How many shock absorbers are there in an LG washing machine?

Faulty shock absorbers in a washing machine are immediately noticeable—the machine makes a loud banging noise during the spin cycle, vibrates heavily, and "jumps" around the room. The constant shaking weakens the structure, eventually damaging the drum, and causing leaks. To avoid losing your washing machine, it's important to periodically check the shock absorbers and replace them if they break. For a successful diagnosis, you need to know how many shock absorbers are in an LG washing machine, where they are installed, and how they are secured. All the answers and explanations are below.

Number of shock absorbing elements

Every washing machine has a well-thought-out shock-absorption system, and LG machines are no exception. To dampen the centrifugal force emanating from the rotating drum, springs and dampers are provided. The first ones support the tank from above, while the second ones provide a “soft landing” from below.

Dampers are piston-mounted struts that dampen vibration, ensuring balance between the tank and the entire system. Unlike shock absorbers, they lack internal springs, which increases their wear resistance. However, they are not without their problems: excessive loads often cause the "legs" to fail.

The LG washing machine is equipped with two dampers and several upper springs.

A washing machine has two damping elements—one on either side of the wash tub. Typically, one of them gets damaged, while the other remains intact. However, this worsens the machine's performance, as vibration is not damped evenly, the drum becomes unbalanced, and the loaded tub slams against the machine at high speed.

Removing old and installing new parts

Operating an LG washing machine with faulty shock absorbers is dangerous – it can cause serious mechanical damage. It's best to remove the shock absorbers and replace them with new ones at the first sign of damage. To do this:

• prepare pliers, a hammer, a slotted screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver;
• disconnect the washing machine from the utilities;
• turn the machine upside down;
• find the dampers - two stands fixed on both sides of the tank;
• Locate the plastic retaining pins at each end of the shock absorber;
• clamp the tongue on the pin;
• “drown” the retainer into the damper and knock it out with a hammer or pliers;
• pull out the pin;
• repeat the steps from the second end of the rack, and then on the second damper;
• pull the posts and remove them from the grooves.

The damper can be repaired: simply clean it, lubricate it with technical grease, and restore the internal resistance with a special gasket. However, repairing it yourself is expensive and labor-intensive. It's much easier to keep things simple and just buy new racks, which cost between $2 and $10. When choosing an analogue, you need to focus on the serial number of the LG washing machine.

Dampers are always replaced in pairs, even if one of them is completely intact!

Replacement requires two dampers—they are always replaced in pairs to ensure uniform vibration damping. Installation follows the instructions described above, but in reverse order:

• We turn the damper with the rod downwards (otherwise dust will get into the piston, which will accelerate the wear of the spare part);
• we insert the rack into the grooves;
• We apply the pin and carefully drive it into the hole.

The stud fits tightly into the new shock absorber—it will require considerable force. Finally, be sure to check the latch: it should engage and secure the strut. If the latch doesn't lift, pry it up with a flat-head screwdriver. Then repeat the procedure on the remaining ends of the shock absorbers.

Once the replacement is complete, return the washing machine to its feet. Next, remove the top cover and apply pressure to the wash tank by hand. If the tank quickly returns to its original level after the push, the job is done well.

How to check the shock absorber?

Before replacing the shock absorbers, you should ensure they are faulty. To test them, you need to remove the struts and perform a series of manipulations. The procedure is as follows:

• inspect the shock absorber;
• press on the rod;
• pull the rod out of the body;
• estimate the resistance provided by the damper.

A piston that compresses and expands with visible tension is considered to be in good working order. If the rod enters easily, completely “flies out” of the housing, or, on the contrary, “sits” tightly, then the rack is unsuitable for further use. Such dampers are unable to dampen vibrations and need to be replaced.

The dampers on the washing machine should "operate" with noticeable voltage.

In addition to resistance, the amount of sealing lubricant in the piston must also be assessed. A lack of helium "layer" indicates structural wear. Traces of rust and deposits will also indicate failure.

   

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