How to change the hatch handle of a Zanussi washing machine?

After completing the operating cycle, the hatch of the Zanussi washing machine remains closed for a few more minutes. Impatient users often try to open it as quickly as possible, and the plastic element of the handle, already subject to regular stress, cannot withstand excessive mechanical stress. In such a situation, you cannot do without replacing the Zanussi washing machine door handle. But you don’t have to call a specialist to do this—with our instructions, you can handle the problem yourself.

Getting rid of blocking

The main difficulty during repairs is opening the hatch and removing things from the drum. If trouble happens during washing, for example, when you decide to switch the mode or remove the laundry ahead of time, do not panic and take your time. Wait for the cycle to complete as usual. And then you will have to get to the lock through the top or bottom of the washing machine. To open the hatch through the top of the equipment, you must:

• unscrew the screws holding the top panel;
• remove the cover;
• tilt the unit slightly back (thereby slightly moving the drum);
• Stick your hand into the hole formed, find and open the hook (use a thin and short screwdriver or an awl to displace the latch on the UBL).

A similar procedure can be carried out through the lower part of the equipment (if available). Open the bottom of the washer and unlock the lock. Another way: take a rope and thread it through the gap between the body and the machine door on the latch side. Then pull the two ends of the rope towards you and the door will open. If the handle is partially broken, you can try to open it with pliers.

Removing broken elements

After opening the door, they begin to remove the broken part. There is no point in repairing fragile plastic; you need to immediately buy a new handle. You can purchase a spare part at any specialized store by telling the manager the make and model of the SMA. The sequence of actions during dismantling will look like this:

• close the water supply tap, turn off the power to the equipment;
• open the hatch and unscrew the two screws holding it in place;
• place the hatch glass up on the floor;
• unscrew the fasteners connecting the halves of the door;
• Find the latches around the circumference of the door and release them with a screwdriver;
• remove the door top and glass.
• Find the pin connecting the entire lock structure. Push it in with a thin screwdriver and pull it out. The remaining parts are much easier to disassemble and remove.

Important! Take a photo of the exposed inner part - this will help you avoid mistakes during subsequent assembly, or remember where the glass is tilted and where the hook is located.

To understand the assembly, you need to know what the hatch handle consists of: a plastic part, a pin, a latch and a spring. After dismantling the entire mechanism, you can install a new part. You need to understand that even if a small part of the handle is broken, the mechanism must be completely replaced.

Installation of a new mechanism

You need to put the handle in place very carefully. First, place the spring, and on the side of it - a fixing element. Holding the parts, proceed to install the pin: insert it into one ear of the spring. Place the new handle onto the retainer and push the pin all the way in.

The last stage of repair is assembling the hatch. The glass is placed under the handle, then the outer part of the door is placed. Snap the clamps into place and screw in the screws connecting the two halves of the hatch. Now the hatch can be put back on the Zanussi SMA.

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