How to replace the caliper of an Electrolux top-loading washing machine

If you have an old Electrolux vertical washing machine, then changing the caliper on it will be much easier than the bearings on a modern front-loading washing machine. Knowing how to use a screwdriver and wrench, it will be easy to repair the machine yourself. We'll tell you how to fix this problem.

Why is it time to change the caliper?

It is not difficult to understand that the caliper of an Electrolux top-loading washing machine needs to be replaced. A number of characteristic signs indicate such a problem. We are talking about the following “symptoms”:

• Washed items have brown spots and stains (the laundry is stained by grease leaking from the bearing);
• the washing machine makes a lot of noise during operation, you can hear knocking and grinding noises, which intensify during the spin phase;
• the machine vibrates much more than usual (this is due to the resulting play in the bearing);
• The drive belt periodically flies off or breaks (this happens due to cycling of the bearing).

Replacing the caliper cannot be delayed, as this will lead to damage to the Electrolux SMA crosspiece.

If in the case of a front-facing washing machine you have to completely disassemble the machine, take out and “half” the tank in order to change the bearings, then with Electrolux top-loading washing machines everything is much simpler. It will be enough to remove the side walls of the case and unscrew a couple of parts. This will open access to the SMA support.

The bearing is removed in one motion. Afterwards, all that remains is to clean the seat and install new components. Let's figure it out in order.

Changing the caliper yourself

If you begin to notice “symptoms” during operation of the machine that indicate a caliper failure, do not rush to call the service center. The master will charge $100 for the work - but this money can be saved. To change the bearing, you will need a minimum set of tools: a screwdriver or screwdriver, a socket wrench and a special tool for removing the caliper.

During repairs, it is important to follow safety precautions. Therefore, the first thing to do is to turn off the power to the automatic machine by unplugging the power cord from the outlet. Next, the washing machine is disconnected from the house communications and moved away from the wall. It is necessary to ensure free access to all sides of the device housing.

The complete instructions for action will be as follows:

• disconnect the washing machine from the power supply;
• close the shut-off valve in front of the MCA;
• unhook the drain and inlet hoses from the body;
• pull out the machine so that you can access it from all sides;
• Use a screwdriver or screwdriver to unscrew the bolts holding the side walls of the case;
• dismantle the left and right walls, move them to the side;
• remove the drive belt from the pulley;
• Use a socket wrench to unscrew the pulley mounting bolt;
• remove the drum pulley from the axle;
• twist the bolt securing the axle to the caliper on the other side of the tank;
• remove the bolts securing the counterweight;
• remove the weight block from the tank;
• loosen the caliper (this will require a special wrench, as in the picture).

If the caliper is stuck to the seat, treat the element with WD-40 before dismantling it.

Further algorithm of actions:

• remove the bearing and old rubber seal;
• remove dirt accumulated on the tank shaft with a damp cloth;
• clean the shaft and the area around it from rust;
• liberally treat the seat with special lubricant (it comes complete with the caliper);
• put the oil seal on the shaft (make sure that the sealing rubber “sits” tightly, otherwise it will let water through);
• put the caliper in place and tighten the element using a special key;
• secure the caliper mounting bolt;
• screw the grounding connection (there is a separate connector for this);
• replace the drum pulley and counterweight;
• Pull the drive belt over the drum wheel and engine pulley.

After this, the body of the vertical Electrolux machine is assembled - the side walls are put in place. Then you need to check how the washing machine works - to do this, run a test cycle without laundry in the drum. See that the SMA does not rattle or leak. If the “home assistant” completes the program without problems, the repair can be considered completed.

If the belt constantly falls off, then it is recommended to simultaneously change the rubber band along with the caliper. A stretched strap will fall off even after installing a new bearing. Therefore, it is better to solve this problem immediately.

A new caliper and rubber seal are purchased for a specific SMA model. To repair an Electrolux washing machine, it is better to purchase original components. You can order parts online from direct suppliers.

Thus, you can change the caliper on an Electrolux vertical in literally half an hour. No special knowledge is required. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions for action and select the appropriate components.

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