How to check and repair shock absorbers on a washing machine
To prevent a washing machine from jumping during the wash and spin cycles, it has components that dampen the vibrations of the drum and tub—shock absorbers. Newer machines use dampers, which are not much different from shock absorbers, as they serve the same purpose. Shock absorbers are a reliable part of the machine and rarely fail. However, if they do fail, the question arises: can they be repaired and how can they be removed from the washing machine yourself?
What is the difference between shock absorbers and dampers?
The shock absorber is a cylindrical device containing a piston and a return spring. Between the cylinder and the piston are spacers, and at the end is a rubber piston and piston rod. The damper does not have return springs in its design. The springs in washing machines with dampers are located separately, and the drum is hung on them.
Both the damper and the shock absorber are located at the bottom of the washing machine, in the amount of two pieces.
Unlike a shock absorber, a damper dampens tank vibrations much better. Because the springs are located separately, they can be easily replaced if they break or become stretched. The shock absorber will require disassembly, but we'll cover that later.
Functionality check
You can check the shock absorber or damper for functionality without even removing it from the tank. To do this, follow these steps:
remove the top cover of the washing machine by unscrewing the screws holding it in place;
press on the top of the tank so that it moves down 5-7 centimeters;
then release sharply;
After this, look carefully; if the tank rises up under the action of the springs and stops, then the shock absorbers are working properly. If the tank starts to swing like a pendulum, then repair or replacement of the part is required.
A broken shock absorber or damper affects the operation of the washing machine, so you can suspect a problem even before opening the machine. The main symptoms of faulty shock absorbers are:
During washing and spinning the machine creaks and knocks loudly;
The drum of the washing machine rotates with difficulty, perhaps there is no lubricant in the shock absorber.
The shock absorber or damper of a washing machine most often has one of the following malfunctions:
With constant use of the equipment, the liner or damper gasket may wear out; in some cases, replacement is possible;
mechanical deformations resulting from improper transportation or a defect during assembly, in which case repairs are inevitable;
When the bolts that hold the shock absorber wear out, it simply falls off and dangles.
Important! Whatever malfunction occurs with the shock absorber, it must be resolved promptly. Do not operate the washing machine if it shows signs of damage.
How to put it on and take it off
To remove the shock absorbers, you need to gain access to them. This access is located on different sides on different models. On some washing machines, simply removing the rear cover is quite simple, while on others, removing the front cover may require a bit more time. Here's how:
remove the top cover by unscrewing the bolts and sliding it back;
remove the powder receptacle and the lower plastic panel;
unscrew the top panel and place it on top of the washing machine, doing this in such a way as not to damage the wires running from the parts to the control module;
Having loosened the metal clamp, we remove the cuff and insert it into the drum;
we unscrew all the bolts holding the front part of the car;
we remove the wires going to the door lock or unscrew the lock completely;
we remove the front of the case;
at the bottom of the car, under the tank, we find shock absorbers;
unscrew the bolt that secures the damper to the body, or remove the latch;
we disconnect the shock absorber from the tank, in the same way as in the previous point;
Now all that remains is to remove the broken part, check and make sure it is broken, and then replace it by installing the part in reverse order.
Please note! In any case, both shock absorbers must be replaced, even if one is intact.
It should be noted that not in all cases can the shock absorber be replaced without removing the tank. In washing machines like Samsung and Hansa, the drum will have to be removed, as the shock absorber is not detachable from the drum. Therefore, in this case, it is better to contact a specialist if you are not confident in this.
Repair and its feasibility
Replacing dampers isn't always a good idea, especially if original parts are expensive and you don't plan to do it yourself. Such a replacement can cost at least $30. If you're looking to save money, you can repair the damper; this typically involves replacing the housing insert. Watch the video below to learn how to do this yourself.
As DIYers on forums point out, this type of DIY shock absorber repair doesn't produce the expected results. Some washing machines last 3-4 years, while others only last 3-4 washes. Therefore, many recommend not to bother with repairs, but simply buy new parts and replace them. Spending the money will pay off in peace of mind. And if renovations don't scare you, go for it—we wish you the best of luck!
The guy in the first video clearly has a faulty shock absorber after repairs. Variations in resistance are visible along the stroke of the piston rod. The culprit is wear on the metal piston rod itself, in the area where friction primarily operates in the cylinder liner. The entire piston rod needs to be ground with a caliper to restore a consistent diameter along the piston rod's length.
Why disassemble a washing machine to check the shock absorbers? Open the hatch and press the bottom of the drum with your palm until it drops about 5 centimeters. Then release it quickly. If it wobbles a few times, replace the shock absorbers.
To prevent a washing machine from jumping during the wash and spin cycles, it has components that dampen the vibrations of the drum and tub—shock absorbers. Newer machines use dampers, which are not much different from shock absorbers, as they serve the same purpose. Shock absorbers are a reliable part of the machine and rarely fail. However, if they do fail, the question arises: can they be repaired and how can they be removed from the washing machine yourself?
A broken shock absorber or damper affects the operation of the washing machine, so you can suspect a problem even before opening the machine. The main symptoms of faulty shock absorbers are:
If the drum rotates with difficulty and there are extraneous creaking sounds, this is not a problem with the shock absorbers, but with the bearings.
Agree
The guy in the first video clearly has a faulty shock absorber after repairs. Variations in resistance are visible along the stroke of the piston rod. The culprit is wear on the metal piston rod itself, in the area where friction primarily operates in the cylinder liner. The entire piston rod needs to be ground with a caliper to restore a consistent diameter along the piston rod's length.
Why disassemble a washing machine to check the shock absorbers? Open the hatch and press the bottom of the drum with your palm until it drops about 5 centimeters. Then release it quickly. If it wobbles a few times, replace the shock absorbers.