How to tighten the drum in a washing machine

After several years of active use of the washing machine, some users notice that the drum begins to wobble in different directions. Unfortunately, such a malfunction cannot be eliminated by simply tightening the fasteners. Usually, the reasons for the play are more serious, sometimes expensive equipment repairs may be required.

Let's figure out how to tighten the drum in the washing machine so that it stops "loosening". What to do first? We will tell you what breakdowns can provoke its "loosening".

Is there really any play in the drum?

A small play in the drum is a normal phenomenon. It is laid down when the washing machine is manufactured. In this case, the working machine will not produce extraneous sounds, except for a slight hum when the tank rotates.

If the machine starts making a lot of noise during washing, you will have to look for the problem. The first thing you need to do is open the hatch door and, holding the drum, move it in different directions. Then rotate the tank clockwise and counterclockwise. If these actions are accompanied by a strong clanging and grinding, then there really is a problem.

It will not be possible to determine the cause of the malfunction without disassembling the case. Therefore, to conduct further diagnostics, you will have to look inside the machine. Most often, the drum play and loud noise during operation of the washing machine are observed due to:

• Problems with counterweights,
• Damage to shock absorbers,
• Wear of bearings and seals,
• Wear on the drum hub.

Counterweights are concrete blocks whose main function is to dampen vibrations. Weights can wear out over time and stop doing their job. Because of this, the tank begins to wobble, and a strong knock appears due to the tank hitting other internal parts.

If, upon inspection of the springs and shock absorbers, it is found that the elements are faulty, it will be enough to replace the parts. Similar components can be purchased in specialized stores. To install the dampers, you will have to disassemble the machine and lay it on the floor.

In most cases, the cause is still not damaged shock absorbers or counterweights. Most often, the play of the washing machine drum is a consequence of wear of the bearings and seal. Let's figure out how to check the unit and repair the washing machine.

 

Replacing the bearing and seal

To get to the bearing unit, you will have to almost completely disassemble the body of the washing machine, pull out the tank and split the plastic container in half. This is a fairly labour-intensive process, so before you start repairing, you need to realistically assess your strengths. The following tools will be required for the work:

• two screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted),

• Screwdriver,
• Hammer,
• Punch,
• Pliers,
• Socket heads of different sizes.

If your washing machine has a non-separable tank, you will have to saw it apart. Therefore, additionally prepare:

• Drill with a diameter of 3 mm,
• Marker or pencil,
• Hacksaw for metal.

Before disassembling the washing machine, be sure to de-energize the machine and disconnect it from the water supply and sewerage. After that, move the machine to the middle of the room to have access to all sides of the case. The further algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• Remove the top cover of the washing machine (it is secured with two screws located on the back of the case),
• Drain the remaining water from the system by unscrewing the waste filter (it is hidden behind the lower false panel or technical hatch),
• Detach the drain and filler hoses from the rear wall,
• Remove the powder container from the machine,
• Open the drum door, remove the outer clamp holding the hatch cuff,
• Insert the sealing rubber into the drum,
• Remove the bolts securing the instrument panel,
• Carefully disconnect the wires from the control panel and move the instrument panel to the side,
• Remove the bolts holding the UBL, reset the blocker contacts,
• Unscrew the screws securing the front panel of the washing machine,
• Remove the front wall of the automatic machine,
• Unscrew the two screws holding the metal frame of the instrument panel located on top of the case and move it to the side,
• Remove the upper and lower counterweights (these are concrete weight blocks),
• Disconnect all pipes from the tank,
• Unscrew the screws that secure the back panel of the washing machine, remove the wall,
• Remove the drive belt from the drum pulley,
• Remove the heating element by loosening the nut holding it and disconnecting the wiring,
• Disconnect the wires from the electric motor.

To avoid making mistakes during the reassembly process, be sure to take photos of how the parts were originally located, the contact connection diagrams, etc. If even one wire is connected incorrectly, the machine will not work correctly.

Now nothing prevents the tank from being removed. All that remains is to loosen the shock absorbers, deal with the springs and remove the unit from the washing machine housing. Next, inspect the tank to see if it is collapsible or not.

If the tank is collapsible, then it will be very easy to split it in half. To do this, you need to unscrew the bolt securing the drum pulley and deal with the locks (these are bolts or latches) located around the circumference. After this, the tank will "fall apart" into halves.

In the case of non-separable tanks, you will have to "sweat". Such containers are sawed with a hacksaw exactly along the weld seam. After the repair is completed, the halves are fastened with moisture-resistant silicone sealant and bolts.

Further work is carried out with the half of the tank in which the drum is located. The metal container must be removed and put aside. In front of you will remain the plastic part, in the center of which are located the bearings and the seal.

The seal can be pulled out with a regular slotted screwdriver. Don't be afraid to tear it - the rubber is not reusable. The bearings are knocked out of the tank with a hammer and a punch. It is important to act carefully so as not to damage the seat.

Before installing new bearings, be sure to clean the seat from rust, dirt and chips. Metal rings are also pressed using a hammer and a punch. A seal is placed on top.

Next, the washing machine is assembled. First, the drum is put in place, the pulley is fixed. Then the halves of the tank are fastened together. For reliability, even if the tank is collapsible, it is better to treat the edges with moisture-resistant silicone sealant.

After placing the tank in the housing, you can put back the parts removed during disassembly: heating element, drive belt, counterweights, panels, etc. It is better to tighten all the pipes with new clamps. When finished, run a test wash and watch the machine work. The noise and knocking should stop.

If there is a problem with the bushing

Not always the work on replacing bearings and seals goes "like clockwork". You can unexpectedly encounter some problem, for example, find wear on the drum bushing. This will prevent the installation of new components. How to deal with such a malfunction with your own hands?

If the drum crosspiece bushing has "grooves" that are easily felt, you will have to work on it. Otherwise, the new seal will not be able to ensure the tightness of the unit, water will leak to the bearings, and they will fail even faster. How to deal with wear?

Here you need to focus on the percentage of wear of the bushing. If the wear is small, it will be enough to grind the metal with a "zero". When the "grooves" are quite impressive, turning the part will be required.

It is worth understanding that after turning the bushing, its diameter will decrease. Therefore, the seal will need to be slightly smaller than it was. For example, instead of a 30 mm seal, a 28 mm ring may be needed. It is important that it fits tightly on the drum bushing.

If the drum cross bushing is badly damaged, it is worth considering replacing the part. Today, repair kits for different models of washing machines are sold in stores. Spare parts can also be ordered online.

Thus, it is quite possible to eliminate the play of the washing machine drum at home, without resorting to the help of a specialist. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions for action. Having correctly identified the cause of the malfunction, it will not be difficult to cope with it.