DIY guide to replacing bearings in an LG washing machine

LG washing machines are highly reliable and have excellent washing quality. This applies to both direct and belt drive models.

However, some parts may still fail over time. So, if the bearing breaks, the device cannot be used. This can lead to serious problems.

Read the article about how to replace the bearing in an LG washing machine and what difficulties you may encounter during the work process.

When does it need to be changed?

When it’s time to replace the bearing in your washing machine, will indicate the following signs:

1. Extraneous noise that occurs during washing or while rinsing clothes. This may include metallic clanging, knocking and grinding sounds.
2. Poor quality spinning. Due to the destruction of the bearings, the drum does not pick up speed, so the laundry remains wet.
3. Washing machine imbalance. When the drum rotates, it will sway violently from side to side.
4. Damage to the edges of the cuff. This may serve as an indirect sign of bearing wear.

You can determine that it’s time to change a part even without disassembling the washing machine. To do this, just unplug it, place your hand on the top of the drum and swing it. It should move with the tank on the springs, but there should be no play between them.If there is free play, it means the bearing has begun to deteriorate.

How to replace LG washing machine with direct and belt drive?

Replacing bearings on a direct-drive and belt-drive washing machine is practically the same. The only difference is whether you have to remove the belt or not. In machines with direct drive, the engine is located on the tank, and with a belt drive, it is located under it.

Preparation

Before you begin disassembling your LG washing machine, you need to prepare your tools. To work you will need the following equipment:

• pliers;
• screwdrivers;
• adjustable wrench;
• lubricating fluid (you can use VD-40);
• hammer;
• a set of keys;
• pliers.

In addition to tools, you need to take care of the workplace. There should be enough space so that you can not only disassemble the machine, but also remove the drum from it.

Disassembling a household appliance

It’s good if you can disassemble the washing machine with a partner. It will be more difficult to cope with the task alone.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Disconnect the device from the network.
2. Unscrew the two bolts located at the top of the rear wall. They are responsible for securing the lid. Move it to the side and then remove it.
3. Remove the powder tray. To do this, pull it out and gently press on a special tongue. Hold it and remove the part. Taking this opportunity, you can wash the powder container.
4. Remove the two bolts that hold the control panel in place.In some models of LG washing machines, they are secured with an additional screw located at the end, on the right side of the device.
5. Pry the panel with a screwdriver and pull it out. You need to work carefully, as the fasteners are plastic and can break.
6. Unfasten the chips from the body, disconnect the connector with the wire. In order not to confuse the connection points of the wires during the reassembly process, you need to fix them on the camera. All removed parts are put aside so as not to accidentally damage them.
7. Disconnect the wires and tube leading to the pressure switch. The sensor is fixed with one self-tapping screw, which needs to be twisted.
8. Using a socket wrench, unscrew the bolts holding the counterweight located at the top of the washing machine. They take it out carefully, as its weight is impressive.
9. Disconnect the intake valve tubes and remove the chips.
10. If your washing machine is equipped with a steam wash function, then the next step is to remove the steam wash unit. It is located next to the intake valves.
11. Remove the surge protector.
12. Take out the clamp that presses the hatch cuff.
13. Remove the rubber band.
14. Unscrew the screws that are responsible for fastening the lock.
15. Remove the bottom cover under which the drain pump filter is located, tighten the bolt securing it and remove the part.
16. Proceed to remove the front panel. It is attached to two screws, which are located at the top of the device.
17. Pull off the clamp and take out the dispenser tank.
18. If the washing machine has a pump for recirculating liquid during washing, it is twisted. A hose will be connected from it to the cuff, which is unfastened.
19. Dismantle the transverse metal strip.
20. Loosen the clamp and pull out the pipe leading to the tank.
21. Remove the front counterweight.
22. Unscrew the back cover.
23. Find the heating element under the tank and disconnect all the wires that are found.
24. Tighten the screw holding the motor, remove the belt and take out the part.
25. Remove the tachometer.
26. Remove the strips that are attached to the tank.
27. Remove the shock absorbers and take out the tank.
28. Unscrew the screws that are responsible for connecting the two halves of the tank. Pull out the drum.
29. If the drum is stuck to the bearings, use a lubricant that will eat away the rust. Knock out the tank with a hammer.
30. Clean the drum from scale and dirt.

How to remove parts?

Once the drum is outside, you can begin to remove the bearings. What bearings are in an LG washing machine? There are two of them - external and root.

First you need to carefully pry the oil seal with a screwdriver and pull it off. If it does not give in, you can use lubricant.

To knock out the main bearing, you need to install a chisel on the outer race. The part is knocked out by gentle tapping.

You need to hit the hammer crosswise: left - right - up - down, you should not hit straight and in the same place. The outer bearing is knocked out in the same way.

Installing new

Before installing new bearings, their landing site must be cleaned. Use a dry cloth to remove any remaining rust and grease. If this is not done, moisture will damage the new part. Once the seat is clean, install the new bearing by carefully driving it in with a hammer.

Strikes must be applied only to the outer ring, moving along the perimeter. If you do not follow this recommendation, the part may not stand up straight, or the balls located inside may become deformed. The inner casing must not be touched.

At the same time, the sound will become more sonorous and sharp. This indicates that the bearing is in place. Once the bearings are in place, install the seal. If it enters with difficulty, lubricate the clip.

Assembly and testing

Reassemble the washing machine in reverse order. Before you begin assembly, you need to assess whether there is any play in the drum cover. Procedure:

• sealant is passed around the two halves of the tank, after which they are twisted with self-tapping screws, while the heating element must fit into the slot intended for it;
• install shock absorbers, hang a tank on them;
• return the motor to its place;
• Connect all the wires in series and screw the parts into place.

If the entire process was recorded on photo or video, then there should be no difficulties. There is an elastic band at the joints between the two halves of the tank. It wears out frequently, so it is recommended to replace it.

The first wash after installing new parts is run empty. If the machine is working properly, you can operate it as usual.

Features of choosing a bearing, its price

When choosing a bearing, you need to pay attention to the model of the LG washing machine. Different devices have parts of different sizes.

The serial number of the spare part can help you make your choice.. You can order the required part online.

You should not buy bearings from an unverified seller, as there is a risk that the part will be damaged. To be able to return a defective product, you need to take the receipt and not throw away the packaging it was in.

Seals are included with the bearings. They need to be changed together. If the oil seal leaks, the machine will fail again.The cost of a new bearing is 300 rubles and more, depending on the size of the part. A complete repair kit costs about 1000 rubles.

Possible difficulties

Difficulties that may arise when replacing bearings in an LG washing machine:

1. If there is a feeling that when knocking out the bearing it does not come out or moves out unevenly, the cover must be turned over and the actions on the reverse side must be corrected.
2. If the bearing wear is significant, this can lead to wear on the cover. In this case, it will have to be replaced.
3. To avoid damaging its integrity during the process of removing the cuff, the clamp must be removed carefully.
4. Sometimes some water remains in the hoses and tubes. You need to be careful not to get it on the electronics.

How much does a master's work cost?

If you cannot cope with replacing the bearing on your own, you should contact a specialist. You can find a specialist by looking at an ad in a newspaper or on the Internet. Another option is to contact a service center. If the machine is under warranty, the repairs must be paid for by the manufacturer of the household appliance.

To minimize the risk of encountering scammers, you need to contact trusted specialists or large service centers with a positive reputation. You also need to check with a specialist in advance how much the repair will cost.

Video on the topic of the article

How to disassemble an LG washing machine, remove and replace bearings, put the machine back together - video instructions:

Conclusion

Replacing bearings in an LG washing machine is a difficult task, as it requires complete disassembly of the unit.You can handle the repair yourself only if you have experience and knowledge of how the unit works. In other cases, it is better to contact a specialist.