How to install a drum seal on an Indesit washing machine?

How to install a drum seal on an Indesit washing machine How do you install the rubber seal on an Indesit washing machine drum yourself? The seal actually fits over the edges of the drum, not the drum itself. A seasoned technician can handle this task in a few minutes. If you're removing and installing the seal for the first time, it'll be a bit more involved. We'll explain how to remove the old seal and install the new one, and offer a few tips that will make the repair much easier.

Description of repairs

In fact, replacing a cuff at home is entirely possible for a novice. The job doesn't require any special knowledge or skills. All you need in terms of tools are a minus and plus screwdriver, pliers, and you will also need a new rubber band and two clamps to secure it. The rings can be metal or plastic, depending on your SMA.

The repair kit must be purchased for a specific model of Indesit washing machine.

You'll also need sandpaper, a couple of sponges, liquid soap, and a rag. This will prepare the seal for the cuff and facilitate its installation. First, remove the deformed rubber. To do this:

open the hatch door;
bend the edge of the cuff from the bottom until you find the outer clamp;
Use a slotted screwdriver to pry up its spring;
using a screwdriver around the perimeter, remove the clamp from its place;
tuck the outer part of the gasket inside the drum;
remove the top cover of the housing by unscrewing the bolts that secure it;
Using a positive screwdriver, loosen the clamp mounting bolt that secures the cuff from the inside;
remove the inner clamp;
Remove the sealing rubber from the washing machine.

Before installing the gasket on the tank, you need to prepare the mounting area. Use sandpaper to remove any scale and buildup. Then, wash the area with soapy water and a sponge. Once the seal is ready, you can tighten the gasket.

Carefully inspect the new gasket. There's a drain hole at the bottom of the rubber seal. There's an arrow on the top of the seal that should align with the mark on the hatch during installation. Follow these steps:

lubricate the seat with liquid soap, paying special attention to the edges of the hole;
Also, treat the grooves of the rubber seal with soap. Don't coat the entire gasket with soap, otherwise it will simply slip out of your hands while working;
Observing the top and bottom, tuck the seal inside the washing machine body;
Pull the top part of the rubber band over the inner ledge of the tank;
Tuck the cuff in, working around the circumference. This is the most difficult step, as the unruly elastic usually doesn't want to stretch over the inner ridge. Be patient. If necessary, lubricate the edges of the seal with liquid soap.
install the inner clamp and secure it by tightening the mounting bolt;
Next, pull the outer part of the cuff onto the housing. You can also treat the seat with liquid soap to make the job easier.
Install the outer retaining ring. While holding the clamp spring with your finger, thread it into the machine in a circle;
put the top cover of the housing back.

Once you've successfully installed the gasket on the tank, press the drum door closed. There should be no obstructions preventing the door from closing. If the door doesn't close completely, there was an error installing the gasket. Check the installation and adjust the components if necessary.

How do you know when the cuff needs to be changed?

If you detect a leak under the door or body of your Indesit washing machine, the first thing to check is the seal. If the outer part is damaged, water will leak from under the door. If the inner part of the seal is damaged, water will collect under the machine body.

It is better not to repair the cuff by putting a patch on it, because after a few washes the leak will resume.

There may be several reasons for damage to the seal:

Wear and tear. During the washing process, the rubber band rubs against the drum and is also constantly exposed to heat. Over time, the cuff may crack. It is through these cracks that water will begin to leak;
Improper care. If the gasket isn't cleaned after each wash, mold will form over time, which will eat into the top layers of the rubber. This type of seal will no longer be able to provide a tight seal.
External influences. Foreign objects in the drum (coins, paper clips, nails, forgotten pockets) can damage the rubber seal during the wash cycle. The seal's condition can also be worsened by slamming sounds when the door is carelessly closed.

If you properly care for the rubber and avoid mechanical stress, the cuff will last for years. Replacing the seal is also quite simple and can be done at home.