How to replace the washing machine activator with your own hands

In this article, we will look at what to do if the activator is worn out. How to remove it from the washing machine and replace it in accordance with all the rules so that the semi-automatic machine continues to serve like new.

Activator washing machines are relatively simple, but their parts wear out as often as those of automatic machines.

Functions and purpose of the activator

The activator is a disk located on the side of the wall or at the bottom of the tank, which rotates during washing and mixes the laundry, “activates” the wash. There are small vanes on the outside of this plastic disc.

Activators may differ in size and design, but the task is the same – to move the laundry in the tank.

Modern washing machines also have an activator installed inside the drum. It is called a “rib breaker” and looks like a barrier. His tasks are similar – to break up lumps of laundry and shake it so that the quality of washing is as high as possible.

Another purpose is an additional stiffener.

Horizontal and vertical arrangement

There are two types of machines: with vertical and horizontal activator. The activator of the semi-automatic washing machine, in which there is an additional wringing tank, also has a horizontal arrangement.

When disassembling such machines, there are a lot of technical nuances. Let’s consider each case separately.

CM-1

Among these cars you can find such brands:

• “Baby”;
• “Samara”;
• “Rejoicing”.

Before removing the semi-automatic washing machine activator, disassemble it. To do this, you need to make a key with which you can unscrew the part.

Why do you need a key and why can’t you buy it? It’s hard to explain, but the Soviet manufacturers designed the machine so that each activator needed an individual key. Thankfully, it’s easy to make.

Let’s consider everything using the example of the common brand “Baby”. Take:

• pipe (15 cm longer than the diameter of the activator body);
• drill 6 mm;
• 2 bolt;
• 2 nuts.

Drill 2 holes in the pipe 95 mm apart. Insert the bolts there so that another 1-1,5 mm are visible on the other side, secure with nuts.

Now with this “key” you can remove the activator.

Remove the part in the following order:

• Remove the plug from the side of the machine.
• Turn the activator by hand so that the holes in the impeller and housing match.
• Block the motor rotor with a screwdriver.
• Insert a hand-made key into the activator body and carefully unscrew the part.

Attention! Where to turn – to the right or to the left – is not known for certain. It all depends on the brand and model of the washer.

After you have removed the old activator, take a new one and assemble the technique in reverse order.

If you removed the activator not to replace a part, but to completely disassemble the case, continue to disassemble. How to disassemble the Baby washing machine, we talked about in previous articles.

CM-1,5

This type includes:

• “Fairy”;
• “Mini-Vyatka”;
• “Ivushka”.

The activator rotates due to a belt drive, as in automatic washing machines. Removing the activator from them is just as easy:

• Switch off the washing machine.
• Loosen the bolts that secure the electric motor.
• Remove the drive belt from the pulley.
• Remove the nut holding the pulley.
• Knock out the stopper.
• Record an activator.

When replacing the washing machine activator, do not forget that there should be a distance of no more than 2 mm between it and the tank, and an axial displacement of no more than 0,5 mm. To adjust the part, lay the washer.

CM-2

Their difference is dimensions and capacity: they can wash up to 1 kg of laundry for 2,5 load. The metal case is painted and has rectangular shapes, and the activator is located on the side. When repairing washing machines of the activator type SM-2, you need to proceed in the following sequence:

1. Unscrew the back cover and set aside.
2. Remove the drive belt.
3. Remove the bolt that secures the pulley.
4. While holding the activator, remove the pulley.
5. Remove the required part.
6. Assemble the washer in reverse order.

Activator + drum

We used to call all automatic or semi-automatic machines that do not have a drum activator. But some Deo models also have a drum.

Consider how to remove the rib of the washing machine drum step by step:

• You don’t need to remove the drum. It is enough just to remove the rim: remove the clamps to the sides and remove.
• Unscrew the nut that holds the activator. The mount is located at the very bottom of the tank, so it will be more convenient to work with a socket wrench.
• After removing the nut, pry the part with a flat screwdriver and remove it with the nut and washer.
• Buy a new original part. Install in place, secure with a nut.

Important! Before you repair your washing machine, find a partner. He will hold the drum while you unscrew the nut so that it does not rotate. It is possible to jam the drum with a bar, but this is not safe for the rotational mechanism.

Rib breaker replacement

If you do not know how to replace the rib breaker, then do not hesitate – even a beginner can do this task. Just follow our guidelines:

• Arm yourself with a stiff wire or spring.
• Bend its tip into a hook.
• Insert the wire into the hole on the rib breaker, push it in and pull it towards you – the part should easily detach from the retainer.

You don’t need a tool to install a new rib breaker:

• Feed the part up a little, and then put the counterpart on the hooks.
• Next, tighten the hooks with an awl, passing it through the holes.

Any of the above works can be carried out without the help of a specialist – with your own hands and without special tools. If in doubt, use the tips from the video: