How to replace a belt on a top loading washing machine?

The operating principle of "vertical" machines is the same as that of front-loading washing machines. The drum of washing machines equipped with a collector motor is spun by a drive belt. If the rubber band breaks or comes off, the "home assistant" stops the cycle.

Let's figure out how to replace the belt on a top loading washing machine with your own hands. We'll tell you how to choose the right components. We'll explain what points you should pay attention to during the repair process.

We are replacing the specified part

You can do the work of replacing the drive belt of the washing machine yourself, without calling a specialist. In the process, you will only need a screwdriver. The main thing is to choose a drive belt suitable for a specific model of the washing machine. The algorithm of actions will be slightly different from the repair of "frontal", but in general the instructions are similar.

This is due to the fact that any independent repair will void the warranty. And if a more serious breakdown occurs in the future, it will no longer be possible to claim free diagnostics and replacement of components.

If the warranty has expired, change the belt yourself. First of all, you need to de-energize the washing machine. Then disconnect the machine from the water supply and sewerage and move it to the center of the room so that it is convenient to work with. Then:

• Unscrew the screws holding the side wall of the washing machine (this can be either the left or right panel, information on the location of the drive belt is in the instructions for the equipment),
• Some "verticals" have a side wall additionally secured with bolts located in the front - they also need to be removed,
• Remove the side panel of the case and set it aside,
• Remove the deformed belt from the pulley (usually this is not necessary, since the rubber band is torn and lies underneath),
• Purchase a new drive belt, based either on the model of the washing machine or on the markings on the old rubber,
• Place the new drive belt on the engine pulley,
• Pull the rubber band over the drum pulley, slowly turning the "wheel".

The belt should be positioned exactly in the middle of the drum pulley. If it is shifted to the side, align the position of the rubber. To do this, move it a few "streams" to the side on the electric motor pulley.

After replacing the belt, check the operation of the washing machine. First, spin the drum manually. Then, without installing the side wall back, start the "Spin" mode and watch the washing machine. If everything is fine, assemble the body.

How to choose the right belt?

In fact, replacing the rubber band on a top-loading machine is quite simple. Ideally, if the old belt still has the markings, then finding a similar part will not be difficult.

If the machine has been in use for a long time, there is a chance that the markings on the belt have worn off. Then you will have to select components based on the model of the washing machine. You can see the name of the "vertical" machine, as well as the serial number, on the information sticker (on the body of the washing machine) or in the instructions for the equipment.

All manufacturers of drive rubbers for washing machines use a single marking. The first 4 digits indicate the length of the belt, the letter following it indicates its profile, and the last digit indicates the number of wedges.

What are the differences between vertical washing machine drive belts:

• Type - they are wedge-shaped and poly wedge-shaped,
• Profile (distance between stripes). In the marking this will be indicated by the letter j or h,
• Number of wedges (from 3 to 8) and ridges (from 4 to 9),
• Length (this is the most important criterion when choosing a drive belt).

Thus, if the damaged belt is marked 1965H7 Hutchinson, you can buy apart from any other manufacturer, but it must have a similar length/profile/number of wedges. For example, the 1965H7 Opti belt elastic band will do just fine.

You can also try calling the service center and asking the specialists which belt is suitable for your washing machine. Usually, the technicians do not refuse to give verbal advice. Sometimes they even offer to order components through them - the price is not much different from the retail price, since the stores give companies a good discount.