How to disassemble an Electrolux top-loading washing machine

Most problems with the washing machine can be solved by yourself, at home. To eliminate the malfunctions, you will have to completely or partially disassemble the Electrolux top-loading washing machine. Where to start? What tools will be needed in the process? What breakdowns are most typical for Electrolux?

Getting ready for hard work

It is not always necessary to completely disassemble the washing machine. In some cases, it is enough to remove one of the side walls of the machine. Everything will depend on the type of malfunction.

In any case, before disassembling the machine, de-energize the device. Working with a machine plugged into the network is life-threatening. You will also have to disconnect the washing machine from the water supply and sewerage, then move it to the center of the room. It is important to ensure free access to the SMA from all sides.

If there is little space in the bathroom, you can take the machine out into the hallway or room. For comfortable disassembly, you will need 2-3 square meters. You also need to prepare all the tools that may be needed in the process:

• A couple of screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted),
• Socket heads of different sizes,
• Adjustable wrench,
• Pliers,
• Open-end wrenches.

You should have several dry rags on hand. Also place a basin nearby – you will need it to collect the water that will flow when you remove the garbage filter. A phone with a camera will also come in handy – during the disassembly process, it is better to take pictures of how the terminals and wires are connected.

It is important to understand the internal structure of the washing machine. This will make it easier to navigate during dismantling. You need to act exactly according to the instructions, and there will be no problems with disassembling.

Description of the process of dismantling the SM

All washing machines are assembled from the same elements: tank, drum, engine, heating element, pressure switch, etc. Such parts are present in any machine. However, the arrangement of units in frontal and vertical machines is different. This is what causes the differences in disassembling the washing machine.

How to disassemble a vertical washing machine Electrolux? The algorithm will be as follows:

• De-energize the device,
• Close the shut-off valve on the pipe responsible for supplying water to the washing machine,
• Disconnect the inlet hose from the washing machine,
• Move the machine away from the wall and furniture,
• Remove the washing machine control panel (on some Electrolux models you can pry the “dashboard” off with a slotted screwdriver, on others you will first have to unscrew the fixing bolts and deal with the latches),
• Unscrew the bolts securing the washing machine cover, remove it and put it aside,
• Deal with the clamps on the intake manifold, unhook the hoses and connected wires, remove the solenoid valve,
• Unscrew the bolts holding the side panels of the case,
• Having dealt with the latches, remove the right and left panels of the machine,
• Remove the fasteners of the front wall of the washing machine (after this, access to all internal parts of the automatic machine will open),
• Remove the drive belt from the drum wheel,
• Unhook the wires connected to the tank (with Electrolux, you don’t need to remove the tank even when replacing bearings – this type of work is done “on the fly”),
• Reset the heating element wiring,
• Unscrew the heating element nut, “sink” the bolt, pull the heating element out of the machine,
• Disconnect the contacts from the motor, remove the bolts that secure it, and pull the motor out of the washing machine housing,
• Loosen the clamps on the drain pipe, detach the hose from the pump;
• Unscrew the pump fasteners and remove the pump from the housing.

The scope of work directly depends on the type of failure. If you just need to replace the inlet solenoid valve, then disassembling the machine completely does not make sense. It will be enough to dismantle the top cover.

The cover of the vertical is disassembled additionally. It is necessary to lay the element on a flat, hard surface. First, the tray for detergents is removed - to do this, pull the cuvette towards you with force.

After that, you will need to clamp the top latch, pull out the button and unscrew a couple of bolts hidden behind it. Then turn the panel over, find the handle and deal with the holders. This will help "split" the element in half.

You should not disassemble Electrolux with a valid warranty card. After opening the case yourself, the warranty is void. In this case, it is better to hand over the washing machine to a service center for free maintenance.

Disassembling a vertical Electrolux washing machine is no more difficult than a front-loading machine. In this case, when replacing bearings, you don’t even need to remove the “tank-drum” unit, removing it from the shock-absorbing springs. You’ll only have to work with the top cover.

Common Breakdowns

Electrolux automatic washing machines are quite reliable. Machines of this brand are distinguished by high build quality. But this does not guarantee that the device will not break down during the entire service life.

The following faults are typical for Electrolux:

• Destruction of the bearing assembly,
• Heating element failure,
• Damage to the metal body due to corrosion,
• Centrifuge rotation (when the tank is positioned with its flaps down),
• Main control module failure.

Bearings break not only on Electrolux, but on machines of absolutely any brand. This malfunction is caused by natural wear of the unit. The users themselves accelerate the damage to the rings by violating the operating rules of the washing machine:

• Allowing the machine to be overloaded,
• Washing one item in the machine, which causes an imbalance,
• Constantly running high temperature washing programs (because of this, the seal is damaged, water gets inside the unit, and the bearings are destroyed).

For example, you should not overload the washing machine. You should adhere to the maximum weight allowed by the manufacturer. Do not overuse the spin at maximum speed, it is better to limit yourself to medium speeds. If the water in your region is hard, be sure to soften it - this will prevent premature breakdown of the heating element.

The control module of Electrolux vertical washers is sensitive to power surges in the network. Therefore, it is recommended to install a voltage stabilizer on the power line of the washing machine. Such a device will protect the electronic unit from breakage.

It is also recommended to periodically clean the washing machine from scale using special means. You cannot run several high-temperature modes in a row, maximum - two. This is harmful to all rubber seals in the washing machine.