How to lubricate an Indesit washing machine bearing

If your "home helper" has started making a lot of noise, even though it used to be virtually silent, the unusual noise is likely due to wear in the bearing assembly. In this situation, it's essential to lubricate your Indesit washing machine's bearing as soon as possible. This will not only eliminate the noise but also extend the life of the component. We'll explain how to properly lubricate the bearing.

Choosing the right material

First of all, you need to choose a detergent for your washing machine. There are many types of this product on the market, each with very different properties. Let's figure out what kind of lubricant should be used for bearings and seals.

• Water-resistant. Because the seal, located on the bearing and protecting the component from moisture, is constantly in contact with liquid, the lubricant must be water-resistant. If it does not remain on the sealing ring after contact with water, then this lubricant is not suitable for treating the component.
• Heat resistance. This is also extremely important, as the lubricant must withstand both the high temperatures of hot water and the heating of the shaft during extremely fast drum rotation, such as during the spin cycle. If the lubricant cannot withstand the heat and loses its properties, it will allow moisture to penetrate the bearing.
• Suitable for rubber, non-aggressive. A high-quality product will not deform during use and will not lose its seal.
• Thick. Finally, the last point is important because the detergent shouldn't leak out while the washing machine is running.

You should not use automotive products such as Litol-24 or Azmol, as they do not have the required properties and may cause failure of the bearing unit of the SM.

As for quality appliance cleaning products, finding one is very easy. Service centers typically use the following products:

• AMPLIFON. High-quality Italian product from the MERLONI brand;
• Anderoll. A lubricant recommended by the manufacturer. It's available in syringes and 100-gram jars.
• STABURAGS NBU 12. Also a good moisture- and heat-resistant option for the Indesit washing machine;
• LIQUI MOLY "Silicon-Fett." High-quality silicone grease, made in Germany, sold in 500-gram tubes;
• Huskey Lube-O-Seal PTFE Grease. Another effective, water-resistant product that can be used to treat bearing seals.

It's better not to skimp on repairs and buy high-quality lubricant that will preserve the internal components of your "home helper."

Getting to the bearings

Once the treatment product has been selected, you can proceed to the next step. To restore the machine to normal operation, you will have to disassemble it almost completely, so if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist. If you are ready to carry out repairs yourself, then follow our instructions carefully.

• First, disconnect household appliances from all communications.
• Move the device to the center of the room to gain free access to all sides of the case.
• Remove the top panel by removing the two retaining bolts at the back.
• Remove the household chemicals drawer.
• Remove the control panel after disconnecting the wiring.

Just in case, it's best to take photos of how the wires are connected to the board so that you have a visual example at hand during reassembly.

• Carefully detach the rubber seal by bending back the retaining spring and removing the retaining clamp. Tuck the ends of the seal into the drum.
• Remove the bottom panel of the case, secured with latches, from the side.
• Replace the bolts that secure the front panel of the washing machine. These are typically located behind the detergent drawer, as well as under the lower and upper panels.
• Remove the front panel of the machine, having first disconnected the wiring from the control unit to the door lock.
• Disconnect the hoses from the tank, the wiring from the water heater, pump, electric motor and sensors.
• Unhook the pressure switch from the side wall along with the wiring and tube.
• Remove the counterweights from the housing.
• Make sure you have disconnected all wires and hoses from the tank.
• Remove the drive belt.
• Unscrew the shock absorbers, then remove and place the tank with the pulley facing up.
• Unscrew the corresponding screws and remove the machine's electric motor.

As you can see, disassembling an Indesit washing machine is a long and labor-intensive process, so be prepared for the repair to take several hours.

We saw the tank and take out the bearings.

The final stage of restoration work is dismantling the tank. Washing machines Indesit's tanks are notable for their non-detachable design, so you'll have to cut them along the seam, remove the bearings, install new ones, and then glue the two halves of the tank back together. In this situation, it's better to replace the entire bearing assembly rather than attempt to repair worn parts. New bearings with seals should be lubricated, as new parts typically contain very little grease, so it's better to be on the safe side.

The better you lubricate the bearings and seals, the longer your appliance will last and the less often you'll need to disassemble it for relubrication. Once you've disassembled the tank, you'll need to carefully tap the old bearing out of its seat. Then, carefully remove the protective cover of the new bearing, generously lubricate it, and then close the cover tightly. Next, apply an even layer of lubricant to the seal on the inner ring that contacts the bushing. Finally, place the bearings and seals in their seats.

After generously lubricating, you need to connect the tank halves using a strong sealant and securing bolts. Once the tank is assembled, you can reassemble your "home helper" in reverse order. Be sure to test the machine's functionality with a test run—if the noise disappears and the machine operates properly, the repair has been successful.

   

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