing machine from all communications.
• Unscrew the 2 screws that secure the top panel of the CM at the back, and then remove the cover itself.
• Remove the powder container from the appliance.
• Remove the control panel after unscrewing the screws.
• Remove the decorative panel installed on the front part of the case from below.
• Remove 3 more screws located directly behind the trim panel.
• Loosen and remove the wire clamp holding the cuff and tuck the cuff itself into the drum.
• Remove the front wall, behind which you will find the UBL, not disconnected from the main part of the washing machine.
• Carefully remove the lock chip or simply remove the UBL without damaging the wires and contacts.
• Remove the filler neck.
• Disconnect the wire that goes to the dispenser and then remove the tray from the housing.
• Remove the top metal trim panel that you accessed after removing the machine's control panel.
• Lower the counterweight slightly by loosening its mounting bolts.
• Remove the terminals from the thermistor and disconnect it.
• Disconnect the power and ground wires that are connected to the tubular heater.
• Remove the heating element from the machine.
• Remove the clamps that secure the plastic cover of the CM tank, and move it to another room for now so that it does not interfere during the main work.

This completes the disassembly of the washing machine. As you can see, disassembly is not that difficult and can be done with a minimum set of tools, so you can save money and not take the equipment to a service center. Then you only need to replace the damaged elements, which we will talk about in the next two points.

Removing the drum, worn bearings, seals

Now that nothing is stopping you from removing the tank-drum unit, you can proceed to the main stage of repair work. Proceed with caution, carefully following our instructions.

• Remove the back panel of the Bosch washing machine, which is secured with five screws.
• Remove the drive belt.
• Unscrew the nut that holds the pulley.
• Carefully remove the drum and spin it.

Now it is very important to make sure that there is no damage to the drum crosspiece. If there are no signs of wear on the shaft, then you can return to replacing the bearings. If the crosspiece is in poor condition, you will have to first buy a new one and install it, and then continue the repair.

At this stage, you need to work very carefully so as not to damage anything. You need to knock the bearings out of the tank, for which you need a special punch and an ordinary hammer. The instructions are as follows:

• Remove the seal, that is, the rubber seal in the form of a ring,
• Place one end of the drift in the center of the rear bearing and begin tapping the other end with a hammer,
• Once the first bearing is finished, move on to the second element,

When everything is ready, you need to remove liquid, rust, plaque and any other contaminants from the seat, and also clean the drum shaft. All that remains is to replace the bearings.

Installation of bearings and seals

You should never buy parts based on memory, as there is a risk of making a mistake with the choice. The easiest way is to remove the old bearings and use them as an example so that the specialist can select an identical product for you. You can also write down the exact name of the Bosch washing machine to search for components specifically for this model.

The bearing with a smaller diameter should be installed on the outside of the tank, which can be done through the previously removed rear wall of the machine. It is also worth hammering it in with a hammer and a drift, constantly alternating the place of impact. Install the drift on the outer race of the bearing and slowly hammer the part into the seat in the tank.

The second bearing should be installed in the same way, carefully hammering it into the hole. When the main work is completed, put the seal back in place, pre-treated with grease, to extend its service life and improve performance. You can also treat the drum bushing with grease, which will improve its water resistance, ensure heat resistance of the connection and generally increase the service life of the bearings with the seal.

This completes the repair, all that remains is the reassembly. Follow our instructions in reverse order, starting with installing the drum, pulley and drive belt, moving to the back wall of the washing machine and further internal units of the unit. Take your time, check our recommendations if you are not sure about something, and then you will definitely be able to restore the functionality of your favorite "home assistant" on your own.