How to replace the drum in a washing machine

After prolonged use or due to a manufacturing defect, a washing machine's drum may fail. These failures are irreparable, such as when the drum wall rots and a hole forms in the drum, or when the bushing seat rots and deteriorates, or when the rib mounts are completely sheared off, rendering the drum unusable. There's only one solution: replacing the drum. Read this article to find out whether it's advisable and how to do it.

Does this part need to be replaced?

When deciding whether to replace the drum, first consider what you'll be using as a guide. Some people simply get used to their "iron helpers" and don't even consider replacing the washing machine. No matter how much the repair costs, they'll do it, unless it's prohibitively expensive. Most people are more pragmatic; they would prefer to buy a new washing machine rather than an expensive repair; everything will depend on the cost of the repair. So let's roughly determine how much it will cost to replace the drum of an Indesit machine (or any other).

Important! Manufacturers generally do not supply drums separately; in the vast majority of cases, tanks are sold complete with a drum.

Let's start with the cost of the drum itself together with the tank, here are some price examples (as of May 30, 2016):

• Assembly of two parts with all components for a Beko, Blomberg washing machine, part number 2918900100 – costs $31.
• Assembly of two parts with all components for an Indesit washing machine, part number C00109633 – average cost $56.
• Assembly of two parts with all components for an Indesit washing machine, unit number C00293409 – average price is about $58.
• Assembling two parts with all components for an Ariston washing machine, part number C00259987, costs an average of $102.
• Assembly of two parts with all components for the Indesit, Ariston C00145034 washing machine - price $96.
• Assembly of two parts with all components for washing machine Electrolux, AEG, Zanussi 3484159839 – average cost $138.

As usual, if you don’t repair your washing machine yourself, then In addition to the cost of spare parts, you will have to add the cost of a technician's visit, diagnostics of the fault, and repair work. In Moscow, the cost of such a complex repair can reach $45–$55; in the outskirts, repairmen are more modest, but still a hefty sum of $25–$30. Let's say you need to buy a drum and a tank for an Electrolux washing machine online. The drum will cost $138, plus $8 shipping, and $30 installation labor. The total cost is $176.

You'll agree, the price tag is quite high. Now let's look at the approximate cost of new washing machines. Since we're using an Electrolux part as an example, we'll look at the prices of washing machines from this brand.

1. Electrolux EWS 1064SAU – discounted price: $209.90.
2. Electrolux EWS 1052NDU – price $179.90.
3. Electrolux EWS 1276COU – $265
4. Electrolux EWS 1054NDU – costs $238.

It appears that unless you're repairing a very expensive washing machine, the repairs are economically unfeasible, as they're practically the same price as a new budget Electrolux washing machine. We've reached our conclusions on this matter, but the final decision is, of course, yours.

What will be needed for repairs?

If you're determined to replace your washing machine's drum yourself, you need to thoroughly prepare for the repair, specifically, gather your tools and materials. In this case, the materials are easier to come by, as you'll be purchasing a complete drum and tub, meaning the bushings, bearings, and spider are already installed. At least you won't have to worry about that. However, the tool kit isn't as straightforward. You'll need:

• a set of screwdrivers, both flat and Phillips;
• a small adjustable wrench and also separate wrenches 19,8,9;
• pliers;
• nippers.

That's the whole kit. As you can see, replacing the entire unit doesn't require any special tools; everything you need can be found in the pantry. Once you've got the tools and materials, all you need to do is be patient and get to work. We're replacing the drum.

Please note! To make the process of replacing the tank and drum more convenient, ask a family member to help, at least during the dismantling of the old units and installation of the new ones.

The process of carrying out work

As you may have already realized, replacing a drum is not the easiest job and will undoubtedly require some skill on your part. First, you need to properly disassemble the washing machine and remove the old tank along with the drum.. How to remove a washing machine drum, described in detail in the article of the same name on our website, we won't repeat ourselves. Let's discuss the procedure for installing a new tank and drum.

1. We install the pulley.
2. Together with someone else, take the new tank together with the drum and place it into the washing machine body through the top part of the body.
3. We put the drive belt on the pulley.
4. We insert the heating element into place and connect the wires to it.
5. We attach the drain hoses.
6. We install connectors intended for the hatch blocking device.
7. We install the hatch cuff and tighten it with a clamp.
8. We install the counterweight.
9. We put the top cover on and the work can be considered finished.

In conclusion, replacing the drum in any washing machine model is a very expensive and labor-intensive procedure, and, incidentally, is often completely unjustified. Think twice before taking this step. Good luck!

   

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