Repair of shock absorbers of a Bosch washing machine

Our everyday lives depend heavily on our washing machines, so it can be quite inconvenient when they break down. Shock absorber wear and tear is a problem that many owners of Bosch washing machines encounter. These parts are essential for maintaining the stability of your machine during the spin cycle because they dampen vibrations that arise from the drum’s rapid rotation.

The shock absorbers may wear out or sustain damage over time, which could cause the washing machine to shake excessively or break other components. Early detection of the symptoms of failing shock absorbers can prevent future, more expensive repairs. Fortunately, you can do this DIY repair and get your Bosch washing machine back to operating smoothly and silently with a little help.

What is on a Bosch: shock absorbers or dampers?

A traditional shock absorber is made of a simple cylindrical component with a metal spring, liners, a piston, and a rod inside. The springs are attached to the tank walls and are shown separately; there are no springs within the damper.

The two shock-absorbing components on Bosch machines are found at the bottom. Dampers are more effective at reducing vibrations in tanks. The springs are easily replaceable in the event of a failure because they are positioned independently.

The majority of recent Bosch models come with dampers.

Testing the part

You can use your hands to test the shock absorbers’ functionality. No specialized equipment is required for this. To complete the following tasks will suffice:

• remove the top cover of the housing by unscrewing the screws that fix it;
• press hard on the tank. It is necessary for it to “go down” by about 5-6 cm;
• suddenly stop pressing on the unit;
• observe the “behavior” of the tank. If it rises and “freezes” – the dampers are doing their job well. If the part continues to swing, the shock absorbing elements will need to be replaced or repaired.

Failures in the shock-absorbing components will impact the equipment’s functionality. The following "symptoms" can be used to determine whether they are breaking down:

• loud grinding, knocking and creaking of the machine during washing, rinsing and spinning;
• difficult rotation of the drum. This occurs in a situation when there is no lubrication in the shock absorber.

Typically, one of the following breakdowns happens if the issue is with the shock absorber components:

• wear of the liner or shock absorber gasket. In some cases, the element can be repaired, instead of buying new components;
• mechanical defects that arose due to careless transportation of the machine or a factory defect;
• wear of the bolts securing the dampers. The screw that holds the shock absorber simply flies out.

What specifically transpired with the shock absorbers is irrelevant. The breakdown needs to be fixed as soon as possible, in one way or another. It is not acceptable to operate an automatic machine with malfunctioning dampers.

Dismantling and installing the part

How are the shock absorbers removed? Actually, it’s not at all complicated. It is very simple to remove the "top" and the back panel of the case in order to disassemble the dampers. You may need to "unhook" the front wall of some Bosch models in order to access the parts. After that, the following will be the action algorithm:

• remove the cover from above. To do this, unscrew the two bolts, press lightly on it and slide it back;
• take out the detergent dispenser;
• remove the lower decorative panel hiding the garbage filter;
• unscrew the bolts securing the control panel. Carefully place it on top of the automatic machine so as not to tear the wires connecting the part to the control module;
• open the hatch door, remove the metal clamp holding the cuff, tuck the rubber into the drum;
• unscrew all the screws securing the front wall of the machine;
• disconnect the hatch locking device from the body;
• remove the front panel;
• find the dampers. They are located below, under the washing machine tank;
• unscrew the bolt securing the shock absorber or damper to the case (it may be necessary to remove latch);
• remove the shock absorbers.

Next, you must inspect the disconnected shock absorbers to determine the precise nature of the damage. It might be sufficient to fix the part, saving you from having to purchase new ones. If not, the steps listed below must be followed in reverse order to acquire and install functional components.

Even if only one damper is broken, both dampers need to be replaced.

A Bosch washing machine’s life can be considerably increased by fixing the shock absorbers. You can stop future damage and avoid future expensive repairs by taking care of the problem as soon as possible.

It is quite possible to replace the shock absorbers yourself if you have the necessary equipment and a little perseverance. Just make sure to abide by safety regulations and take your time to complete each task to guarantee accuracy.

To ensure that your Bosch washing machine continues to function properly for many years to come, perform routine maintenance, which includes inspecting the shock absorbers.

Maintaining a Bosch washing machine’s smooth operation and avoiding excessive noise and vibration requires repairing the shock absorbers. These parts may deteriorate with time, making the machine less stable and possibly damaging. You can prolong the life of your washing machine and maintain its efficiency by being aware of the symptoms of worn shock absorbers and knowing how to replace them.

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