How to change and repair a worn shock absorber for an Electrolux washing machine?

Failure to follow the operating rules of the Electrolux washing machine, systematic overload of the drum and lack of balancing when installing household appliances damage one of the important elements - the shock absorber.

A spring shock absorber (in modern models a damper) dampens the vibration of the drum that occurs during the washing, rinsing and spinning process. Shock absorber wear is a problem that requires immediate attention.

Otherwise, there is a high risk of more serious damage to the components and mechanisms adjacent to the drum, up to and including the complete collapse of the household appliance.

When is replacement required and when is repair required?

Frequent loud knocking and vibration of the washing machine body during washing, rinsing, and spinning are the first signals that it is time to change the shock absorbers.

You can confirm assumptions about the upcoming repair in the following way:

• on the back panel, unscrew the two bolts securing the cover;
• we move the top panel slightly away from ourselves, lift it and remove it from the body (under the cover there is access to the upper part of the washing machine tank);
• several times, with sharp movements, press on the tank (the element should drop at least 5 cm).

Additionally, we inspect the hatch cuff. If folds appear on the rubber seal when pressure is applied to the tank, it is time to change the damper (folds are a sign that the part does not create the necessary resistance when the drum swings).

Once suspicions about a faulty shock absorber have been confirmed, you need to decide: replace the worn elements or repair them? The dismantled part is carefully inspected.

Only dismountable dampers can be repaired. It is enough to replace the gasket or bushing, and the shock absorber is again ready to take on the vibration of the rotating drum. Parts on the body of which cracks, bends and other mechanical damage are visible cannot be repaired.

How to replace?

By following a clear sequence of actions, work on replacing shock absorbers will take place as quickly as possible, and the result will please you with quality.

Algorithm of actions:

1. We find and unscrew the screws on the back panel that hold the lid of the washing machine. Remove the top panel from the case.
2. By pressing the fastening latch, pull out the detergent dispenser. In the opened niche, unscrew the screws securing the control panel.
3. We unscrew the screws on the crossbar holding the control panel and remove the element from the retaining hooks. You need to remove the control panel very carefully, being careful not to damage the wiring connections.
4. Remove the spring clamp holding the hatch cuff to the body.
5. Unscrew the UBL fasteners
6. In the upper part of the case, using a slotted screwdriver, remove the clamp and, unscrewing the four screws, remove the crossbar connecting the two parts of the washing machine case (front and rear). Slightly tilting the washing machine back, unscrew the three screws of the front panel at the bottom.Additionally, we unscrew four more screws securing the front panel on the sides. Remove the front panel from the case.

At this stage (after removing the front panel), access to the shock absorbers is opened.

Replacing them is very simple:

• carefully grasping it with pliers, pull out the pins that secure the dampers to the bottom of the tank and the body of the washing machine;
• We install a new part in place of the dismantled element.

If the pin fits into the bushing of the new part with difficulty, it must be treated with a small amount of lubricant.

The video will show you how to replace shock absorbers:

Repair work

The main reason why a shock absorber stops performing its main function is wear of the gasket. Replacing the rubber seal yourself helps to quickly return the damper to working condition:

• using a caliper, measure the diameter of the sleeve hole;
• Having selected a piece of rubber identical in thickness (you can use a car inner tube), we cut out a new seal according to the measurements;
• We insert the gasket in place of the previously dismantled worn element and assemble the damper.

Before installation, the new gasket is additionally treated with lubricant.

Where can I buy an Electrolux washing machine part and at what price?

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a new part, before going to the store (or placing an order on the website) you need to find out the following parameters:

1. Length (a worn shock absorber is measured in the compressed and open state).
2. The diameter of the bushing (the new part must exactly match the worn element, since the quality of the work done and the further operation of the washing machine depend on this).
3. Load indicator (indicated by the manufacturer on the case).
4. Rigidity (markings are printed on the body).

If possible, before going to the store you need to take with you a dismantled, worn-out element (such a simple rule greatly simplifies the search for the right damper).

To order in the online store, the seller must additionally specify the model and year of manufacture of the Electrolux washing machine.

Call the master

For those who, for some reason, cannot solve the problem of worn shock absorbers on their own, professional craftsmen will come to the rescue. You can call a specialist to your home using the services of service centers (contacts are not difficult to find on the Internet). When submitting an application, you must provide the model of the washing machine and describe the problem in detail.

The cost of services for replacing shock absorbers of an Electrolux washing machine starts from 1000 rubles. The estimate includes:

• disassembling a washing machine,
• dismantling old and installing new parts,
• reverse assembly.

Diagnostics (subject to subsequent repair of household appliances) is carried out free of charge. The master can announce the final amount to be paid only after examining the problem.

Upon completion of the repair the master is obliged to issue a certificate of work performed with a guarantee, a receipt for payment. If a specialist demands money even before the repair begins, such “services” should be refused.

Conclusion

Replacing shock absorbers is not a very complicated process, and can be done by anyone with care and attention. The main thing is to start repairs as soon as the first signs of wear appear. Otherwise, there is a high risk of more serious breakdowns, which only service center technicians can fix.