How to Check Shock Absorbers and Dampers on a Washing Machine

If there are problems with the shock absorbers on the washing machine, it will be immediately visible. The machine will knock during the spin cycle, vibrate strongly and jump around the room. The "dancing" will not end there - over time, due to constant impacts, the tank will break through, and a leak will occur. It is better not to delay and check the functionality of the shock absorbers on the washing machine. We will tell you in detail how to test the dampers and replace them if necessary.

Testing shock absorbers

You don't need to install new shock absorbers on the washing machine right away - you first need to make sure that the old ones are faulty. You can't make such a "diagnosis" by eye: you'll have to remove the racks, inspect and test them. The dampers are located at the bottom of the machine under the tank and to get to them, you'll need to partially disassemble the equipment. The procedure depends on the brand and make of the machine.

There is no need to completely disassemble the machine. On most models, for example, on Bosch, you only need to remove the front panel. Here, the shock absorbers have a standard design, they are attached to the body from below with one bolt and are fixed on the plastic tank from above with a latch provided on the rack. The shock absorbers are removed as follows:

• The machine is disconnected from the power grid and water supply,
• The screws securing the front cover are unscrewed,
• The end is removed to the side,
• A long drill with a diameter of 13 mm is used to drill out the bolt holding the damper from below,
• The top latch snaps off,
• The stand is removed from the washing machine.

On other washing machines, including LG models, disassembling the case is not required. You can get to the shock absorption system through the bottom. It is enough to disconnect the washing machine from the utilities and put it on its left side. Then press the plastic "fingers"-fasteners from each end of the racks. If the retainer is difficult to remove, then generously lubricate it with WD-40 cleaner - the fastener should give in.

Depends on the brand of the washing machine and the type of fastening. On Samsung, Miele and AEG, the dampers are connected to the body and tank with M8 and M10 bolts, which require open-end wrenches or socket heads of 12 and 13, respectively, to unscrew. On Whirlpool brand machines, the shock absorbers are fixed with special latches that can be easily loosened without tools.

Dismantling and diagnostics of shock absorbers must be carried out with the utmost care. Press and unscrew fasteners carefully, without strong pressure and using "heavy" tools. It is important to monitor the integrity of the racks themselves, the plastic tank and other adjacent elements.

The removed racks are tested for serviceability as follows:

• Press the rod,
• Pull the rod out of the body,
• Evaluate the stress exerted by the stand.

If the rod enters easily or even "flies out" of the housing, then the shock absorber is faulty and is no longer able to dampen outgoing vibrations. On some struts, it is also important to evaluate the amount of sealing grease in the piston: the absence of liquid will indicate wear of the dampers. Traces of rust also indicate unsuitability of parts.

How to change these parts?

During diagnostics it turned out that the shock absorbers are worn out? Then they need to be replaced with new ones. The ideal solution would be to install an original spare part with identical characteristics. But it is difficult to find branded parts or the waiting period for them is too long.

Another option is to use third-party shock absorbers. This is possible if you choose the right analogue. You need to focus on three main parameters: resistance, length and type of fastening.

• Resistance. Varies from 80 to 120N. It is easy to find out its value – the number is always applied to the element body.
• Length. You need to look at the distance between the mounting axes, both in the folded and compressed position.
• Fasteners. There are fasteners in the form of latches, bolts and plastic fingers. As a rule, silent block bushings are designed for a diameter of M8-10.

The shock absorbers found are installed instead of the old ones. The racks are attached to the body and tank, after which the machine is assembled, connected to the utilities and launched for a test wash.