How to disassemble a washing machine tank

The need to disassemble the washing machine tank may arise due to various breakdowns. For example, in case of wear of the bearing unit. Is it possible to do the work yourself, without resorting to the help of a specialist?

Washing machines can be equipped with dismountable or non-dismountable tanks. In the first case, the two parts of the tank are fastened together with screws, and to split them in half, it is enough to remove the fasteners. The second situation is much more complicated, so below we will tell you exactly how to split a monolithic tank.

The first difficulty is removing the tank

To disassemble the washing machine tank, you first need to pull it out of the body. This is also quite a complex and labour-intensive job. The algorithm for extracting the tank will be similar for all models of washing machines, the differences will be in frontal and vertical machines.

In the process of disassembling the washing machine and the tank itself, you will need some tools. You need to have on hand:

• A couple of screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted),
• Screwdriver,
• Socket heads of different diameters,
• Hacksaw for metal,
• Pliers,
• A punch and a small hammer,
• Marker or pencil,
• Ratchet wrench,
• Drill size 3-5 mm.

It is also worth having a mobile phone with a camera at hand. During the work, it is recommended to photograph the connection diagrams of the contacts, and how the parts were originally located. This will help to avoid mistakes during the reassembly process.

Before you start disassembling the automatic machine, be sure to de-energize the equipment. Unplug the power cord from the socket and move the washing machine away from the wall and furniture to have free access to all sides of the body. Next:

• Close the shut-off valve supplying water to the machine,
• Drain the remaining liquid from the system through a debris filter,
• Detach the drain and filler hoses from the body,
• Unscrew the screws holding the top panel of the case,
• Remove the "top" of the washing machine and set it aside,
• Remove the detergent drawer from the machine,
• Remove the bolts securing the washing machine control panel. The "dashboard" does not need to be disconnected completely, it is enough to place it on top of the machine,
• Open the hatch door, feel the outer clamp holding the drum cuff,
• Loosen the clamp latch and remove it from the washing machine,
• Tuck the sealing cuff inside the drum,
• Unscrew the screws holding the hatch locking device,
• Reset the UBL contacts and remove the blocker,
• Remove the lower false panel,
• Remove the remaining bolts securing the front wall of the housing,
• Move the front panel of the washing machine aside,
• Remove the rear wall of the machine by unscrewing the bolts around the perimeter of the panel,
• Remove the heating element by loosening its nut and disconnecting the wiring from the heater,
• Remove the counterweights adjacent to the tank,
• Remove the drive belt from the drum pulley and motor,
• Disconnect the power supply wiring from the engine.

After this, there will be practically nothing to prevent the removal of the tank. All that remains is to loosen the shock absorbers, so unscrew the spring fasteners. Then you can remove the container from the body of the automatic machine. Having pulled out the non-separable structure, place it on a hard and level surface for further work.

In the case of collapsible tanks, there will be no problems. To split the tank in half, it is enough to cope with the fasteners located around the circumference. Another matter is non-collapsible, monolithic structures.

We remove the drum from the non-separable tank

It is not profitable for manufacturers to equip washing machines with detachable tanks. For example, if the bearings are damaged, it will be quite easy for the user to replace them. And when the unit is non-detachable, it is easier for many to buy a whole tank, rather than saw up the factory container. It is precisely on receiving profit from the sale of components that companies count.

However, the experts have figured out how to gain access inside the non-separable tank. As practice shows, after such intervention, washing machines function without problems for a long time, of course, if everything is done correctly and the halves of the tank are securely fastened. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• Draw a cutting line on the tank,
• Drill holes around the circumference at a distance of 5-7 cm from each other,
• Carefully cut the tank with a hacksaw along the marked line.

This will give you access to the inside of the tank. Then you can start repairing it - changing the bearings, seal, etc. It is worth understanding that this is quite a labor-intensive and delicate job, so evaluate your own strengths in advance.

Detailed description of the stages of work

Once the tank is placed on a flat surface, you can begin disassembling. Wipe the plastic with a clean cloth. A very important step is marking the cutting line along the perimeter of the tank's weld. It is recommended to drill holes at a distance of 5-7 cm from each other. A drill with a diameter of 3-5 mm is used for these purposes.

Once the holes are made, arm yourself with a hacksaw. Don't rush - saw the tank carefully, avoiding sudden movements with your hand. This way, the non-separable structure will fall apart into halves. The rear "half-tank" will contain the drum, along with the bearings and seal.

If you need to remove the drum, you will need to remove the pulley. The "wheel" is additionally glued by the manufacturer, and it will not be easy to remove the bolt holding it. Therefore, put a bit on the screw and hit it several times with a hammer.

When you need to replace the bearings, you will have to remove the damaged rings from the drum. To do this, you will need a punch. After knocking out the parts, clean the seat from debris and dirt.

Next, proceed to laying new bearings and seal. It is important to generously treat the components with special grease. Silicone will protect the unit from moisture, thereby extending the service life of the components.

After fixing the breakdown, you can start assembling the tank. To do this, you need to clean the "cut" areas well. Next, you will need to lubricate the edges along the entire perimeter with moisture-resistant silicone sealant and put the halves on top of each other.

Screws are inserted into the holes drilled at the beginning of the work to tighten the two parts of the tank. If the container is fastened correctly, it will not leak. Having finished with the design, you can begin to reassemble the washing machine.

As you can see, it is possible to get access inside a non-separable tank. Yes, it is a rather labor-intensive process, but it will save a considerable amount of money that would have to be spent on purchasing a new unit. The work can be done independently, at home, without resorting to the help of a master.