How to change the seal on a washing machine?

Your washing machine’s seal is essential for keeping water in the drum and avoiding leaks that could cause more serious issues. This rubber gasket may eventually deteriorate, crack, or grow mold, which will reduce the efficiency of your washing machine. It might be time to replace the seal if you’ve noticed water accumulating around your machine or an unpleasant odor.

Although changing the seal might seem like a difficult undertaking, you can manage it on your own with some help. We’ll guide you through the process of replacing your washing machine’s seal in this article, so you can get it back in working order. You’ll quickly be able to get your machine back up and running with a few tools and patience.

Part replacement procedure

In the event that the machine produces a loud grinding noise while being washed or spun, it is most likely the result of worn-out bearings. Thus, you hear an unusual rumble if you manually turn the drum. You will need to take the washing machine apart pretty much entirely in order to fix the appliance.

Novices who are unsure of which way to approach the machine must closely adhere to the action instructions and take pictures of every step of the process. Make sure you sketch out the connections, wiring, etc.

The washing machine’s seal must be changed before reinstalling the bearings.

Thus, in order to replace the sealing ring and bearings, you must:

• remove the "top" of the machine by unscrewing the bolts holding the cover;
• remove the back and front panels of the washing machine, also removing the screws that fix the walls;
• remove the counterweight blocks from the housing, disconnect the shock absorber springs;
• remove the elements from the machine that will interfere with the removal of the tank. You should remove the dispenser, heating element, engine, disconnect the drain pipe from the tank, throw off the wiring (after photographing the connection diagram). For example, on Indesit machines with a collector motor, you will have to remove the belt, disconnect the pulley;
• remove the tank. Some models of washing machines, for example, LG, Electrolux, Samsung, have a collapsible tank, and dividing it in half will not be difficult. In machines of the brands Ariston, Beko, Zanussi, Whirlpool, the tank is monolithic, and to get to the bearing unit, you will have to saw the structure into two parts.

You will then be able to access the bearings after this. Make sure to inspect the shaft and crosspiece before beginning any component replacements. The washing machine may have chips and cracks if it has been running in emergency mode for an extended period of time. In this instance, water will still enter the unit even after a new seal is installed, necessitating another repair in a few months.

The elements will also need to be replaced if damage is discovered when the crosspiece and shaft are being inspected.

As soon as everything is in place, you can begin taking the bearings out. With the help of a blunt chisel and hammer, the metal rings are carefully forced out of the seat. A slotted screwdriver is used to remove the oil seal from the "socket."

The replacement parts you buy need to be precisely the right fit for the washing machine model you own. Thus, make sure you comprehend the component dimensions before making a purchase. Thoroughly clean the seat "socket" to remove any dirt, wear, or rust before adding new bearings and an oil seal. Then, apply special grease to the parts and attachment points.

After that, the steps are repeated in the opposite order. The oil seal is installed after the lubricated bearings are forced into the "socket." The container is inserted into the machine once the tank’s halves are firmly fastened. The wiring, pipes, engine, and heating element are then fitted inside the machine, the pulley is screwed on, the belt is tightened, and the counterweights are fixed. All of the previously removed components are then connected to the tank. Once the washing machine’s body is put together, you must begin a test wash and make sure all of the parts are functioning.

Features of adding lubrication

When performing manual oil seal and bearing replacements, it’s crucial to remember to use lubricant. Parts preparation before installation is a crucial step in the repair process. You must use specialized lubricants for the task that have been approved by auto manufacturers.

Before pressing, the bearings receive copious amounts of lubrication; the oil seal is only treated externally. When fixing washing rooms, home repair experts are attempting to use automobile lubricants due to the high cost of professional equipment. In this way of saving, they do not believe that "non-core" compositions, which quickly wash out powder and water, lack all the necessary properties. As a result, they will need to replace the bearings after a year or two when they once again become unusable.

A straightforward but crucial maintenance procedure that keeps leaks from occurring and guarantees optimal operation of your washing machine is changing the seal. You can save money on repairs and prolong the life of your appliance by replacing the old, worn-out seal yourself with a few simple steps.

What lubricant to use?

Prior to making repairs, research the composition that washing machine manufacturers suggest using to treat the seal and bearings. When maintaining washing machines, the lubricant that is used has to be:

• moisture-resistant. Since the shaft and sealing rubber come into contact with liquid, a water-repellent substance is required. The worse the product is washed out with water, the longer the bearings will last;
• heat-resistant. The substance should not lose its properties even in extreme conditions, with constant temperature changes;
• safe for rubber. The composition should not contain aggressive components that can harm the seal;
• viscous. A thick product will not leak out during operation of the equipment.

Therefore, it is advised to use Anderoll grease for Indesit machines, which is made by the machine manufacturer themselves. You can use STABURAGS NBU 12, a professional composition designed to protect washing machine parts from wear, on Bosch, Siemens, LG, and other brands of washers.

Craftsmen also suggest using LIQUI MOLY "Silicon-Fett" silicone grease to treat seals and bearings because it can withstand temperature changes of -40 °C to + 200 °C. The thick composition is simple to use. Huskey Lube-O-Seal PTFE Grease is an additional choice; it remains intact even when submerged in water. The grease is heat-resistant, long-lasting, and maintains its qualities at both -18 °C and +117 °C. It also protects bearings for a long time.

Although it may seem difficult, changing the washing machine’s seal is a manageable task with the right tools and a little perseverance. You can prolong the life of your appliance and avoid paying a professional by carefully following the steps.

Frequent maintenance keeps your washing machine operating efficiently and helps prevent leaks. This includes inspecting and replacing the seal when needed. Periodically checking the seal and addressing any problems early on are worthwhile.

Ultimately, a small amount of maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your washing machine in good working order, guaranteeing that your clothes stay clean and dependable for many years to come.

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