Systematic overloading of the tank, lack of balancing when installing the Indesit washing machine, damages one of the important elements of the internal structure - the shock absorber.
It is this small part (or rather a pair of elements) that dampens the strongest vibration inside the washing machine that occurs during the rotation of the drum.
Failure to promptly replace worn shock absorbers can cause serious damage. The thing is that during the washing or spinning process, the drum hits the body of the washing machine, violating the integrity of adjacent components and mechanisms.
Monitoring the condition of shock absorbers and replacing them in a timely manner if wear is suspected will help prevent household appliances from falling apart.
We will tell you in this article how to repair the shock absorber of an Indesit washing machine with your own hands.
How to check whether the element can be repaired or needs replacement?
It is very simple to determine whether the shock absorber in an Indesit washing machine needs to be replaced.
To do this, you need to perform a number of sequential actions:
- Remove the top cover of the washer.
- It is enough to press firmly on the tank so that it moves at least 5 cm, and then release your hands.
If, after pressing, the tank rises sharply and locks in one position, the shock absorbers do not require replacement. If the tank begins to swing in different directions after pressing, the washing machine must be repaired.
Additionally, shock absorbers are tested for performance after disassembling the washing machine. The part is compressed. If compression occurs with force, the part does not require replacement . If the piston moves with the slightest pressure, then the shock absorber requires replacement.
Depending on the model, the Indesit washing machine can be equipped with collapsible or solid shock absorbers (the type of part can be determined only after dismantling it).
Collapsible parts can be repaired (disassembled into component elements, worn parts replaced). Solid parts are rolled, cannot be disassembled or repaired, and must be replaced as a complete set.
Typical causes of breakdowns
Depending on the settings, the brand of the unit and the functions performed, the washing machine drums make from 700 to 1800 revolutions per minute. Such an impressive load, and even with the application of rotational force, can easily damage contacting parts and weaken components and connections.
If shock absorbers had not been developed to dampen the vibration of the drum and the tank containing it during the spin period, the machine would have to be repaired after each washing “session”. Their purpose is no different from the functions of similar car devices.
Shock-absorbing devices of washing machines perform work equivalent to similar parts of cars. They are designed to dampen the vibrating movements of the tank during the spinning/washing process (+)
Shock absorbers, coupled with suspension springs, eliminate direct contact between the machine’s tank and its metal body, steel and plastic parts. In the form of original supports, they are located under the main rotating part of the equipment, which is fixed in the upper part of the unit by hanging springs.
During operation of the washing machine, the supports and springs are unstable, due to which the drum, rotating at breakneck speed, can slightly shift relative to its resting position.
Those. These devices, performing spring movements, provide the drum with the ability to make the required rotations according to its status, without transferring the load to adjacent parts and assemblies.
The tank of the washing unit is suspended from above using springs, from below it rests on shock absorbers or dampers, which prevent the transmission of vibration from the drum to the body of the machine
The structural components of the washing machine, protected from vibration by shock absorbers, last much longer and are less likely to fail. True, the shock-absorbing devices themselves gradually lose their original strength during the execution of the assigned task.
Worn-out devices may require repair or replacement at an extremely inopportune moment, for example, before an evening wash, the timing of which does not allow calling a technician urgently. Or we will have to wait quite a long time for his arrival. This is where you will need information about the specifics of restoring shock absorbers and their structure.
If there is an urgent need to repair shock absorbers, work on their repair or replacement can be done with your own hands
How to remove the part?
The hum and strong vibration of the washing machine during the washing process indicate that the shock absorbers need to be replaced.
You can dismantle a worn-out part by following a certain algorithm of actions:
- Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply, water supply and sewerage.
- Pull the washing machine away from the wall and place it on a flat surface (if possible, it is better to take the household appliance out of the bathroom and into the utility room during repairs).
- Unscrew the two bolts securing the top panel.
- Unscrew the drain filter, drain the remaining water, and remove the washing powder tray.
- Unscrew the fixing bolts and remove the back panel.
- Carefully turning the pulley, remove the drive belt.
- Disconnect all wires from the engine.
- Loosen the fastenings holding the motor.
- Using a flat-head screwdriver, use a flat-head screwdriver to pinch the motor and then pull it out of the housing.
- Carefully lay the washing machine on its side and begin dismantling the shock absorbers
Dismantling shock absorbers on an Indesit washing machine has one very important feature - plug fastenings (popularly called “nails”). Absolutely smooth fastenings firmly fix the shock absorbers to the body and tank of the washing machine. It will not be possible to knock out such “nails” with a regular hammer.
To remove a worn part, proceed as follows:
- Use a long drill (diameter 2-2.5 mm) to drill a through hole in the “nail” fastening;
- screw a self-tapping screw into the hole, leaving 3-4 cm unscrewed;
- Grab the self-tapping screw with pliers and pull the “nail” fastener out of the seat;
- remove the shock absorber from the grooves.
After the new part is installed and the “nail” fastening is restored to its original place, the self-tapping screw is unscrewed.
Diagnostics of shock absorbers
The nature of the breakdown can be determined as accurately as possible only after disassembling the washing machine (this ensures subsequent high-quality repair of the washing machine shock absorber with your own hands ). Before starting this procedure, the device should be placed on its side, and then the actions should be carried out in the strict sequence described below:
- disconnecting the machine from the electrical network to prevent possible electric shock;
- unscrew the bolts securing the back wall (they hold the top cover);
- remove the container intended for washing powder;
- release the drain filter from the panel that covers it;
- dismantle the control unit (here you need to unscrew a number of the following bolts and disconnect the cables);
- remove the securing clamp and cuff (they must be carefully placed inside the washing machine);
- the last stage is unscrewing the bots, both from the top and bottom of the machine, since they are the ones that fix the front wall of the device, hiding access to the shock absorbers.
When repairing a washing machine shock absorber with your own hands, you should take into account that there are several product options that differ from each other in design features. Type of fastening - vertical and with inclined fixation. Such products are attached at one end to the machine body, and at the other to the drum. It should be noted that quite often shock absorbers are fixed by a rod, so to remove them you must first dismantle the drum.
How to replace?
Installation of new shock absorbers is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- We place the new element in place of the removed part, in special grooves.
- Carefully screw in the “nail” fastener and remove the self-tapping screw from it.
- Turning the washing machine over to the other side, repeat the steps.
After the new shock absorbers are installed, the washing machine is assembled: the engine is fixed in its original place, the wiring is connected, the drive belt is fixed, the rear panel and the front panel are fixed.
The assembled machine is returned to its original location and connected to the water supply and sewerage system. The device is connected to the network.
The final stage is verification . To do this, start the wash at maximum spin mode. If during the process the washing machine does not shake much (moderate vibration is acceptable) and does not change its location, then the repair is completed successfully.
The video will show you how to change shock absorbers on an Indesit washing machine:
We fix the problem ourselves
Repairing the shock absorber yourself will help you save money on purchasing new parts. Restoring the functionality of an old part is possible in the event of abrasion of the liner or gasket. Mechanical damage (distortion, cracks) requires complete replacement of the part.
How to change gaskets or liners?
Light, fast movement of the rod when compressing the shock absorber indicates that the gasket has worn out. Replacing it is easy, just follow a clear algorithm of actions:
We measure the diameter of the sleeve hole (use a caliper).- Based on the measurements, we cut off a piece of rubber (thickness of at least 3 mm; alternatively, you can use a brake pad or a piece of PCB).
- We insert the cut piece into the place of the previously worn out seal (the edges of the new gasket should meet).
- Lubricate the part and install the shock absorber rod in its original place.
Lubricate the new part immediately before installing the rod. It is important to use lubricating oils that are resistant to moisture, resistant to high temperatures, and have a high viscosity index.
Where to buy a shock absorber for an Indesit washing machine, at what price, how to choose?
When choosing a new set of shock absorbers, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- length (in compressed and open form must correspond to the parameters of the dismantled element);
- bushing diameter (even a slight deviation from the original parameters of the dismantled element will not allow a high-quality installation of a new shock absorber);
- load indicator (indicated by the manufacturer on the case, varies from 100N to 150 N);
- shock absorber stiffness (the parameter is indicated by the manufacturer on the body, most often designated as 85N or 80N).
When going to the store, it’s a good idea to take an old part with you as a sample. This will help avoid selection mistakes.
If shock absorbers are ordered on specialized websites, the seller must inform the make and model of the washing machine, the year of its manufacture and all the parameters that can be found on the old part. The more information is provided, the greater the chance of finding parts identical to the original.
The cost of a pair of shock absorbers varies from 450 rubles. up to 1500 rub.
The device of shock absorbers and dampers of the washing machine
The friction shock absorber (1) is designed for centrifugal drum washing machines. The shock absorber contains a housing (2) and a movable pusher (4) installed in it parallel to its longitudinal axis (2a) and removed from the housing (2); at its end, located in the housing (2), a friction lining is movably installed. The friction lining (8) or the body carrying the friction lining (8) is equipped with an installation socket (22) for receiving a spacer (23). The friction lining (8) is movably mounted on the pusher (4), the guide element (20) is pre-tensioned between the friction lining (8) and the guide surface or sliding surface (21) matched with it, and a spacer (23) is provided. to establish a frictionally effective geometric parameter (24) and/or to tension the friction lining (8) to influence the frictional force between the friction lining and the matched sliding surface. The spacer (23) is made in the form of a fixing or fastening element of the guide element (20) matched with the friction lining (8). 2 n. and 21 salary f-ly, 9 ill.
Link to source of schematic description: https://findpatent.ru/patent/248/2486299.html
Each damper operates due to the resistance that arises during the mutual movement of its components. Most shock absorbers have a classic configuration and consist of a fixed body, a cylinder and a movable rod (piston) that runs in the cylinder.
Various polymer and rubber gaskets (O-rings) lubricated with a special lubricant are installed on the rod or inside the body, ensuring tight interaction of the surfaces. The damper body is attached to the bottom of the machine through a special silent block (rubber-metal hinge), and the rod is connected to the tank of the machine. To ensure longitudinal movement, both parts are secured using sliding metal pins, and the pin itself is secured against axial displacement with keys of various types.
Shock absorbers in different models of washing machines may differ:
- Dimensions (length, width);
- Material (plastic, metal);
- Shape and type of fastening.
For example, dampers for the Candy washing machine have a rather specific housing mount. It is fastened with rivets to the bottom of the unit, and the rod is attached to the tank through a bushing using a bolt.
Dampers for Bosch washing machines have a durable plastic body and a cylinder with a metal base. They are attached to the drum with a bolt through a metal rubberized bushing, and to the body through a polymer bushing with a plastic pin.
How much does a master's service cost?
A professional service center technician can quickly solve the problem of failed parts . On the Internet it is not difficult to find the coordinates of companies servicing Indesit equipment.
When filling out an application, you must indicate the brand and model of the washing machine, describe the problem in detail, and agree on the time of the technician’s arrival.
The cost of the service is determined by a number of factors:
- Efficiency of order fulfillment (additional payment for urgency is possible).
- Model and production date of the washing machine (determines the difficulty of disassembly).
- The cost of a new spare part (the original part is more expensive).
The repair estimate usually includes:
- disassembling the washing machine,
- dismantling old and installing new shock absorbers,
- assembly and testing of equipment after repair.
The specialist will announce the full cost of repair work only after inspecting the household appliances and fully diagnosing the fault. Demanding full payment even before the start of repairs is a reason to refuse the services of a specialist (the risks of fraud are high).
It is also necessary to remember that after the repair, the service center master is obliged to issue a document - a Certificate of Work Completed with a complete list and cost of services provided, and a guarantee for the replaced part.
The average cost of replacing a pair of shock absorbers in an Indesit washing machine is 2,200 rubles.
A lot of important and useful information about repairing Indesit washing machines is presented in this section.
Call the master
In the event that it is not possible to replace Bosch shock absorbers with new ones on your own, you can call a specialist. It is best to contact companies that have been operating in the market for a long time and provide high-level repair services for washing equipment. This can be judged by positive customer reviews. This will allow you to trust your equipment to the pros and not fall for scammers.
The cost of the master’s work depends on the company’s price list and the volume of work performed. If, in addition to replacing the shock absorber, other repairs need to be carried out, the cost will be higher. The average price in the capital is from 1,300 rubles. The price of replacement parts is paid separately.
After the new shock absorbers are installed, the technician performs a test run of the work and provides a guarantee for the repairs performed.
