Why does the belt slip off on a washing machine?

The drive belt is an indispensable element in automatic machines equipped with a commutator electric motor. It transmits impulses from the engine to the pulley, thereby spinning the drum. When the elastic band stretches, the operation of the equipment is disrupted.

What to do when the belt on your washing machine comes off? Should you contact a service center or try to repair the equipment yourself? Let's figure out what to do in such a situation.

Why did the drive element come off?

Before buying new components for the washing machine, you should make sure that the problem is definitely in the drive mechanism. The belt comes off the drum for various reasons. The main ones:

• failure by the user to comply with the maximum permissible load weight. If the washer systematically operates under increased load, then after some time the belt will fall off. When the rubber band comes off for the first time, you can put it back on; if the “incident” happens again, you will have to replace the element;
• natural wear and tear. Over time, the rubber band stretches and begins to fly off the pulley. In such a situation, you will have to replace the drive belt;
• weakening of engine fixation. During operation of the machine, due to constant shaking, the fastenings of various components, including the motor, become loose. This will cause the engine to wobble, stretching the belt. The solution to the problem is simple - tighten the element more tightly;
• deformation of the pulley or shaft. You can try to straighten the “wheel”. However, in most cases replacement of parts is required;
• loosening the bolt securing the pulley. In this situation, it is enough to simply tighten the fasteners, and the wheel will stop “dangling”;
• cross defect.If this part connecting the shaft to the housing is damaged, the drive belt will begin to fall off. The solution to the problem is to replace it;
• damage to the bearing unit. Broken bearings provoke a “distortion” of the system, so the belt’s flying off becomes inevitable. In such a situation, you will have to change the rings and seal.

To diagnose the SMA, it is enough to remove the rear wall of the case - this will allow you to inspect all elements of the drive system.

Also, the drive belt may fall off if the washing machine was started for the first time after a long period of inactivity. This is explained by the fact that the elastic band dries out in the absence of work and cracks. The repair will consist of replacing the element.

Should I invite a professional?

You should call a technician to fix the problem if you have neither the time nor the desire to understand the problem. In any case, it is recommended to contact not “home specialists”, but a good service center, because:

• they give a guarantee for the work performed;
• the likelihood that “original” parts will be used for repairs increases.

Large service centers are able to perform repairs to a higher quality, and they also provide a guarantee for all work performed.

You should seek the help of specialists in case of serious problems: a defective crosspiece or damaged bearings. If the belt has deteriorated due to wear, you can tighten a new rubber band with your own hands. Let's tell you how it's done.

Putting the belt in place yourself

To change the belt, you do not need any special knowledge. All that is required is physical strength and some dexterity. The new rubber band is quite tight, and you need to try to put it on the pulley. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• turn off the power to the washing machine;
• disconnect the drain and inlet hoses from the body;
• unscrew a couple of bolts and remove the “top” of the machine by sliding the housing element back;
• remove the screws securing the rear panel of the case, remove the wall;
• pull the belt onto the engine shaft (use a screwdriver to make tension easier);
• put part of the elastic band on the drum pulley, slowly turn the “wheel” to fully tension the belt;
• turn the drum pulley - it should rotate a little tightly;
• check that the belt fits tightly into the grooves;
• Assemble the washer body by replacing the back and top panels.

When purchasing a new belt, be guided by the model of your automatic machine. It is better to purchase “factory” components. You can come to the store with an old rubber band and ask the manager to find an analogue.

The belt may slip off again

Installing a new rubber band does not always help you forget about the problem for a long time. If belt failure recurs within 2-3 months after replacement, in-depth diagnostics of the drive system elements will be required. There is no point in tightening it again; sooner or later the problem will repeat itself.

If the drive belt loses its fixation repeatedly, check to see if the pulley or motor fasteners are loose or if the spider or shaft is deformed.

When it comes to broken bearings, it is necessary to replace the elements as soon as possible. A characteristic “symptom” of a malfunction is a strong noise when the washing machine operates. Rusty smudges on the rear wall of the tank will also indicate problems with the rings and seal.

Often the drive belt falls off due to systematic overload of the MCA. Therefore, it is very important to keep track of how much stuff you put in the drum. Information on how to properly load the machine is in the user manual.

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