How to install a belt on a Samsung washing machine?

Samsung washing machines are very popular among Russian users. This is due to the brand's affordable price range, high product quality, and innovative technology. However, even the most reliable machines can fail, such as requiring a belt replacement. Below, we'll explain how to remove and replace the belt on a Samsung washing machine yourself. This repair is considered a moderately complex job, so it's quite doable at home.

Is a replacement necessary?

It's worth mentioning right away that the washing machine belt is very susceptible to wear and tear, so even with perfect operation, it will require replacement after a few years. The average lifespan of belts is 6 years.

However, improper use of the machine, especially regular and prolonged use, will inevitably lead to premature wear. For example, an unbalanced drum when loading laundry can negatively impact the belt.

How do you know if your drive belt is broken? A malfunction of this kind is indicated by a complete stop of the machine and the appearance of error codes E4, UE, UB on the display. If the machine does not have a display, all the mode lights will flash, and the light for the second temperature mode from the top will be on.

Important! Drive belt problems do not always result in an error code.

Unusual behavior of your washing machine may indicate a problem with the belt. For example, pay attention to the following situations:

• water is collected in the drum, the motor is running, but the drum does not rotate;
• the engine periodically stops working and runs intermittently;
• after starting the washing cycle, the machine freezes while the motor is running;
• the drum rotates randomly, and the motor does not work at this time;
• The washing machine makes strange sounds while running.

A belt definitely needs replacement if its surface has become rough, pilling has formed on it or on the contacting elements, or if delamination is observed. However, these issues can only be identified by direct access to the component.

If you have to change the belt frequently, the machine still acts up, and all possible causes for this behavior have been ruled out, a professional diagnosis is necessary.

Preparing for renovations

To replace the drive belt, you'll have to partially dismantle the washing machine. Before doing this, you need to properly prepare it.

1. If there is water and laundry in the drum, the laundry must be removed and the water drained.
2. Turn off the washing machine using the button, disconnect the unit from the power supply and from the water supply.
3. Provide yourself with access to the rear panel of the CM.
4. Prepare a set of screwdrivers for work.

If this is the first time you've encountered a belt coming off, and the part itself appears intact upon inspection, you can tighten it back up without replacing it.

How to get to the drive mechanism?

As mentioned above, the belt is most easily accessed through the rear panel of the washing machine. However, not all models have this removable panel. For example, Samsung washing machines don't allow this option, which significantly complicates the belt replacement process.

First, let's describe the procedure for other brands of cars, where the rear panel still needs to be removed:

• remove the screws holding the back wall;
• Remove the cover itself, this will give you convenient access to parts and a good view of the work area.

What should owners of machines that only allow access to the belt from above do at this stage? The procedure is as follows:

• unscrew the screws holding the top panel;
• carefully move the lid towards the back until the lid comes out of the grooves;
• "drop" the lid.

Even if you can't get to the belt from behind, you still have to change it; there's no getting around it. Accessing the drive mechanism from above is much more difficult, so be patient.

Installation of a new part

So, before tightening the new drive belt, you need to remove the old one. It should be on the drum pulley. If it's not there, the part has likely broken completely and fallen off, landing on the bottom.

If you own a Samsung washing machine and can't remove the back panel, replacing the drive belt will look like this:

• Tilt the machine forward and position it so that the tank moves toward the front wall of the washing machine, thus expanding the space between the tank and the back wall;
• Use a screwdriver to pry the belt loose, slide it, and remove it from the pulley. Holding the belt and turning the pulley will help release the part more easily.

At this stage, be sure to check that you have removed all parts of the belt by illuminating the work area with a flashlight. If any fragments remain, they must be removed so that they do not interfere with further repairs.

Now you need to slide the new part onto the motor shaft. If you have to work from the top of the washing machine, ask someone to help you hook the belt through the bottom. A wire loop can be used without assistance.

Once the part is placed on the engine, it is necessary to place it on the pulley grooves. You need to tighten the belt and hold it that way, while simultaneously turning the pulley clockwise. Rotate the pulley to ensure the drive belt is properly positioned. Then, reassemble the machine and run a test cycle to check.

Find the right part?

The best thing you can do is buy a belt specifically for your washing machine, taking into account all the parameters, model number, etc. The new part will fit in the old one like a glove, and this approach will significantly simplify your search for the right belt.

Experts speak highly of poly V-belts. Their distinctive feature is that their inner surface is not smooth, but textured, consisting of several ribs.

When selecting a poly V-belt, it's crucial to consider the distance between the V-ribbed ribs. For Samsung, the recommended distance is 2.34 mm, which corresponds to a J-type poly V-belt. This distance is indicated on the part itself.

The number stamped next to the letter on the product's surface indicates the number of gussets. The maximum number is 5. Belts with 3 gussets are suitable for narrow Samsung washing machines, while belts with 5 gussets are suitable for wider machines. Look for J3 or J5.

Please note! Never ignore the product's length. Otherwise, you won't be able to tighten the belt onto the pulley.

Samsung owners should look for a belt with a length of 1270. This information is also written on the belt. So you need to look for a belt that says 1270 J3 or 1270 J5.

Belts are made of rubber and polyurethane. The average person can distinguish one material from the other by color. Rubber belts are black, while polyurethane belts are lighter. Rubber belts last longer. Belts can be purchased starting at $2. Higher-quality and more durable belts (such as Megadyne) start at $4.

   

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