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The design of modern washing machines involves the presence of parts that reduce noise and vibration. The tank is damped by a spring damper and shock absorber. If the machine starts to work too noisily, vibrate and sway when washing, then these parts are out of order.
The article will discuss how to change shock absorbers and dampers. We will walk through the entire replacement process step by step and give valuable recommendations with photos and videos.
Shock absorbers: functions and structure
Immediately, we note that shock absorbers in different models can have cardinal differences. But in general, their design is as follows:
- cylinder;
- piston;
- return spring;
- stock;
- fixing bushings and inserts in shock absorber springs;
- gasket between cylinder and piston.
As we have already said, the task of the shock absorber in the SMA is to dampen the vibrations of the tank. The vibration-damping effect is achieved by the movement of the piston, which is located inside the cylinder.
The gasket is impregnated with a lubricant that does not dry out. When the tank oscillates, the piston enters the cylinder, damping the vibration. A damper spring brings the piston to its original position.
In addition to the grease that impregnates the tab, vibration is dampened by specially provided holes in the piston. Through them, air passes from one part of the piston to another and back.
Important! In order for the washing machine to work without breakdowns, the force in the shock absorber must be stable. Several shock absorber nodes are responsible for maintaining stability at once. That is why the masters are not advised to undertake the repair of this part. It’s easier to throw away the old one and buy a new one.
Replacing shock absorbers
These parts differ from each other by the type of fixation. Some are mounted strictly vertically, others – slightly at an angle. On the one hand, the shock absorber is attached to the tank, on the other hand, like the damper, it is attached to the body.
Sometimes these parts are attached with a stem. In this case, in order to replace the defective part, you need to disassemble the entire washing machine and remove the tank. Here the complexity of the work depends on your SMA model.
As we have already said, shock absorbers are not repairable, therefore, if you have disassembled the part and come to the conclusion that the shock absorber spring has burst, you can, of course, change it. But whether you will find it on sale is another question. Moreover, you may need an insert in the shock absorber spring and other parts.
If you decide to replace the shock absorbers, use the information from the video:
Damper: construction
By design, it is not much different from the part described above.
As for the damping of tank vibrations, the dampers have much better performance in this part. They are more reliable because the springs that return the piston to its place are located outside. Often a broken damper can be repaired in the event of a breakdown, which cannot be said about shock absorbers.
They are located in pairs below and perform two functions at once:
- Support tank.
- Quench the fluctuating baka.
In such designs, the tank is fixed on top with two more additional springs.
Repair and replacement of a damper with a pressed insert
These dampers are ubiquitous and are used by many manufacturers of washing machines.
The damper dampens vibrations due to the friction of the piston, which is tightly clamped with liners. The inserts are clamped using a bracket, the design of which resembles the letter “P”. The latter is fixed inside the SM with a special gasket.
It happens that the strength of the fit of such liners noticeably weakens. Vibrations are suppressed worse and worse, but the replacement of the damper is not required – repairs will help.
If the vibrations become stronger, you need to clamp the bracket tighter or replace the liners, if they are worn out:
- Unscrew the 4 fasteners that secure the bracket.
- Remove the bracket.
- Unfold the “whiskers” of the part.
- Remove old liners.
- Install new ones.
- Reassemble the damper.
Replacement Features
The dampers are provided with specialized holes on which they are attached.
The fixing elements are most often bolts. Removing such bolts, like any fasteners, is not difficult. By doing this, you can easily remove the broken part and install a new one in its place.
In this video, a UK technician shows how to change the damper by working through the bottom of the washing machine. If you are the owner of a similar model, then do the same:
Springs: appointment, replacement
The spring of the washing machine tank is paired with the same spring at the top of the washing machine body. This complex holds the tank and returns it to its original position.
The return spring has two ends, each of which has a hook. On one side, the spring is hooked to the CMA body, the other hook holds the tank. Breakage of the springs usually occurs near the mount. To remove the spring, it is not necessary to follow a strict sequence – you can disconnect it first from the body, and then from the tank, or vice versa – it does not matter.
Before you replace the spring, you need to decide how you will remove the defective part.
You can remove it through the attachment point to the tank. For this you need:
- Remove top panel.
- Raise the tank as high as possible and lock in this position. For fixing, you can use wooden blocks.
- Pull the spring towards the tank.
- Take the pliers and unhook the spring from the tank.
- The last thing to do is to disconnect the part from the body of the machine.
You can also remove the spring through the top of the machine:
- The first two steps are the same as those listed above.
- While holding the spring with your hand, pry out the fastening hook with a thin screwdriver.
- Detach the spring from the body.
- Take it to the side and unhook it from below.
Attention! If some details interfere with you, you will have to remove them.
Often we are asked how to replace the spring. If you act according to science and hope that the machine will work longer, it is better to change the spring to the original part.
We wish you a successful renovation. Successfully replace the springs, dampers or shock absorbers and the machine will run as quietly as it did when you bought it.