How to change shock absorbers in a Beko washing machine

Any automatic washing machine has a shock-absorbing system. The tank is supported by dampers from below and hangs on springs from above. This is necessary to dampen vibrations that occur during the washing process.

If the washing machine starts making noise, knocking, wobbling and "jumping" during operation, this indicates wear of the dampers. We will tell you how to diagnose the racks. We will figure out how to replace the shock absorbers of the Beko washing machine.

What elements are we going to change?

You can change the shock-absorbing elements of the SMA Beko yourself, without calling a specialist. You will need a minimum set of tools for the job. It is important to follow the recommendations and not deviate from the instructions for action. Before starting the repair, you need to familiarize yourself with the structure of the racks of the automatic washing machine and the principle of their operation.

The Beko washing machine damper consists of:

• Housings,
• Piston,
• Movable pad (the spacer is fixed through it),
• Spacers,
• Guide,
• Sliding surfaces.

The damper body is static. The piston-pusher "looks out" a little from the "shell" of the shock absorber. The guide ensures the movement of all elements in the right direction.

The damper parts move, creating resistance. The mechanism, taking on the vibration of the tank, gradually dampens it, taking away the entire "impact". The racks, which Beko washing machines are equipped with , do not have return springs, so they work without requiring repairs for about 5-8 years.

Older Beko models are equipped with standard shock absorbers consisting of a housing, a cylinder and a moving rod. The design also includes sealing rubbers lubricated with a special compound. The gaskets provide ideal sliding to smooth out vibration.

At the bottom, the damper is attached to the body of the automatic machine with a silent block. At the top, the movable pusher-piston is screwed to the tank of the washing machine. Sliding supports are provided next to the shock-absorbing elements to ensure longitudinal movement. They are fixed with keys - this is necessary to prevent axial displacement.

Are these parts really broken?

The average service life of original Beko automatic machine dampers is 5-8 years. Sometimes shock absorbers work longer, others, on the contrary, perform their functions for only 2-3 years. Much depends on the operating conditions of the washing machine and the quality of its assembly.

The main reasons for the failure of shock absorbing elements are the following:

• Mechanical wear,
• Damage due to prolonged loads and constant vibrations,
• Washing out grease from the shock absorber housing,
• Violation by the user of the operating rules of the Beko washing machine (overloading the machine, not installing it level, on an uneven floor, etc.).

What is meant by careless operation of the washing machine? Exceeding the maximum permissible load weight, spinning at maximum speed, washing with imbalance in the drum. All these factors reduce the service life of the shock absorbers. You can understand that it is time to change the shock absorbers by the following signs:

• The body of the automatic washing machine wobbles and vibrates, which is especially noticeable during spinning,
• When the washing machine is running, a loud knocking and rumbling noise is heard,
• The machine "jumps", moving from its installation location,
• The drive belt often falls off the pulley,
• A leak is observed from under the door (the drum hits the washing machine body, the hatch sealing cuff is damaged, and liquid begins to leak through it).

All these "symptoms" may indicate problems with shock absorbers. However, these signs are also characteristic of other malfunctions. Therefore, you cannot do without diagnostics.

It is very easy to check the shock absorption system with your own hands. You need to remove the top panel of the washing machine case, press hard on the tank and release it sharply. If the tank smoothly falls into place, then the dampers are doing their job well. A chaotically swinging drum will indicate the need to replace the struts.

If the tank "sways" for a long time after such a check and cannot stop, you will have to inspect the dampers. The racks are located below; to dismantle the shock absorbers, you will need to partially disassemble the washing machine housing. We will tell you how to do this.

Getting to the shock absorber mechanism

Dismantling the shock absorbers requires disassembling the washing machine. Work begins with preparing the washing machine. Before starting repairs, de-energize the washing machine, disconnect the device from communications. Having disconnected the drain and inlet hoses from the body, move the machine to the center of the room.

The further algorithm of actions is as follows:

• After unscrewing a couple of screws, remove the top panel of the case,
• Remove the powder receptacle,
• Remove the bolts securing the control panel,
• Disconnect the instrument panel from the washing machine body (carefully, so as not to damage the wiring),
• Place the washing machine on the floor, on the back wall,
• Unscrew the screws that secure the bottom of the machine,
• Open the hatch, remove the outer clamp of the cuff,
• Insert the sealing rubber into the drum,
• Disconnect the wires from the hatch locking device,
• Remove the front wall of the case.

After dismantling the front panel, you can see the dampers. Ideally, experts advise continuing to disassemble the washing machine, up to removing the tank, and only then remove the racks. However, self-taught craftsmen suggest simplifying the process and removing the shock absorbers now, when the machine is in a lying position.

We are making a replacement

The next task is to dismantle the worn shock absorbers. From below, everything is easy - just loosen the clamps. From above, the dampers are attached with special plastic holders. You won't be able to unscrew them in the usual way.

To free the upper part of the dampers, it is necessary:

• Take a 13 mm drill,
• Arm yourself with a screwdriver,
• Carefully drill the fasteners.

Dismantled shock absorbers are disposed of. New struts are purchased for a specific model of Beko washing machines. You can go to the store with old dampers and ask the seller to select similar parts.

Next, the seat is cleaned and treated with a special lubricant. After that, new dampers are installed. They are fixed with bolts from below and are attached to the tank from above through the holes made earlier.

Having finished with the installation of shock absorbers, assemble the washing machine in the reverse order. Put the front panel back in place, connect the UBL wiring, straighten the cuff and fix it with a clamp, screw the bottom. Then put the machine vertically.

Next, fix the dashboard and put the powder receptacle back. Check the shock absorbers again - press hard on the tank and release it. The container should immediately return to its original position. If everything is OK, fix the top cover of the case and run a test wash. The machine should stop making noise, "jumping" and vibrating.