How to choose a shock absorber for a washing machine?

How to choose a shock absorber for a washing machine Every washing machine has shock absorbers. These are special devices that support the tank and reduce vibration levels. It happens that over time, damping elements fail and require urgent replacement. It is important to choose the right shock absorber for your washing machine. The easiest way is to remove the old device from the “home assistant” and take it to the store - then the manager will select a similar spare part for you. If components are ordered online, you will have to think for yourself. Let's figure out what characteristics of dampers to pay attention to.

Nuances of selecting shock absorbers

The issue of choosing components for an automatic machine must be approached responsibly. It is important to purchase spare parts that are suitable for your specific washing machine model. The same applies to shock-absorbing elements.

Dampers are special devices designed to reduce vibrations created by a working machine. The principle of their operation is similar to car shock absorbers. Damping elements hold the washing machine tank, preventing it from hitting other internal components and the walls of the housing.

The service life of shock-absorbing elements depends on the intensity of use of the automatic machine and on the number of things placed in the drum at a time.

If you constantly overload the “home assistant”, the shock absorbers will fail much earlier. Therefore, it is so important to strictly adhere to the maximum permissible load weight established by the manufacturer. Indirect “symptoms” indicating problems with shock absorbers are:

noise and creaking emitted during equipment operation;
drum that turns with difficulty;
noticeable play and “skew” of the drum;
excessively “dangling” tank.

To check how the shock absorbers work, remove the top cover of the machine body. Press down firmly on the reservoir and release it quickly. When the dampers are good, the tank will bounce and lock into place. If the tank dangles up and down, it means the springs are not doing their job.

It is not practical to repair shock absorbers. Experts advise immediately purchasing and installing new dampers, especially since their cost is low. You should choose components carefully; we’ll tell you what criteria to focus on.

Typically, washing equipment manufacturers purchase some components from third-party companies. This also applies to shock absorbers. Damping elements produced under the Philco, AKS, and Indesit brands have proven themselves well. When purchasing, you should pay attention to these brands.
If there is no complete analogue of the shock absorber installed on your washing machine, it is quite acceptable to choose a device from another brand with similar characteristics and even at a more attractive price.
When selecting components, pay special attention to the length of the shock absorber. It must exactly match the dampers installed on your machine. If the “travel” of your springs is 180-250 mm, be sure to purchase the same analogue.
The new shock absorber bushing must be the correct size. If the old device has a diameter of 8 mm, then the purchased damper should be similar.
Be sure to look at the spring stiffness. It must correspond to the indicator specified by the manufacturer of the automatic machine.

Experts do not recommend installing shock absorbers of a different hardness in the machine - this can damage the washing machine.

There are a couple more recommendations that will help you choose a shock absorber for your washing machine. So, almost all Samsung washing machines have devices with a length of 155-265 millimeters. The diameter of the sleeve is 10 mm. The manufacturer states the permissible damper stiffness is from 60N to 100N. The only exceptions will be short “springs” with an indicator of 40 Newtons. shock absorber for Electrolux car

Bosch Maxx machines, as well as similar washing machines from Siemens, Gagenau, Neff, are equipped with shock-absorbing elements with a hardness of 90 Newtons and a working length of 170-250 millimeters. Ready-made repair kits are sold for these machines, which is quite convenient.

The damping elements of LG washing machines are similar. These are shock absorbers with a length of 180-278 mm, with a bushing size of 11 mm. The permissible rigidity of devices varies from 80 to 120 Newtons. In fact, choosing replacement shock absorbers is not that difficult. The main thing is to know the model of the washing machine and its serial number. It is also advisable to dismantle the old damper and see if there are any markings on it.

Removing failed shock absorbers

To restore the washing machine, worn out dampers will have to be replaced. To remove the old shock absorbers, you need to remove the front wall of the automatic machine. You can do the work yourself. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

de-energize the equipment;
turn off the tap responsible for supplying water to the system;
unhook the inlet hose from the body;
Unscrew the pair of screws holding the top panel of the washing machine, remove the cover to the side;
remove the powder receptacle from the “hopper”;
unscrew the bolts holding the control panel and remove the latches that secure it;
take a photo of the diagram for connecting the wires to the “tidy” so as not to make a mistake when reassembling;
reset the contacts and disconnect the control panel from the case;
open the hatch and remove the outer collar of the drum cuff;
tuck the rubber seal inside the machine;
remove the bolts holding the hatch locking device;
remove the lock;
remove the lower false panel by releasing its latches;
Unscrew the bolts securing the front wall of the case and remove it.

Now you can see the dampers - they are located under the tank. Typically the devices are secured with two bolts. To dismantle the shock absorbers, you must:

put the nut on the back of the rod mounting. This is necessary to disarm the latch;
grab the stem with pliers and gently pull it in your direction;
Unscrew the bolt from below.

To install a new shock absorber, these steps must be performed in reverse order. Then reassemble the machine and run a test wash. Observe the work of the “home assistant” - the signs of malfunction should disappear.