How to replace shock absorbers on a top load washing machine

Users rarely pay much attention to shock absorbers, but it is because of this element that household appliances are stable, especially during spinning. If the shock absorbers are damaged, the "home assistant" will make loud noise and jump, which is why there is a high risk of damaging not only the floor covering, but also the internal elements of the washing machine. To prevent this from happening, at the first signs of a malfunction, you need to replace the shock absorbers of the top-loading washing machine. We will examine in detail this simple repair, which you can handle yourself without the help of service center specialists.

Let's prepare the machine for repair

First of all, the washing machine needs to be prepared for replacing the shock absorbers. To do this, it needs to be disconnected from all communications, and then the hoses removed. Then, in the room where the repair work will take place, rags or towels should be laid out, and then the machine should be moved there.

Afterwards, you need to remove the right wall of the device case, having previously unscrewed all the fixing screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the wall, and you will see the drive mechanism, belt and pulley, behind which the shock absorbers are located, which need to be replaced.

We replace damaged shock absorbing elements

Before replacing, you can additionally check the "home assistant" to make sure that the element is really damaged. It is very easy to do this - you can simply monitor the operation of the equipment, during which you will notice excessive jumps of the machine during washing, or you can check the functionality manually.

To do this, you need to open the lid of the top-loading washing machine, press on the drum, thereby lowering it, and then evaluate the behavior. If it is difficult to press on it, plus, due to the pressure, there will then be only one jump, after which the element will almost instantly return to its original position, then the shock absorbers are normal. However, if it is very easy to press, and the drum has time to make several jumps before becoming motionless, then the washing machine needs repair. Replacing the shock absorbers with your own hands is not difficult if you strictly follow our instructions and do not rush.

• First, remove the right cover of the CM, if you have not already done so.
• Find the shock absorbers and use pliers to remove the upper and lower fastening mechanism, for which you need to clamp the “dog” on the bushing from the side with your hands, if you have enough strength, or with other pliers, and then remove the element itself.
• Repeat the last step with the second shock absorber.
• Check the element - the sealing rings should not be worn out, and the shock absorber should not be allowed to hang freely without fixation.
• If you need to replace a unit, you should find exactly the same part, or a similar one, but the length of which will exactly match the original spare part.
• We assemble the equipment according to the instructions in the reverse order, placing new shock absorbers on the mounting places, and then installing bushings on the bottom and top, on which you need to first straighten the “dog” so that the part does not accidentally jump out of the mounting place while the washing machine is running.
• Be sure to check that the bushings pass through the shock absorber and the support bracket of the machine.
• Additionally, the bushings can be tapped a little with a hammer so that they are firmly fixed in the shock absorbers.
• Next, all that remains is to attach the side wall of the machine in place.

At this point, the repair is complete, and all you need to do is run a test cycle. An empty wash will make sure that the problem with increased vibration has been solved, and the washing machine can be used without restrictions again.