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Despite the fact that the washing machine is constantly in contact with water, there are parts in it that should not get wet. To a large extent, this applies to drum bearings, which wear out quickly when grease is washed out. The bearing is protected from water penetration by an oil seal – a hermetic seal.
Some users are wondering: do I need to lubricate the oil seal of the washing machine? Let’s figure it out.
Why you need to lubricate the oil seal in the washing machine
To begin with, consider the device and the principle of operation of the stuffing box. Not a single washer is complete without this detail.
This sealing rubber ring serves to protect the bearing at the joints from water. For high-quality sealing, the gland of the washing machine tank should sit as tightly as possible. That is why it is recommended to replace it at the same time as the bearings.
A metal sleeve passes through the central axis of the tank, which, when rotated, contributes to the wear of the stuffing box. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to use a water-repellent grease for oil seals.
Which grease for oil seals to choose
Some users use folk remedies such as oil or fat. Of course, this seems to be more cost-effective, since grease that meets all standards is expensive.
Dear users! Don’t forget: saving on lubrication, you reduce the life of the oil seal. Subsequently, you will have to spend money on new parts and replace them.
Before replacing the oil seal, let’s figure out which lubricant to choose.
Properties that a lubricant should have:
- Moisture repellent.
- Without aggressive chemical components. Otherwise, under their influence, machine parts will be destroyed.
- Resistant to temperature extremes.
- Viscosity – for long service life.
Experts recommend using LIQUI MOLY “Silicon-Fett” silicone water-repellent grease for oil seals. It is able to withstand temperatures from -40°C to +200°C. It is considered the most effective of all presented.
Other means are also popular. What else can lubricate the oil seal in the washing machine, read below.
Anderol for washing machines
Italian-made grease has a neutral chemical composition, water-repellent properties. Withstands temperatures up to +190°C. Perfectly retains its properties when heated. Suitable for all types of seals.
Ambligon
Ambligon – grease for oil seals from an Italian manufacturer. The product perfectly retains its properties when exposed to temperatures from -28 to +192°C. It is water repellent and chemically inert. It is packaged both in portions in syringes of 2 ml, and in packs of 100 g.
Litol-24
Multi-purpose grease resistant to water. Unlike non-professional products, it does not harden when heated. Able to withstand temperatures from -40°C to +120°C. Chemically and mechanically stable.
Litol-24M
The agent has a moisture-repellent effect, reliably protecting components from corrosion. Maintains temperatures in the range from -40 °C to +120 °C. Compatible with other lubricants, does not compact in water, mechanically stable.
CIATIM-221
Homogeneous multipurpose grease.
Replacing the oil seal in a washing machine provides that the lubricant must withstand temperature extremes. CIATIM-221 is able to withstand from -60°С to +150°С. It is successfully used in friction units, does not lose its properties during boiling.
However, there are also disadvantages: the lubricant is hygroscopic, therefore, by absorbing moisture, it becomes denser and loses its properties. In addition, it cannot be used together with other means. Chemically inert.
Make your choice and purchase the right lubricant.
Now consider how to change the oil seal.
We make a replacement
Let’s see how you can get to the gland. Here are the step by step steps.
- After disconnecting the machine from the network and communications, drain the remaining water from the drain filter. It is located under the front panel, behind a small hatch.
- Remove the two screws on the back to remove the top panel. Now unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the back panel, set it aside.
- Remove the drive belt from the drum. Having locked the pulley with the hammer handle, unscrew its central bolt and remove it from the tank.
- Disconnect any wiring that may be attached to the drum. It is usually secured with plastic ties, so use wire cutters.
- After disconnecting the motor wiring, unscrew the fixing bolts and pull the electric motor out of the housing. Also unfasten the wires from the heating element.
- Loosen the tank top counterweight bolts. Take it aside.
- Pull out the detergent dispenser by pressing the central latch. Remove all screws holding the control panel. Opening the plastic latches, remove it and place it on top of the case.
- Loosen the clamp on the filling valve and disconnect it from the tank. Pull out the powder hopper with filling valve. To do this, unfasten the wires from the valve and unscrew the fastening bolts from behind.
- Remove the pressure switch hose, which is usually attached to the tank.
- Open the hatch door by bending the sealing rubber, remove the outer clamp. Tuck the cuff inside the tank. Unscrew the screws of the UBL lock by running your hand behind the SMA body, pull out the lock and unfasten the wiring.
- Unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the front panel, pull it up and set it aside.
- Remove the counterweights from the tank by unscrewing the bolts.
- After unscrewing the shock absorbers, remove the tank from the hooks and pull it out.
You’ve done a good job of dismantling the tank. Now let’s figure out how to properly get and put the oil seal in the washing machine.
- Loosen the screws around the tank. Use a screwdriver to release the latches and remove the top half.
- After hitting the sleeve several times, knock the drum out of the tank.
- Remove the seal by prying it out with a screwdriver.
Before properly installing the oil seal, apply grease. Start lubricating the outer surface with a thin layer. After installing the seal in place, use a syringe to apply lubricant to the inner surface.
How to change and lubricate the oil seal, you understand. It remains to assemble the car and enjoy its smooth operation. Video on the topic will help you: