How many shock absorbers are there in an LG washing machine?

Faulty shock absorbers in a washing machine are immediately visible - such equipment knocks loudly during spinning, vibrates strongly and "jumps" around the room. Constant shaking loosens the structure, over time the tank is damaged, and a leak occurs. In order not to lose the machine, it is necessary to periodically check the dampers, and if they break, replace them with new ones. For successful diagnostics, you need to know how many shock absorbers are in an LG washing machine, where they are installed and how they are fixed. All answers and explanations are below.

Number of shock absorbing elements

Each washing machine has a well-thought-out shock absorption system, and LG machines are no exception. To absorb the centrifugal force coming from the spinning drum, springs and dampers are provided. The former support the tank from above, and the latter provide a “soft landing” from below.

Dampers are piston-mounted struts that can dampen vibration, balancing the tank and the entire system. Unlike shock absorbers, they do not have internal springs, which increases their wear resistance. But they do not go without breakdowns: due to excessive load, the "legs" often fail.

The washing machine has 2 damping elements - on both sides of the washing tank. As a rule, one of them is damaged, and the second remains in good order. But this makes the machine worse, since the vibration is damped unevenly, the drum balance is disturbed, and the loaded tank hits the body at high speed.

Removing old parts and installing new ones

It is dangerous to operate an LG washing machine with faulty shock absorbers – this is fraught with serious mechanical damage. It is better to dismantle the shock absorbers and replace them with new ones at the first suspicion of a breakdown. To do this, you need to:

• Prepare pliers, a hammer, a slotted screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver,
• Disconnect the washing machine from the utilities,
• Turn the machine upside down,
• Find the dampers - two stands fixed on both sides of the tank,
• Find the plastic retaining pins at each end of the shock absorber,
• Clamp the tongue on the pin,
• Drown the retainer into the damper and knock it out with a hammer or pliers.
• Pull out the pin,
• Repeat the steps from the second end of the rack, and then on the second damper,
• Pull the posts and remove them from the grooves.

The damper can be repaired: just clean it, lubricate it with technical grease and restore the internal resistance with a special gasket. However, self-repair is a costly and labour-intensive business. It is much easier not to complicate the task, but to buy new racks, the cost of which ranges from 1000-5000 rupees. When choosing an analogue, you need to focus on the serial number of the LG washing machine.

For replacement, you will need two dampers - they are always replaced in pairs to ensure uniform vibration damping. Installation is carried out according to the instructions described above, but in reverse order:

• Turn the damper with the rod down (otherwise dust will get into the piston, which will accelerate the wear of the part),
• We insert the rack into the grooves,
• We apply the pin and carefully drive it into the hole.

The stud enters the new damper with difficulty – it will take a lot of effort. In the end, be sure to check the tongue: it should stand up and fix the rack. If the latch does not rise, then it is necessary to pry it up with a flat screwdriver. Then the procedure is repeated on the remaining ends of the shock absorbers.

Having completed the replacement, we return the washing machine to its feet. Next, we remove the top cover and press on the washing tank with our hand. If the tank quickly rises to its previous level after the push, then the work has been done well.

How to check the shock absorber?

Before changing the dampers, you should make sure that they are faulty. To test them, you need to dismantle the struts and perform a number of manipulations. The procedure is as follows:

• Inspect the shock absorber,
• Press on the rod,
• Pull the rod out of the body,
• Evaluate the resistance provided by the damper.

A piston that compresses and decompresses with visible tension is considered to be in good condition. If the rod enters easily, completely flies out of the housing or, on the contrary, sits tightly, then the rack is unsuitable for further use. Such dampers are not able to dampen vibrations and need to be replaced.

In addition to resistance, the amount of sealing grease in the piston is also necessarily assessed. The absence of a helium layer indicates wear of the structure. Traces of rust and plaque will also be a sign of failure.