Disassembling the drum of a Zanussi washing machine

Not everyone can disassemble the drum of a Zanussi washing machine. This brand's appliances have a non-standard design, and accessing the drum requires at least splitting the machine in half. Furthermore, removing the containers is even more difficult, and the main difficulties begin when separating the plastic tank and removing the drum. Despite these obstacles, it's possible to handle a Zanussi on your own. The main thing is to be prepared and follow the instructions.

What do you need for the job?

Disassembling a Zanussi washing machine begins with preparation. The first thing you need to do is take care of your workplace. Disconnect the equipment from the utilities, move it to the center of the room, ensuring free access to all sides of the case, and cover the surrounding area with oilcloth and rags.

Now we begin gathering tools. For disassembly, you'll need:

• pliers;
• awl;
• screwdriver;
• heads of different sizes;
• hammer;
• set of screwdrivers;
• drift or car puller (for knocking out the drum shaft);
• WD-40 lubricant (for cleaning stubborn parts).

Zanussi washing machines are designed very differently from other manufacturers' machines—to disassemble them, you have to split the body in half, rather than simply remove the back panel.

Once you've prepared the area and tools, you can begin the repair. To avoid mistakes during reassembly, it's recommended to record all your actions on video. Always remember to exercise safety and caution.

Removing and separating the tank

So, to access the insides of a Zanussi washing machine, you'll have to separate the body into two halves. It sounds complicated, but in reality, the task is only complicated by a few simple steps. To access the drum and tub, you need to:

Before any repairs, the washing machine must be disconnected from all utilities, especially from the water supply and electrical network.

• go to the right side of the machine;
• find the bolt at the bottom center of the side panel;
• Use an awl or other sharp object to pry up the rivet head, exposing the screw;
• install a 7-8 mm head (depending on the Zanussi brand) on the screwdriver and unscrew the bolt;
• approach from the left side and unscrew the bolt there in the same way;
• go around the washing machine and unscrew another 3-5 bolts from the bottom and top that hold the back panel;
• detach the drain hose from the back wall and put it aside;
• remove the top cover by pushing and lifting it away from you;
  
• find a metal strip under the cover, release the screws that secure it and remove the “spacer”;
• Use a screwdriver to pry up the part with the power cord and disconnect it from the body;
• grab the back half of the body and move it to the side.

After removing the back cover, you'll have access to the Zanussi's internal structure. Now you need to free the tank of any connected parts and devices. First, remove the drive belt by carefully pulling the rubber band off the pulley while simultaneously turning the "wheel." Next, disconnect the universal joint, disconnect the wiring to the electric motor, and finally, unscrew the motor retaining bolts and, after rocking the motor, remove it from the housing. There is no need to touch the heating element or counterweights – they should remain in place.

Next up is the tank. It needs to be freed from all connected pipes and hoses, as well as the pressure switch, dampers, and heater wires. Next, we move on to the front panel and tackle the hatch. You'll need to remove the outer clamp from the seal and tuck the rubber band into the drum.

Finally, we unhook the two upper springs that hold the tank suspended from the housing and lift the container out. Place it on a dry, flat surface, shaft down, and begin separating the tank into two halves, then removing the drum.

• Using a screwdriver, unscrew the bolts on the central seam around the entire perimeter of the tank;
• we separate the upper part from the lower part and put it aside;
• We turn the tank with the drum upside down.

That's it! There's no point in removing the drum alone—it always comes "as a set" with the rear tank. Moreover, it's recommended to replace both tanks together, as a single unit. The same applies to removing and replacing the bearings and seal, which can be accessed without completely separating the tanks.

When disassembling a Zanussi, it is recommended to clean and test all structural elements in order to replace faulty parts, if necessary, and extend the machine's service life.

The next steps depend on the purpose of the repair. If the tanks needed to be cleaned of dirt and grime, you can begin the cleaning process at this stage. To replace the bearing assembly, simply place an old tire under the tank to prevent damage to the drum when driving out the shaft. Use a drift, WD-40, and a hammer to remove the bearing gasket. Reassemble the machine according to the instructions described above, but in reverse order. Finally, connect the machine to the power supply and test it for proper operation.

   

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