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Like any other appliance, the washing machine is subject to a number of breakdowns. Most often, users are interested in how to remove the sealing gum from the washing machine drum.
Next, we will look into this, tell you how to replace it or access other components of the SMA.
Purpose of sealing gum
In any model of a washing machine, the rubber band performs the same function – it serves as a sealant. It reliably isolates the space between the body and the tank. If the integrity of this part is violated, then water can leak onto the electrician – the control board.
The second rubber band – the one you see daily – is on the door. It prevents water from spilling out of the drum and prevents a short circuit.
When to remove the seal
Usually, removing the old and installing a new cuff is needed in such situations:
- The rubber has served its useful life.
- The cuff received mechanical damage.
The rubber seal breaks, as a rule, in such cases:
- Washing powders of low quality were chosen.
- The drum often contains hard and heavy items such as shoes or jackets.
- Inaccurate loading of things.
- Washing temperature too high.
- Keys, coins and other items that can damage the elastic have fallen out of the clothes into the drum.
To understand that the seal is no longer usable, take a closer look at your SM. There are a lot of “symptoms” that indicate a violation of the integrity of the rubber cuff:
- You found water under or near the machine.
- When washing, you can hear sounds uncharacteristic of SMA.
If a crack is heard, then it is very dangerous! Turn off the machine, drain the water, and replace the rubber band to avoid shorting.
- More difficult than usual, the hatch closes.
Further repair consists in dismantling the gum. Next, we will tell you how to remove the cuff and not confuse anything.
Removing the clamp
Before removing the elastic band from the washing machine, buy a new original cuff in advance that matches the model of your CMA.
Important! You can buy a cuff in a service center, in a specialized store and even on the Internet. The main thing is that the part is original and fits your SM model. The new rubber should feel soft to the touch. Also, a high-quality new elastic band bends well.
Prepare for renovation:
- Disconnect the machine from electricity.
- Arm yourself with two screwdrivers: “plus” and “minus”.
At the first stage of dismantling the rubber seal, you will have to remove the clamp holding it. It can be made of either metal (in the form of a thin wire) or plastic. The clamp is removed, regardless of the model of the machine, always the same:
- Locate the latch or clamp spring. It can be located at the bottom of the hatch or on the side – where the blocker is located.
- Take a minus screwdriver, pull back the spring by loosening it.
- If there is also a screw, take a second screwdriver and unscrew it.
- The plastic strap is held in place by latches – they will easily open when you pull it towards you.
- Pry the ring with a thin screwdriver and remove it.
- Now you can remove the cuff by tucking it into the side of the drum – this way you can remove it without damaging it.
If you removed the cuff to get to other parts of the body, and are going to put it back in place later, pay attention to one important nuance. There are small triangular marks on the elastic and the drum. They must match.
If there is no one mark, draw it yourself – this way you will assemble the structure correctly.
Removing the front panel
In order to remove the gum from the drum of the washing machine completely, you need to disassemble the facade. It’s easy if you follow our recommendations:
- Unscrew the fasteners on the back of the machine, remove the top cover.
- Remove the detergent dispenser – under it you will find other bolts that hold the front panel.
- Taking a thin screwdriver, bend the latches of the control unit, remove and place it on top of the case.
- Also remove the bottom panel (where the drain filter is).
- Walk around the perimeter of the front panel to unscrew the fasteners holding it.
- Now you can pull the wall towards you, thereby providing access to the inside of the seal.
Attention! In brands such as AEG, Samsung or Indesit, you can not remove the front of the machine. It is enough that you simply unscrew and remove the top cover.
Complete dismantling
In order for the sealing gum to be in your hands, you will have to remove its back from the hatch. There is another clamp, which is removed in the same way as the outer one.
Use a flathead screwdriver and quickly remove the mount. After that, you can easily remove the seal for repair or replacement.
If you have an AEG brand washing machine, this video will come to the rescue: