How to choose a shock absorber for a washing machine?

Any washing machine has shock absorbers. These are special devices that support the tank and reduce vibrations. It happens that over time, the damping elements fail and require urgent replacement. It is important to choose the right shock absorber for the washing machine. The easiest way is to remove the old device from the "home assistant" and take it to the store - then the manager will select a similar spare part for you. If the components are ordered online, you will have to think for yourself. Let's figure out what characteristics of the dampers to pay attention to.

Nuances of selecting shock absorbers

The issue of choosing components for an automatic machine must be approached responsibly. It is important to purchase spare parts suitable for a specific model of the washing machine. The same applies to shock-absorbing elements.

Dampers are special devices designed to reduce vibrations created by a working machine. The principle of their operation is similar to car shock absorbers. Damping elements hold the washing machine tank, preventing it from hitting other internal components and the walls of the case.

If you constantly overload your "home assistant", the shock absorbers will fail much sooner. That is why it is so important to strictly adhere to the maximum permissible load weight indicator set by the manufacturer. Indirect "symptoms" indicating problems with the shock absorbers are:

• Noise and creaking sounds produced by equipment operation,
• Drum that rotates with difficulty,
• Noticeable play and “skew” of the drum,
• The tank is too loose.

To check how the shock absorbers work, remove the top cover of the machine body. Press hard on the tank and release it sharply. When the dampers are in order, the tank will jump and lock in place. If the tank dangles up and down, it means that the springs are not doing their job.

Repairing shock absorbers is not advisable. Experts advise to immediately purchase and install new dampers, especially since their cost is low. You should choose components carefully; we will tell you what criteria to focus on.

• Usually, manufacturers of washing equipment purchase some components from third-party companies. This also applies to shock absorbers. The damping elements produced under the Philco, AKS, and Indesit brands have proven themselves well. When buying, you should pay attention to these brands.
• If there is no complete analogue to the shock absorber installed on your washing machine, it is quite acceptable to select a device of another brand with similar characteristics and even at a more attractive price.
• When selecting components, pay special attention to the length of the shock absorber. It should exactly match the dampers installed on your car. If the "stroke" of your springs is 180-250 mm, be sure to purchase the same analogue.
• The bushing of the new shock absorber must exactly match the size. If the old device has a diameter of 8 mm, then the purchased damper must be similar.
• Be sure to look at the spring stiffness. It should correspond to the indicator specified by the manufacturer of the automatic machine.

There are a couple more recommendations that will help you choose a shock absorber for your washing machine. So, almost all Samsung washing machines have devices with a length of 155-265 millimeters. The diameter of the bushing is 10 mm. The manufacturer states the permissible stiffness of the dampers from 60N to 100N. The only exception will be short "springs" with an indicator of 40 Newtons.

On Bosch Maxx machines, as well as similar Siemens Neff washing machines, shock-absorbing elements with a rigidity of 90 Newtons and a working length of 170-250 millimeters are installed. Ready-made repair kits are sold for these machines, which is quite convenient.

The damping elements of LG washing machines are similar. These are shock absorbers 180-278 mm long, with a bushing size of 11 mm. The permissible rigidity of the devices varies from 80 to 120 Newtons. In fact, choosing replacement shock absorbers is not that difficult. The main thing is to know the model of the washing machine and its serial number. It is also advisable to dismantle the old damper and see if there is any marking on it.

Removing failed shock absorbers

To restore the washing machine, the worn-out dampers will have to be replaced. To dismantle the old shock absorbers, you need to remove the front wall of the automatic machine. You can do the work yourself. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• De-energize the equipment,
• Turn off the tap that supplies water to the system,
• Detach the inlet hose from the body,
• Unscrew a couple of screws holding the top panel of the washing machine, move the cover aside,
• Remove the powder receiver from the bunker,
• Unscrew the bolts holding the control panel and remove the latches that secure it,
• Take a photo of the wiring diagram for the dashboard to avoid making mistakes during reassembly,
• Reset the contacts and disconnect the control panel from the housing,
• Open the hatch and remove the outer clamp of the drum cuff,
• Tuck the sealing rubber inside the machine,
• Remove the bolts holding the hatch locking device,
• Remove the lock,
• Remove the lower false panel by releasing its latches,
• Unscrew the bolts securing the front wall of the case and remove it.

Now you can see the dampers - they are located under the tank. Usually, the devices are secured with two bolts. To dismantle the shock absorbers, you need to:

• Put the nut on the back of the rod mount. This is necessary to disarm the latch,
• Take hold of the rod with pliers and carefully pull it towards you,
• Unscrew the bolt from below.

To install a new shock absorber, these steps must be performed in reverse order. Then assemble the machine and run a test wash. Watch the operation of the "home assistant" - signs of malfunction should disappear.