How to replace springs, shock absorbers, and dampers in a washing machine

Washing machines are designed with vibration-reducing and shock-absorbing components. Like all other parts, they wear out over time. If you need to repair or replace them, you first need to understand how they work. This is where we'll begin this article.

Shock absorber device

The design features of washing machine shock absorbers designed for use in different washing machine models can vary significantly. However, they all include the following key components:

1. Cylinder, piston,
2. return spring,
3. stock,
4. bushings and inserts for fixation,
5. a gasket located between the cylinder and the piston.

The main purpose of a washing machine shock absorber is to reduce vibration in the washing machine's drum. This dampening effect is achieved by the movement of a piston within a cylindrical shell. The gasket located between the piston and the cylinder is generously lubricated with a special non-drying lubricant. When the drum vibrates, the piston is pressed into the cylinder, reducing vibration. A spring then returns it to its original position.

In addition to the special high-friction lubricant that saturates the gasket, vibration reduction is aided by holes in the piston structure. These allow air to move from one side of the piston to the other and back again.

For a washing machine to function properly, it's necessary to maintain a stable force in the shock absorber. Several parts of the shock absorber are responsible for maintaining this. That's why we don't recommend repairing a damaged shock absorber. It's easier to dispose of it and replace it with a working one. Furthermore, individual shock absorber parts for washing machines are not available for purchase.

Structure of dampers

Dampers are similar in design to washing machine shock absorbers. However, they are more effective at reducing drum vibrations and are more reliable. This is because the springs that return the piston to its original position are located on the outside of the damper. Furthermore, in some cases, they can be repaired or restored after failure. In a washing machine, two dampers are located at the bottom of the machine. Their purpose is to support the drum and dampen its vibrations. Two springs secure the drum at the top.

Pressed-In Bearing Dampers - How to Repair and Replace

This type of damper is one of the most common. It is used in many washing machine models. In dampers with pressed liners, the vibration force of the drum is reduced by the friction of the piston and the liners pressed tightly against it. The liners are clamped with a special U-shaped bracket, which is attached to the inside of the washing machine using a gasket.

Sometimes the bearing clamping force weakens, and then the damper becomes less effective at dampening vibrations.

In this situation, you need to tighten the springy parts of the U-shaped bracket. Over time, the inserts can wear out, and in this case, they need to be replaced. To replace them, we need to remove the four screws that secure the bracket to the washing machine and remove the part. Then, we need to bend the "whiskers" of the bracket.

It's not always possible to do this manually, as many people simply lack the strength. Therefore, you can try to secure the bracket with your foot. Use both hands to spread the springy "whiskers." After that, remove the worn bushings and replace them with new ones. Now all that's left to do is reassemble the damper.

Replacing washing machine springs

The springs are attached to the top of the washing machine body. They hold the machine's drum and, if necessary, return it to its original position. The return spring has two ends. Each end has a hook. This hook secures it to the drum and the appliance body. Most often, the spring breaks near the attachment point. To replace a broken spring, it must be removed. It can be removed either from the top of the appliance body or from the connection to the drum. Both options are acceptable.

In order to change the spring through the attachment point with the tank, we will need:

1. Remove the top part of the washing machine body.
2. Raise the machine's drum as high as possible and secure it in place. You can secure it by placing a sturdy object underneath it, such as a wooden block.
3. With one hand, pull the spring toward the tank. With the other hand, use pliers to release the spring.
4. Now all we have to do is detach the spring where it connects to the body of the washing machine.

To replace the spring through the top of the housing, you need to do the following:

1. We follow the same steps as described above for removing the spring through the attachment point with the tank. That is, remove the machine lid. Using some object, secure the tank in the highest position possible.
2. While holding the damaged spring in place with one hand, we need to engage the mounting hook. This can be done with a screwdriver or other strong, thin tool.
3. Then you need to unhook it from the place where it is fixed to the body of the machine.
4. After this, we move the spring to the side and unhook it from below.

If you don't have enough space to replace the spring, you'll have to remove the parts of the machine that are in the way.

Replacing dampers

The dampers have special holes. These holes are used to secure them with bolts or other fasteners. These bolts, like other fasteners, are easily removed. Afterwards, you can easily remove the faulty damper and replace it with a new one.

Here's a video of an English mechanic replacing a damper through the bottom of a washing machine. If you have a similar model, you can do the same:

Replacing shock absorbers

Washing machine shock absorbers can vary in their mounting method. Some are mounted vertically, others at an angle. One side is secured to the washing machine drum, the other to its frame. In some cases, the shock absorbers are secured with a rod. Unfortunately, with this mounting method, replacing the shock absorber requires disassembling almost the entire machine and removing the drum.

Video of replacing shock absorbers in a washing machine:

2 reader comments

1. October 17, 2015 at 1:31 PM

   crazy:

   Thanks. I'm off to fix my car. I'll hope it's just the spring that broke.

   Answer
2. March 27, 2016 at 5:26 PM

   Vladimir:

   The springs are different. Which ones go where?

   Answer