Checking shock absorbers on an Indesit washing machine
Often, the breakdown of large household appliances can be determined with the naked eye. If your “home assistant” begins to make strange sounds, jump, and vibrate excessively while working, then there is clearly something wrong with her. Most likely, this means that you first need to check the shock absorbers on the Indesit washing machine, and then replace or restore them. We will analyze in detail what to do for this.
We dismantle suspicious parts
The main thing is not to rush into repairs and purchase new spare parts, because first of all you need to make sure that the problem really arose due to faulty shock absorbers. This can be done during partial dismantling of the washing machine, which can be easily done on your own if you follow our instructions.
Due to the fact that the dampers are located at the bottom of the washing machine directly under the tank, the easiest way to get to them is through the bottom of the device. To do this, you need to disconnect household appliances from all communications and carefully place them on their sides. The shock absorbers are held in place using special plastic holders at the ends of the struts, which should be removed with pliers. If you are unable to loosen the parts, try lubricating them with a technical lubricant, such as WD-40, first.
Be sure to take safety precautions when removing and inspecting shock absorbers. Do not press too hard on the fasteners, do not use a hammer or other heavy tools, plus, handle the internal components of the system carefully so as not to accidentally damage the racks, as well as parts that are located nearby, for example, plastic tank. To understand that the shock absorbers are faulty, you need to perform the following steps:
take the stand in your hands;
gently press the rod;
try to pull it out of the part body;
The stand must create tension, the strength of which you should determine.
Under normal circumstances, compression should occur at an average gain of 8 to 10 kilograms.
When the rod slides without visible obstacles or even flies out of the body, this means that the element is damaged. In this state, it can no longer effectively combat vibration, so the user of such a washing machine risks damaging not only expensive equipment, but also the floor covering, as well as objects located near the machine.
Additionally, you should examine the struts themselves, paying close attention to the piston, as well as the presence of shock-absorbing lubricant. The absence of technical fluid is an indication that the unit is worn out and therefore needs to be restored. The same can be said if traces of rust are detected, which should not be in the shock-absorbing system.
Replacing a faulty shock absorber
If you have carefully checked the shock absorber unit and found that it can no longer work properly, then you need to proceed with replacement. It is best to purchase original spare parts, because they may cost more, but they last much longer. In addition, this will avoid problems with finding a part that fits the size.
If you don’t want to wait a long time for the original, or for some reason you couldn’t find it, then you can buy a damper from a washing machine of another brand. In this situation, it is necessary that the element has similar dimensions, the same type of fastening and suitable resistance.
It is very important that the part matches its dimensions. Be sure to measure the length between the fastening axes, not only in the compressed state, but also in the free position.
Next, it is important to make sure that the fasteners fit your machine. Fastening can be in the form of latches, plastic pins or bolts.
Finally, you need to check the resistance, which should be between 80 and 120H. This point can be checked using an old shock absorber, the body of which should be carefully inspected in order to find out the indicators indicated on it.
After purchasing a new unit, all that remains is to install it in place of the failed one. After replacement, be sure to reassemble the “home assistant” in the reverse order and use an idle operating cycle to make sure that the problem with extraneous sounds and excessive vibration has been solved.
Or maybe it would be better to repair the shock absorber?
Users do not always change shock absorbers, often trying to restore them. This makes a certain sense, since you won’t have to spend either time or money searching for an original spare part. At the same time, there is no guarantee that the problem with the node will not return with renewed vigor soon. If you decide to repair the element instead of replacing it at your own risk, then follow our instructions.
Measure the diameter of the sleeve hole, for which you will need a caliper.
According to your measurements, cut a piece of rubber, the thickness of which should be at least 3 millimeters. Alternatively, you can use a brake pad or a piece of old leather belt.
Install the resulting piece instead of the seal removed from the part. Make sure that the edges of the gasket you are replacing meet.
Lubricate the part generously with technical lubricant.
Install the damper rod into the seat.
The part must be lubricated right before placing the rod. It is necessary to use only those lubricants that are highly resistant to elevated temperature and moisture, as well as having excellent viscosity.
How will we lubricate the damper?
It is not enough to properly diagnose household appliances, disassemble them, remove the damaged damper, and then replace it with a new one. You should also secure the result with high-quality lubricant, which is no less important than the part itself. As an example of an incorrect one, we can name Solidol and the common WD-40, which will not work in this situation. We list good options that can be used to process the damper.
Damping lubricant PMS – 250000. It was developed to create viscous friction when adjusting the tension of tape recorders, tonearm microlifts on vinyl record players, as well as for cassette mechanisms. At the same time, it is perfect for lubricating dampers in the washing machine. The product can be found in small packages, which, despite their size, are enough for several uses. Also worth highlighting as an advantage is the absence of a pungent odor.
Damping lubricant PMS – 600000. Improved formula of the previous copy from our top. It is characterized by increased viscosity, due to which it ensures even smoother movement of elements, even more effective elimination of extraneous sounds, plus, it increases the service life of lubricated parts. This lubricant is usually used for tape recorders, doors and furniture, but it is also perfect for automatic control systems.
Silicone lubricant Silicon-Fett brand LIQUI MOLY.Another product that was not originally made for Indesit washing machines, but is perfectly suitable for them. At service stations it is used for application to contact areas with plastic and rubber, various joints, guides and connections in cars. At home, it can be used to treat seats, door hinges, rods and parts of large household appliances to eliminate squeaks and protect components not only from drying out, but also from direct sunlight. The lubricant is sold in small packages of 0.1 and 0.05 liters, it is securely fixed, prevents moisture from entering, is not afraid of low and high temperatures, and also increases the service life of treated parts.
Silicone grease MS SPORT VMPAUTO with fluoroplastic. Effectively protects components from moisture, electricity, ultraviolet radiation, dirt and strong friction. The product is securely fixed, can withstand temperatures from -50 to +230 degrees Celsius, has a safe, non-toxic composition, does not deform and does not leave any marks. Designed not only for “home helpers”, but also for cars, sports and travel equipment, pneumatic weapons and much more. The product is manufactured in the Russian Federation and is distributed in 400 gram packages.
You can lubricate dampers in washing machines not only with the indicated means - the main thing is that the lubricant has a waterproof silicone-based composition, plus it provides reliable protection against friction.
Never skip the last step of replacing damaged shock absorbers. Treatment with high-quality lubricant extends the life of the dampers, preventing them from wearing out prematurely.
Often, the breakdown of large household appliances can be determined with the naked eye. If your “home assistant” begins to make strange sounds, jump, and vibrate excessively while working, then there is clearly something wrong with her. Most likely, this means that you first need to check the shock absorbers on the Indesit washing machine, and then replace or restore them. We will analyze in detail what to do for this.
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