How to tighten the belt on an Ariston washing machine?

Replacing a washing machine belt consists of two steps: removing the old one and installing the new one. The first part is straightforward; you just need to turn the pulley with one hand and pull the belt off with the other. However, the second step is much more difficult, so to make it easier for you, we'll show you how to tighten the belt on an Ariston washing machine without assistance.

Step-by-step instructions

The first step is to purchase a new belt. It's recommended to choose models of the same type and manufactured by the same company. Once the purchase is complete, you can begin replacing the belt. To install the belt yourself, follow the instructions below.

1. Disconnect the appliance from the sewer and water supply. You'll need to disconnect the inlet and drain hoses from the housing.
2. We place the machine in a comfortable position, moving it away from the wall, and then turn it towards ourselves with the back part.
3. Unscrew the screws securing the back panel and then remove it. On some models, the back panel cannot be removed due to the top cover. In this case, you'll need to unscrew the top cover as well.
4. Look for the drive belt. It's located behind the rear panel between the "wheel" and the motor pulley. If you don't find it there, it's most likely loose and located at the bottom of the case.
5. We remove the belt and inspect it. First, look for the markings, where the first four digits indicate the initial diameter in mm. Then, we measure the circumference and compare it to the factory length. If the resulting difference exceeds 2 cm, the elastic band has become unusable and cannot be used further.
6. Now we'll install the new belt. You'll need to tighten it onto the engine pulley, then slowly turn the drum "wheel" counterclockwise to tighten the rubber band. To make the process easier, consider having a friend help you. It's much easier with two people.

Please note: Some Ariston washing machine models have belts made of extremely tight material, and the manufacturer does not provide an adjustment option.

7. Make sure the belt is firmly seated in each groove. To do this, rotate the pulley 2-3 times. If it rotates tightly, everything is done correctly.

After checking the completed work, we begin reassembling the appliance. We reinstall the back panel, securing it with the removed bolts. Then, we return the washing machine to its original position, connect it to the water supply, and run a test wash to ensure proper operation.

The new belt came off again

If the installed rubber belt keeps slipping off the pulley, it's likely that the system is experiencing intermittent problems. If the belt slips more than twice in six months, diagnostics are unavoidable. The main causes of this problem include the following.

• Drive belt wear. Natural stretching is one of the most common causes of belt failure. If the belt shows signs of wear, some ribs are worn down, or the belt is becoming longer, it is no longer usable and should be replaced immediately.
• Pulley play. In this case, the belt is not securely attached to the wheel, and it will slip off as the drum rotates. This can be resolved by tightening the mounting bolt or replacing the pulley.
• Insufficient electric motor mounting. The washing machine vibrates during operation, which over time leads to loosening of the motor mountings, causing the motor to become loose and causing belt drive failure. This problem can be resolved by securely mounting the motor and tightening all mountings.
• The shaft or wheel is irregularly shaped. This unevenness may be due to repairs performed by unprofessional technicians. To resolve this, carefully attempt to correct the defect by straightening it or completely removing it. replace the pulley.
• Defective spider. Ariston washing machines sometimes disappoint owners with damage to the spider shaft. This can be due to either the manufacturer (a defect during assembly) or vibrations generated during operation. If the spider shaft is defective, it must be replaced. Otherwise, more serious problems may arise, leading to costly repairs or complete failure of the Ariston appliance.
• Broken bearings. Sometimes, careless handling can cause the bearings to become warped, which in turn can cause the belt to slip. This can be remedied by installing new drum bearings and replacing the seal.

Please note: Regular belt slippage can also be caused by mistakes made during DIY repairs or by hiring home-grown repairmen who work on-site, not directly from the company.

As you can see, tightening the belt on an Ariston washing machine or installing a new part is not a difficult procedure. The main thing is to purchase high-quality components recommended by the manufacturer. It's best to buy from specialized stores rather than from regular markets. It should be the same brand and compatible with your appliance model. Otherwise, you won't be able to avoid constant belt failures, and washing machine repairs will become a routine.

   

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