How to replace the cuff on an Ariston washing machine

Washing machine repairs are a serious expense, and some are quite expensive. The cost is determined by the cost of the part being replaced and the technician's labor. Some repairs on an Ariston washing machine can be performed by the owner themselves. Replacing the door seal is one such repair. Let's look at how to do this yourself, without hiring a professional.

Before renovation

Many washing machine problems can be fixed without any special tools. Take replacing the seal, for example. It's a fairly simple task and can be accomplished with just a screwdriver, but to be on the safe side, it's worth gathering the following tools:

• Allen keys;
• pliers;
• hammer;
• screwdrivers, slotted and Phillips.

There is one little trick. For those who are doing this work for the first time, it makes sense to have a camera or a phone with a camera on hand in addition to the necessary tools. This is necessary to take a series of photos. These are necessary so that during reassembly, the removed parts can be reinstalled using the photos. This approach will ensure no confusion and will allow the machine to be started without any problems after the repair.

First, unplug the power cord and turn off the power to the device. This will ensure safety during repairs.

Repair progress

To replace the rubber seal, you need to access the Hotpoint Ariston's interior through the front panel. Rubber parts, particularly the seals, are subject to rapid wear and should be replaced first. Delaying repairs is strongly recommended.

First, you need to remove the screws securing the housing cover. To remove the cover, slide it relative to the machine's body, toward the rear panel. Then, lift the front edge and detach it from the body. After this, you'll gain access to the fasteners that hold the front panel of the machine in place. To access these fasteners, you'll need to remove the powder dispenser from the body. Underneath the powder dispenser are the screws securing the washing machine's control panel. These screws will need to be removed. Let's proceed.

1. Remove the control panel. Be careful when doing this to avoid damaging the plastic clips.
   
2. After removing the front housing element, the bottom (base) section can be released. Use a flat object to free it.
3. Now that all the wall fasteners are free and clearly visible, remove all the mounting screws. A special clamp with a spring is installed on the rubber seal. The clamp's purpose is to press the rubber element against the tank body. Using a flat object, such as a metal ruler, remove the clamp.
   
4. Grab the edges of the cuff and tuck them inward so they don't catch on the front wall. Reach under the front wall to the right of the hatch and disconnect the wires leading to the door lock.
5. Unscrew all the screws in a circle and remove the front panel of the Ariston machine. This will provide access to the internal components and assemblies.
   
6. Our damaged cuff is connected to the dryer duct with a tie. Grab the end of the tie and unhook it from the duct along with the clamp. Then remove the second clamp, which holds the damaged rubber seal to the drum. To separate the teeth and loosen the clamp, use a slotted screwdriver.
   
   
7. Once the second clamp is removed, the ill-fated rubber band should be free to detach from the tank. Now you can remove the seal by simply grasping it and pulling it out of its seat.
   

Before installing the new seal, prep work is required. This includes cleaning the seal seat on the washing machine's drum. Installation begins with connecting the branch pipe to the air duct. Next, align the drain holes with the lowest point located in the middle. After this, the remaining seal can be installed on the plastic drum. Simply sliding the rubber seal onto the seat is not sufficient; it must be securely fastened with a clamp. Reassembly of the Ariston machine is performed in reverse order.

Once the part is installed and the front panel is returned to its original position, it's time to test the installed seal for leaks. If water leaks through the seal after filling the reservoir, it's likely due to poor cleaning or an insufficiently tightened clamp. Once the test is successful, the machine can be fully reassembled. This completes the installation of the rubber seal.

Why does the rubber band get damaged?

Damage to rubber components occurs for various reasons. Sooner or later, a weak spot becomes a source of water leakage. A torn seal can lead to mold growth, a foul odor, and unsanitary conditions.

As noted above, cuff wear can be caused by long-term use. All components and assemblies have a certain safety margin, and they eventually fail over time.

A special rubber is used to make the cuff. It is not very resistant to certain detergents used in washing clothes. During operation, the machine's components come into contact with each other, which can damage the rubber. Similar friction occurs between items in the drum during washing.

By the way, the door seal of the Ariston washing machine can be damaged if you load items into the drum carelessly.

The more often the user uses aggressive washing modes, the greater the load on the machine parts, including the cuff. Imagine the destructive impact of high temperatures (up to 90⁰C) and the friction force during spinning at a speed above 1000 rpm. If you operate your washing machine in accordance with the operating instructions and take good care of it, the likelihood of parts and components breaking down will be significantly reduced.

   

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