How to replace a washing machine pulley with your own hands

Often you can determine the breakdown of the washing machine by external signs or by the error code on the display. However, pulley failure is quite rare. How to identify and eliminate it with your own hands?

We offer a step by step guide to repair a pulley on a washing machine.

Signs and causes of breakdown

Let’s figure out what a pulley is and what it is for. The part looks like a wheel made of steel or other materials. The element is attached to the drum shaft with a special bolt in the center.

There is also a CMA engine pulley.

The principle of their work is interaction. With the help of a drive belt, the motor pulley transmits rotation to the drum pulley. The latter rotates with the drum, allowing you to start the washing process. It is clear that if the parts are faulty, the washing machine will not be able to work.

The size of the pulley directly affects the number of revolutions of the drum. That is why different models of machines with the same components have different performance characteristics.

How to understand that there is a problem

Before we learn how to remove the pulley from the washing machine drum, let’s see if it really is the problem.

Are you having problems with your washing machine if:

• The drive belt constantly flies, breaks, quickly stretches.
• After replacing the belt still continues to fall off.

Unscrupulous manufacturers use fake parts when assembling a machine. Therefore, a poor-quality pulley may have sharp edges that contribute to the rapid grinding of the belt.

Self check

Unfortunately, there is no other way to diagnose a malfunction yet, like partial disassembly of the machine.

Unplug the washer from the mains, turn off the water supply. To remove the rear panel, unscrew the inlet hose, drain the water from it.

• Armed with a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the rear panel.
• Take it off and set it aside.

• Inspect the drive belt, which is located immediately behind the cover.
• If nothing is noticeable at first glance, remove the belt. To do this, pull it towards you while turning the pulley.

• Feel the belt with your hands, carefully inspect for wear.

Now inspect the pulley: often loose fasteners become the cause of the malfunction. The central fastening bolt is loosened, which leads to unstable operation, the belt falls off. In this case, it is enough to tighten the bolt with a wrench and apply a fastening adhesive or sealant.

Also, the part could crack due to physical wear. In addition to problems with the belt, the user may notice noise and tapping during operation of the CM. The same signs are observed when the part is deformed.

Sequence of work

If you are convinced of the malfunction, proceed to replace the part. Some users are interested in how to put a pulley on a keyed shaft. Such an installation is carried out in a similar way, just a key allows you to additionally hold it on the shaft.

• Install a wooden block as shown in the photo to restrict its movement.

• Using a wrench, try to unscrew the center bolt. Often it sits very tightly, so additional funds will be needed.

• Heat the bolt with a blowtorch, additionally use WD-40. Wait for the lubricant to take effect.
• Now use the key again and unscrew the bolt.

• Pull the part towards you and remove it from the shaft.

Replacement is carried out in a similar manner. When installing, lubricate the bolt with sealant for reliability.

After installation, you need to inspect the washer motor pulley. Dismantling it is a little more difficult for a novice master.

First, remove the engine:

• After marking the location of the wires, disconnect all wiring connectors.
• Unscrew the mounting bolts.

• Swinging the engine, pull it out of the machine body.

Before removing the pulley from the washing machine motor, prepare a puller that can be used to remove the bearings and a blowtorch (gas burner). Get to work:

1. Grab the engine pulley with a puller.
2. Turn on the soldering iron (burner) and heat the part, but not red-hot.
3. During the heating process, tighten the part with a puller until it is removed.

Now the question is: how to fix the pulley on the motor shaft? Do the same:

• Clamp the new element with pliers, heat it with a burner.

• Put on the motor shaft.

If you do not know how to fix the pulley on the shaft, do the following:

• While it has not cooled down, fix it on the shaft. To do this, use a metal rod and a hammer.
• Apply blows with light movements so as not to deform the part.

After the element has cooled, it will tightly cover the motor shaft.

Now you need to install the electric motor in place, fix the back panel and test the operation of the washer.

Now you know how to attach the pulley to the motor shaft. Visual repair on video: