Sometimes you need to disassemble an Electrolux washing machine simply for spare parts or for repairs. But how do you do this if you've never done this before? Indeed, without instructions, even removing the outer parts of the machine can be challenging, let alone completely disassembling it. We've prepared a guide especially for you that will help you with this task.
Prepare thoroughly
Given that a washing machine is a fairly large appliance with many parts, disassembling it will require space. It's best not to attempt this task in a small bathroom. Enlist the help of a friend and move the machine to a larger space, or better yet, move it to a garage (during warmer months) or a heated workshop. Before touching the washing machine, complete the following steps:
de-energize the machine;
completely remove any remaining water from the depths of the machine (through the filter, dispenser, hoses);
Collect the necessary tools.
When disassembling the machine, you'll need to remove a fairly large number of parts. Organize them so they're neatly organized and easily accessible. Fasteners and other small parts are best stored in prepared containers (plastic containers, jars, etc.). Bend a piece of thick wire into an "S" shape. Attach it to the right side of the machine after removing the top cover. This will create a hook for conveniently hanging the control panel (to avoid disconnecting the wiring).
Do-it-yourself repairs are usually fraught with difficulties. To avoid any confusion, a novice repairman should grab a camera and photograph each stage of the work.
You won't need any special tools to accomplish this. Look in your toolbox for the following: screwdrivers (flat-head and Phillips), pliers, a hacksaw, a set of sockets or open-end wrenches of various sizes, and hammers with metal and rubber strikers. WD-40 spray is a good idea in case you need to deal with rusted fasteners. It's also worth having a good lint-free cloth on hand. Once everything is ready, you're ready to go.
Dismantling external parts
To quickly and easily disassemble your Electrolux washing machine, you must first remove the external components. These are the exterior parts visible from the outside: the detergent drawer, the door, the lid, the back panel, and the front panel.
When disassembling the Electrolux, try to follow the instructions.
First, locate the two screws located on the back of the machine's body, on the tabs of the top plastic cover. These are what hold the cover in place. Remove the screws, then push the plastic piece toward the back wall and lift it up.
Pull the detergent drawer out as far as it will go. Press the plastic tab in the rinse aid compartment. At the same time, pull the tray toward you, and it will fall into your hands.
We unscrew the screws that are located on the edges of the dispenser niche (previously they were hidden by the powder drawer).
We unscrew the screws holding the hatch door hinge and remove this element together with the hinge.
Using a slotted screwdriver, carefully pry up the special clamp attached to the hatch's rubber seal. Don't overtighten to avoid damaging the spring. Slowly and carefully tighten the clamp, then tuck the seal inside the drum.
Disconnect the electronic module. To do this, remove the screws to the left of the control panel. Next, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry up the latches on the top and sides of the panel and carefully release them. Without touching the wires, hang the electronic unit on a pre-prepared wire hook.
The screws holding the front panel in place are now exposed. Remove the screws located around the debris filter, under the control panel, and around the hatch lock. The front panel is also held in place by latches, so you'll need to pry them up with a flat-head screwdriver and release them.
The back panel is much easier to remove. It's held in place by just a few screws. Just remove the fasteners, and the panel will fall off on its own.
We've gained access to virtually all the parts of the Electrolux washing machine. Now we can unscrew the counterweights, remove the drive mechanism, pull out the motor, the heating element, the shock absorbers, the pump, the inlet valve, the pressure switch, and even remove the drum-tub assembly to replace the bearings. All that's left to do is continue disassembling our "home helper."
We extract the "filling" of the case
The final step is removing the drum-tub assembly from the Electrolux washing machine. When you reach this point, you'll need to call a friend, as removing such a large assembly alone is not easy. However, before that happens, you still need to remove quite a few parts.
Disconnect the engine power supply wire terminals;
Turn the pulley with one hand and remove the belt with the other;
Unscrew the screws holding the motor;
move the motor away from you and remove it;
remove the wiring from the pump, unscrew its screws, turn it clockwise and remove it;
remove the wiring from the heating element and the temperature sensor, unscrew the central nut (between the heating element contacts), lubricate the sealing rubber of the heater with WD-40, grasp the contacts and remove the heating element using rocking movements;
remove the counterweights by first unscrewing the screws that hold them;
remove the fasteners holding the shock absorbers, remove them, leave the springs for now;
Disconnect the dispenser hoses and the fill valve wiring;
Separate the tube from the water level sensor and remove the pressure switch.
After these steps, you can begin removing the drum and tank from the machine. To do this, hold the drum with your hands (you'll need a friend to help you) and remove the upper springs. Then, pull the drum out.
Important! If bearing repair is required, please note that this is a labor-intensive job and should only be performed by a specialist. In this case, it is best to call a technician from an authorized Electrolux service center.
Most Electrolux models use one-piece plastic drums welded using a special technology. Therefore, to disassemble the drum, the drum must be cut with a hacksaw, then screwed together, and sealed with sealant. If your tank is collapsible, you only need to open the latches and unscrew the screws.
If you're disassembling the drum yourself, you'll need two hammers, a chisel, and a long bolt (to knock out the bearing). A specially purchased bearing removal tool (or bearing puller) will make the task easier, but you can get by without one, although it won't be easy.
We unscrew the special screw, which is located in the center of the pulley.
We cut the plastic container with a hacksaw or unscrew it if it is collapsible.
We put the halves of the tank aside.
We check the condition of the crosspiece and unscrew it.
We knock the old bearings off the shaft, clean the seat and press in the new bearings.
Reassembling the washing machine after repair is done in reverse order, but with considerations we'll describe in a separate post. Removing old bearings and installing new ones is not easy. If, after several attempts, you're unable to complete any stage of disassembly, it's best to enlist the help of a professional.
Sometimes you need to disassemble an Electrolux washing machine simply for spare parts or for repairs. But how do you do this if you've never done this before? Indeed, without instructions, even removing the outer parts of the machine can be challenging, let alone completely disassembling it. We've prepared a guide especially for you that will help you with this task.
Add a comment