Recommendations for replacing shock absorbers on a Whirlpool washing machine yourself

A working Whirlpool washing machine, when installed correctly, operates quite quietly, with virtually no vibration.

But if the shock absorbers wear out, the situation changes - the device begins to make noise during spinning and washing, shakes and may even move.

In such a situation, it will be necessary to repair or replace the shock absorbers of the Whirlpool washing machine.

When should you change?

Dampers in Whirlpool washing machines are designed to dampen excessive vibrations of the tank during operation of the device.

Their wear can be determined by the following signs:

• knocking when the drum stops rotating;
• noise (knock) during rinsing, spinning and washing;
• shaking of the body, especially during the spin cycle.

Causes of breakdowns

Shock absorbers in a Whirlpool washing machine most often become unusable as a result of long-term use of the device and physical wear.

Neglecting the rules for installing and operating washing equipment contributes to disruptions in work.

These include:

• regular drum overload;
• shoe wringing;
• installing the washing machine on an uneven floor;
• finding the device in unsuitable conditions.

Prolonged idleness of equipment without operation, and even more so in inappropriate conditions, can lead to drying out of the lubricant in the shock absorbers and, as a result, to damage to the dampers.

Stages of work

The process of replacing shock absorbers in a Whirlpool washing machine can be divided into several main stages:

1. Preparation.
2. Gaining access to replacement parts.
3. The replacement itself.
4. Reassembly.
5. Testing.

Preparation

In order to replace shock absorbers in a washing machine, The following preliminary preparation steps should be taken:

1. Disconnect the device from electricity - remove the plug from the socket.
2. Check that no items remain in the drum.
3. Prepare tools for repair work.
4. Provide access to the housing from all sides.
5. Prepare new parts for replacement.
6. Drain the remaining water from the tank through the drain filter.
7. Shut off the water supply and disconnect the device from the sewer.

The required set of tools and consumables includes:

• Screwdriver Set;
• flashlight;
• drill 13 mm;
• pliers;
• awl;
• screwdriver;
• 13 mm bolts;
• nuts to secure the bolts.

The hoses and wires must be carefully positioned on the back wall of the washing machine so as not to be accidentally damaged during further manipulations.

Gaining access to dampers

Algorithm for gaining access to Whirlpool shock absorbers includes the following set of actions:

1. Remove the top cover from the housing. To do this, unscrew the screws and slide the cover back.
2. Pull out the powder receptacle.
3. Unscrew the screws that hold the control panel.
4. Remove the panel and place it on the right without detaching the contacts.
5. Remove the clamp that holds the hatch cuff by carefully prying it off with a screwdriver.
6. Tuck the cuff itself inside the drum.
7. Tilt the device towards the rear wall.
8. Unscrew the screws that hold the front panel of the device.
9. Carefully remove the panel, paying attention to the wires that are connected to the door lock.
10. Disconnect the sunroof locking device wires.
11. Set the front panel aside.

How to replace?

Whirlpool shock absorbers are located on both sides under the tank. These are elongated parts that are attached from above to the tank, and from below to the body of the washing machine. There are several options for replacing shock absorbers, including one that requires completely disassembling the washing machine and removing the tank.

But you can take a simpler route and do without complex disassembly. This will save time and make all the work easier.

The dampers need to be disconnected:

• remove the lower fasteners on both parts - they are attached to the body of the washing machine;
• insert the drill into the screwdriver;
• the upper fastening of the shock absorbers to the tank is usually organized using plastic elements, which cannot be removed without damage - they must be drilled out;
• Using a screwdriver, carefully remove these fasteners;
• install new shock absorbers for the upper fasteners, using appropriately sized bolts and nuts that were prepared in advance;
• place the device vertically;
• pump the tank with your hand, checking the elasticity of the new shock absorbers.

Reassembly

Once the replacement has been completed and the installation is complete, the Whirlpool case must be reassembled. It must be done in reverse order.

Helpful Tips:

1. To avoid losing the removed screws, they need to be put in one place. For example, in a tin or cardboard box.
2. In order not to confuse the procedure for assembling the case, you can take detailed photos of the process even at the disassembly stage.
3. After installing the washing machine in its usual place, you need to connect the communications.

Test run

After the shock absorbers have been replaced and the Whirlpool washing machine itself has been assembled, it is necessary to check its performance. First you need to make sure that all communications connections are restored.

After a successful test check, the washing machine can already be used in normal mode.. Compliance with the rules for using the Whirlpool device will extend the life of the shock absorbers.

Rules for choosing parts for the Whirlpool washing machine

Shock absorbers for a washing machine are selected taking into account the specific model, and not just the manufacturer. Experts recommend selecting dampers that are completely similar to those that were originally installed. This guarantees the continued normal operation of the washing machine.

Shock absorbers can be purchased in specialized stores or ordered online. The cost of a pair of dampers starts from 600 rubles or more.

Recommendations for choosing shock absorbers - in the video:

Calling a specialist: the price of the issue

It is not always possible to perform a high-quality replacement of Whirlpool shock absorbers on your own.If you need specialist help, you should contact a company that repairs household appliances. The dispatcher accepting the application should indicate the model number and describe the nature of the breakdown.

If there are several similar firms providing services on the market, it is better to give preference to the one that has a good reputation and has been working for a long time. This will give confidence that employees take their work seriously.

Conclusion

Replacing shock absorbers on a Whirlpool automatic washing machine can extend the life of the machine. You can do all the work either on your own or by turning to a specialized company for repairing household appliances for help.