Zanussi top-loading washing machine breakdowns

There are no perfect washing machine manufacturers, so every machine has its pros and cons, which should be kept in mind when choosing and purchasing your "home helper." Forewarned is forearmed! That's why in this article, we'll take a detailed look at the main faults of Zanussi top-loading washing machines. This will help new users not only prevent common problems but also extend the life of their machine.

The drum turned with the doors open

According to statistics, almost a third of Zanussi washing machine owners call a repair service to have the technician turn the drum upside down. It is this unit that most often needs to be repaired in devices of this brand. In this situation, the machine doors open after the wash cycle is complete or simply scroll downwards after the cycle has stopped. This can occur either because the locking mechanism has failed or because the doors do not close properly. Regardless of the cause, the housewife finds herself in the frustrating situation of being unable to remove items and continue the cycle.

Any service center can fix the problem, but such repairs are expensive. That's why it's best to try repairing the washing machine yourself to save money. There's no need to be intimidated by the procedure, as the widespread nature of the problem has led to detailed and reliable instructions.

• Take a long steel wire with a cross-section of 30 to 60 millimeters.
• Fold it over at one end.
• Lower the resulting hook down.
• Hook the CM flap and try to close the hatch.
• Close the doors and rotate the drum with the hatch facing up.

The hardest part of repairs is that you have to do it by feel. If the hole in a Zanussi washing machine is too small to insert the wire hook, you can try widening the hole and then try again. Finally, if this method fails, you can disassemble the appliance, gain free access to the doors, and close the drum.

Control board

Zanussi appliances also often require repairs to the control module, the "brain" of the system that controls all the components. When this module gradually fails, the washing machine begins to freeze during operation, reset the current cycle, and fail to respond to certain programs while other modes function properly.

If the control board is damaged, only a qualified technician with the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment can repair it. Therefore, do not attempt to repair it yourself, as this could lead to further damage.

Depending on the extent of the damage, the module behaves differently, making it difficult to inspect and repair. Often, repairing it requires updating its firmware or replacing burnt-out capacitors and resistors. Terminals, contacts, and even traces on the board itself could also be damaged.

To prevent damage to this key component, experts recommend protecting your home assistant from sudden power surges, which are often the cause of software failures. This can be accomplished with a voltage stabilizer, an expensive but extremely useful device that effectively protects household appliances sensitive to power surges.

Bearing unit

Finally, the last weak point of top-loading washing machines from the Zanussi brand is the bearings. This unit often suffers from the fact that the seal, which protects the bearings from moisture, dries out, cracks and begins to leak water. As a result, the liquid completely washes away the lubricant, which causes wear, deformation, and damage to the bearing rings.

If the unit is damaged, a housewife will be able to tell by an excessively loud hum during operation, as well as loud knocking, grinding, and clanking sounds, especially during the spin cycle. Checking the unit is easy—just open the hatch and try spinning the drum. If it's significantly tilted and creaking loudly, the element is definitely loose and needs repair.

An additional problem is that it's difficult to repair bearings yourself, as this requires disassembling the washing machine, removing the tub, and even separating it into two halves. The latter is especially challenging, as some Zanussi models have a non-detachable tub, meaning it must be carefully sawed along the seam line, then reassembled and secured with secure fasteners.

Once the tank is disassembled, the worn bearing assembly should be removed with a chisel and hammer. If the rings are securely fixed in their seats and won't come out easily, they should be treated with a lubricant such as WD-40. Afterwards, the components will need to be replaced along with the seal.

Once the repair is complete, all that's left to do is join the tank halves together, secure them with screws around the entire perimeter, and seal the seam with a sealant to protect your "home helper" from moisture. If you're confident in your skills, be prepared for a complex and time-consuming repair; if not, it's best to call a professional immediately.

   

1 reader comment

1. October 17, 2023 at 4:51 PM

   Ivan:

   Dear author! "Wire with a cross-section of 30 to 60 millimeters" means 3-6 centimeters in diameter. This is already rebar.
   Otherwise, I didn't find what I was looking for. My problem is with the control unit, but I didn't find any useful information on that.

   Answer