How to check the shock absorbers on a Samsung washing machine

Problems with large household appliances are usually clearly visible and become apparent during operation. Something's definitely wrong with your machine if it suddenly starts making unusual noises, abruptly jumping, or vibrating heavily. After these symptoms appear, you should check the shock absorbers on your Samsung washing machine and, if necessary, replace or repair them. We'll help you figure this out and explain in detail what steps you need to take.

Are the installed dampers faulty?

It's crucial not to rush into repairs or buying new parts, as the first step is to ensure that the problem is indeed caused by the shock absorbers. To check, you'll need to partially disassemble the washing machine. You can do this yourself if you follow our instructions.

Since the shock absorbers are located at the bottom of the washing machine, it's easier to access them through the bottom. To do this, disconnect the power to the appliance and carefully lay it on its side. Using pliers, remove the special plastic clips at the ends of the posts that hold the shock absorbers in place. If you encounter any difficulties, try lubricating them with WD-40 first.

Safety precautions remain, so avoid applying excessive pressure to the fasteners. Handle the system's internal components with care and avoid using heavy tools like a hammer. Otherwise, you could accidentally damage the strut and any adjacent components, such as the plastic tank. To check the shock absorbers for faults, you will need to do the following:

• take the stand with your hands;
• gently press on the rod;
• try to pull it out of the body of the part.

The rack should respond with tension. You'll need to determine how strong it is. Normally, the compression during the force increase should be between 8 and 10 kg.

If the rod leaves the housing without any problems, it is damaged!

In this case, this element will be useless in combating vibration. This will adversely affect both the appliance and the flooring. It's also important to note that other objects located in close proximity to the machine may also be damaged.

Particular attention should be paid to examining the condition of the struts, especially the pistons and the presence of shock absorber fluid. If there is no fluid, this is a sign of wear and tear, and the unit will need to be rebuilt. The same applies to rust: it should not be present in the shock absorber system.

Replacing a broken part

Once you've thoroughly examined everything and confirmed the shock absorber is faulty, you can begin replacing it. Ideally, you should choose genuine parts rather than generic ones. They may be more expensive, but they'll last longer. Furthermore, you'll immediately receive the correct size parts and won't have any trouble finding them.

Sometimes, your search may be unsuccessful, or you'll have to wait too long for the part you need to appear. In that case, you should consider a damper from a different brand. Please note: the purchased part must match the dimensions, fastening and have the appropriate resistance. To avoid being deceived, you can take preliminary measurements of the length of the gap between the mounting axes, and you will have to measure it in different positions: compressed and free.

Next, you need to check whether the fasteners are compatible with your specific washing machine. Fasteners typically come in several forms: latches, plastic pins, and bolts. Once this is completed, it's important to test the shock absorber resistance to ensure it's between 80 and 120H. You can use an old shock absorber for this. Inspect its housing and find the specified values, then compare them with the required values.

Once the new unit has been purchased, it can be installed to replace the faulty one. Then, the washing machine will need to be reassembled, following the reverse order. However, don't rush to start the unit. First, let the machine run in an empty cycle. This will help ensure that the sound and vibration issues have been resolved.

Restoration of the shock absorber element

Not every owner will dare replace their shock absorbers and would rather simply have them repaired. This certainly has its advantages: it saves money and eliminates the need to waste time searching for a genuine part. However, there's no guarantee that the component won't malfunction again. If you're determined to repair your shock absorbers yourself, please follow these steps.

First, you'll need to measure the diameter of the bushing hole. This can be done with a caliper. Then, use the measurements: cut a piece of rubber, keeping in mind that it should be at least 3 millimeters thick. You can also use a brake pad or a leather belt.

• remove the plastic retaining ring together with the worn gasket;
• replace the removed seal with the piece of rubber you created (the edges should meet here);
• Don't skimp on the lubricant and go over the part thoroughly with it;
• Insert the damper rod into the seat.

Before installing the piston rod, you'll need to lubricate the part. It's crucial to use the right lubricants. They should have excellent resistance to high temperatures and moisture, and be sufficiently viscous.

What kind of lubricant is needed for the damper?

Many might think that diagnosing household appliances and analyzing their condition is sufficient, as all that's needed is simply replacing what needs to be replaced. But this is far from the case. It's also crucial to ensure high-quality protection with a special lubricant, which is as vital a part of the mechanism as the component itself. There is no need to use lubricants like the famous one WD-40 or Solidol won't do the job here. To carry out the necessary treatment of the damper, you will need products with the best results and maximum efficiency.

• PMS-250,000 Damping Lubricant. Originally intended for high-pressure applications, such as adjusting vinyl tension, and used on tape recorders and other mechanisms, it has proven equally useful for lubricating dampers in washing machines. This product comes in a compact package, but a small amount is enough for several uses. One of its most important advantages is that it has no strong odor.
• PMS-600000 damping lubricant is an improved version of the previous product. Its high viscosity ensures smooth operation and effectively eliminates all unwanted sounds, which in turn increases the longevity of the lubricated components. This product is typically used on doors, tape recorders, and furniture, but it has also proven itself excellent for automatic washing machines.
• LIQUI MOLY's silicone-based lubricant, Silicon-Fett, is another example of a versatile product. Auto repair shops use this lubricant to lubricate contact and mating areas with plastic and rubber. This product is also suitable for home use: it will help seats, hinges, and other household parts combat dryness and squeaks, and also protect against the harmful effects of direct sunlight. This product comes in a small package.

Thanks to its secure fixation, it is not affected by water and can withstand both low and high temperatures, which helps extend the service life of the parts being processed.

• MS SPORT VMPAUTO lubricant, a silicone-based lubricant containing fluoroplastic, is a reliable means of protecting components from sunlight, high humidity, dirt, and excessive friction. Typically sold in 400-gram containers, its advantages include reliable adhesion, the ability to withstand the most extreme temperatures, and a safe, non-toxic formula that does not cause deformation or leave marks. This lubricant is designed not only for washing machines but also for camping equipment, cars, and pneumatic guns. Country of origin: Russia.

Dampers don't necessarily need to be treated with these specific technical solutions. There are other options available as well. The only important thing is that the lubricant contains silicone and provides reliable protection against abrasion.

Don't neglect this step: using a quality lubricant will help your dampers last longer and prevent them from wearing out prematurely.

   

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