How to replace a belt on an Indesit washing machine

A user will recognize a faulty drive belt by certain signs: an error code appearing on the display, unusual noises emitted by the machine, etc. To fix this kind of problem, you don't necessarily need to contact a service center; you can replace the belt on your Indesit washing machine yourself. Let's look at how to diagnose this problem, what signs to look for, and how to repair it yourself.

We localize the breakdown

There are many signs that indicate a failure in the drive element of an automatic washing machine. First, there's the error code displayed by the unit, which appears on the electronic display or, if there's no display, is indicated by specific indicators.

The next clear sign of this type of breakdown is the drum not rotating during the wash cycle, or a situation where it rotates very slowly and is accompanied by scraping sounds.

Important! This failure is quite serious, as a belt break can cause power wires to break or damage sensors.

Why does the belt on my Indesit washing machine break? There could be many reasons.

1. Drum pulley malfunction. This can be caused by improper loading of laundry, exceeding the maximum load capacity, imbalance, etc. These factors can cause the belt to slip, break, or become loose.
2. Natural wear and tear. Any item can wear out over time, and often only a few parts function properly throughout its entire service life. Premature wear of the drive belt can be caused by daily use of the machine, as well as by its design (in narrow washing machines, the belt wears out faster than in standard models).
3. Incorrect loading of laundry. Exceeding the manufacturer's permitted weight of loaded laundry leads to an imbalance in the drum – items shift to one side. During the spin cycle, which occurs at high speeds, the drum may accidentally hit the tank, which will cause the drive belt to slip off.
4. Bearing failure, which is essential for the drum to rotate smoothly and correctly, can lead to increased vibration in the pulley, which can cause the drive element to break or fall off.
5. Very infrequent use of the washing machine. It would seem that the less you use the machine, the better it will perform. This isn't entirely true. Regarding the belt, with infrequent use, its sections shrink. During subsequent wash cycles, these sections wear out, leading to stretching and eventually failure of the drive element.

If you still can't prevent the underlying cause of the breakdown, you should fix the problem as soon as possible. Let's discuss how to replace the drive element in Indesit washing machines.

Buying the "right" belt

You shouldn't buy a part at random, as it's very easy to make a mistake with the markings. It is best to remove the damaged belt from the unit and take it with you to the store. A sales specialist will carefully examine the part you provide, check the markings, and select the necessary replacement. If you're purchasing a belt online, be sure to check the markings and select the correct part. We offer several drive belt markings suitable for various Indesit washing machines for your consideration:

• MEGADYNE EL 1187 H7;
• MEGADYNE EL 1195 H7;
• HUTCHINSON 8PHE 1195;
• CONTITECH EL 1195 H7, etc.

When selecting a replacement part, be sure to examine the belt length and type. Indesit machines have two types of drive elements: V-belts and semi-V-belts. The first type is found in washing machines equipped with an asynchronous motor; the V-belt cross-section resembles a triangle or trapezoid. A distinctive feature of this type of belt is its high tension and a small deflection in the center.

Semi-V-belts are used in automatic transmissions with commutator motors. They consist of a small number of toothed wedges. Unlike a V-belt, they should be tensioned slightly less. However, in some narrow models, a semi-V-belt requires very tight tension.

Important! When purchasing a part at a specialized store, you can only tell the salesperson the make and model of your automatic washing machine. Based on this information, the specialist will recommend the correct belt.

Instructions for performing work

To replace a drive belt that has simply slipped off, or to replace a broken one, follow these simple steps. The step-by-step instructions are as follows.

1. Disconnect the machine from the power supply.
2. Close the valve that regulates the water intake into the tank.
3. Drain the remaining water. To do this, take a container of suitable volume, unscrew the intake hose from the body, and pour the liquid from it into the prepared container.
4. Remove the back cover of the washing machine by unscrewing the mounting bolts located around its perimeter.
5. Inspect the drive belt, wires, and sensors located near it for any damage.

Once the cause of your automatic washing machine's failure has been determined, proceed to troubleshooting. If the belt is intact and has simply slipped off, tighten it back down. If it's torn, install a new one.

To put the belt back in place, carefully pull the element onto the electric motor shaft, and then onto the drum pulley. When performing these manipulations, you need to tighten the belt with one hand and slightly turn the pulley with the other. Please note that the drive belt must be located directly in the special groove.

Once the faulty part has been replaced, reattach the rear cover of the unit. Don't forget to secure it with the bolts you removed earlier. Next, connect the washing machine to the utility lines and power it on.

You can fix a faulty belt on your Indesit washing machine yourself, without calling a repairman. However, keep in mind that some drive components are very tight, and you may need a family member to tighten them.

   

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