How long do shock absorbers last in a washing machine

In order to maintain your washing machine operating efficiently, shock absorbers are essential. They assist in reducing excessive noise and possible damage to your machine by reducing the vibrations and movements that occur during the spin cycle. It can be helpful to know how long these parts usually last so you can plan ahead for maintenance and prevent unplanned malfunctions.

Shock absorbers typically last five to seven years, but this can vary based on a number of variables, including usage, load sizes, and part quality. It may be time to inspect the shock absorbers if you observe that your washing machine is becoming noticeably noisier or shaking more than normal. Examining the details of how your machine is used can provide you more accurate information about when replacements might be necessary.

The life of your shock absorbers can be increased with routine upkeep and care. These parts can be subjected to less stress by loading the washing machine appropriately and avoiding overloading. In the end, keeping an eye on your washing machine’s performance can help guarantee that your shock absorbers last as long as possible and maintain optimal condition.

What time are shock absorbers for what time?

The automatic machine’s shock absorbers are typically composed of plastic and metal. The dampers have a fairly straightforward and unreliable design. However, the SMA’s shock-absorbing components last 10 years on average. The washer’s lifespan is directly influenced by how carefully it is used.

The washing machine’s operating conditions determine how well the shock absorbers will perform.

What does the term "operating conditions" mean? It matters how frequently the washing machine starts, whether the maximum allowable load is met, and what speed an outlet typically operates at. In addition, factors such as the flooring beneath the machine, the device’s installation level, the room’s humidity, etc., can impact the shock absorbers’ performance.

Grease seeps out of the cylinder and the damper gasket ages more quickly if the operating conditions are broken. The shock absorbers will last longer if the user handles the washing machine with greater caution. The shock absorbers can usually be repaired, but their useful life is limited to a few years following the procedure. The parts will still need to be changed after that.

In washing machines, shock absorbers are essential for reducing vibrations and guaranteeing a smooth operation. They typically last five to seven years, but other factors like load sizes and frequency of usage can affect how long they last. You can prolong their lifespan and maintain the optimal performance of your washing machine by performing routine maintenance and replacing them on schedule.

How to know that it is time to repair the shock absorbers?

If you observe that the machine is making an excessive amount of noise while it is operating, check the shock absorbers’ sensitivity with a quick test. It is not advisable to disassemble the washing machine and remove the dampers right away, as there might be another issue at hand. How to examine the constituents:

• de-energize the automatic machine;
• remove the top cover of the case (by unscrewing the bolts that fix it);
• press hard on the tank so that the container drops by 3-5 cm;
• release your hands sharply;
• estimate how quickly the tank returns to its original position.

Reusable shock absorbers ought to activate right away. The plastic tank will rise and stop in this scenario. The tank will swing in different directions for a while if the dampers are broken.

The subsequent "symptoms" suggest an out-of-order state of the shock absorbers:

• creaking and humming when the machine is running;
• difficult drum rotation (due to lack of lubrication in the dampers);
• "jumping" of the machine around the room during spinning.

The following are the most typical reasons why the washing machine’s shock-absorbing components fail:

• natural wear of the racks (after 7-10 years of operation, the gaskets wear out, the lubricant is used up);
• deformation due to a manufacturing defect, violation of operating conditions, "hard" transportation of the washing machine;
• damage to the fasteners (first the bolts that fix the racks break, and then the dampers themselves).

Sometimes it makes no sense to replace the damaged racks alone. The issue will resurface if their failure results from a malfunction, such as a loosening of the fixation or damage to the bearing unit. The washing machine needs to be fully repaired.

If the gasket is wearing, you can repair the dampers rather than replacing them. This is something you can handle at home. We’ll explain how to bring shock absorbers back to life.

Disassemble the shock absorber

You should familiarize yourself with the shock absorber’s structure before beginning any work. This will help you comprehend what must be done when making the repair. A contemporary automatic machine’s damper is made up of:

• a cylinder;
• a metal rod;
• a pair of bushings;
• a gasket that acts as a piston.

A worn gasket loses its piston-like function. The rod starts to freely move within the cylinder and occasionally even comes out. Let’s examine a scenario where the rubber is partially destroyed as an illustration.

In this scenario, disassembling the damper will be necessary. To put it simply, you have to remove the rod from the cylinder. Take great care when doing this to avoid breaking the plastic element.

Initially, you could attempt to remove the rod by yourself. This will work in half of the cases because the part essentially has no resistance left inside of it. If you are unable to remove the metal rod with your hands, cover the cylinder with a napkin, carefully clamp it in a vice to prevent cracking the plastic, and remove the rod. It will come out flawlessly in this manner.

When the rod is taken out of the cylinder, the damper is said to be disassembled.

There are extra plastic threaded covers on some SMA dampers. They stop the rod from escaping the cylinder. Should the design incorporate such components, you must unscrew the plug before removing the metal rod.

For a quiet and seamless wash, washing machines must have shock absorbers. The lifespan of these components, which lessen vibrations and balance the drum, varies from 5 to 10 years based on how often you use your machine and how well you maintain it. It’s a good idea to monitor their condition because frequent use can wear them out more quickly.

Excessive noise, noticeable vibrations, and the washing machine moving more than usual during cycles are indications that your shock absorbers may be nearing the end of their useful life. It’s advisable to have them inspected or replaced if you observe any of these problems. Maintaining your washing machine can help it last longer and function more efficiently.

In conclusion, shock absorbers are long-lasting devices, but how long they last depends on how well they are used and maintained. You can prevent more serious issues and make sure your washing machine continues to operate efficiently for many years by doing routine maintenance and replacements on time.

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