How to replace a washing machine activator?

Wear of the activator in a semi-automatic machine is a case when you can refuse the services of a specialist and perform the repair yourself. Such equipment is designed quite simply. Replacing the activator of a washing machine is a simple procedure that is carried out at home.

Purpose of this part

What is an activator in a semi-automatic washing machine and what is its purpose? It is a disk made of plastic with special blades on the front. In different models of machines, it can have different sizes. It is installed on the bottom of the tank or on the wall for rotating the drum. When the washing machine starts working, this part "activates" the wash: the laundry starts mixing, scrolling, shaking in the drum. Thanks to the activator, things do not get knocked together into a single lump, which improves the quality of washing.

In automatic washing machines, a similar function is assigned to the "rib-beaters" located on the surface of the drum. They also prevent the formation of a lump in the centrifuge by shaking it.

On cars like Malutka, Otrada, Samara

The common feature of these models is the location of the activator on the wall of the drum. Experienced craftsmen note that it is almost impossible to disassemble Soviet devices using standard modern keys. And finding a suitable tool on sale is not an easy task. Therefore, it can be made in advance by yourself.

To design a special key for the "Malutka" washing machine, you need to prepare:

• A tube, the diameter of which should be 15 cm larger than that of the activator,
• Several bolts, nuts,
• Drill with a diameter of 6 mm.

A custom-made key will make your work much easier and faster. It will take a minimum of time to prepare. The tool can be designed as follows:

• Take a tube, make two holes in it so that the distance between them is 9.5 cm.
• Insert the bolts. They should be protruding 1–1.5 cm from the back of the tube.
• Tighten the nuts.

With the help of such a key, you can start replacing the activator in a semi-automatic machine. To dismantle it correctly, you need to follow a certain sequence of actions. The algorithm of work is as follows:

• Disconnect the equipment from the power supply,
• Remove the plug on the side of the washing machine,
• Rotate the disk so that the holes on the wall of the housing and on the impeller coincide,
• Take a screwdriver and use it to lock the engine rotor,
• Unscrew the activator with the prepared key. In different models it has to be turned in different directions.

After the worn part is removed, you can proceed to install a new disk. The order of actions should be reversed. Lastly, the washing machine is connected to the power supply.

Cars Fairy, Ivushka, Mini-Vyatka

Compared to previous models, the Fairy, Ivushka and Mini-Vyatka brands have a slightly more complicated design. To replace the activator, you need to take this feature into account. The disk in such devices rotates from a belt drive mechanism, repeating the design of automatic washing machines with a collector motor. To remove the activator yourself, you need to:

• Turn off the power,
• Loosen the screws that hold the motor,
• Remove the belt from the pulley,
• Unscrew the nut that secures the pulley,
• Remove the stopper first and then the activator.

Along the axis, the displacement of the part may not exceed 0.5 mm. Precise adjustment ensures correct and uninterrupted operation of the device.

Semi-automatic machines like Raduga or Renova

These models are distinguished by their compact dimensions. The activator is located on the side. To replace it, you need to:

• Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply,
• Remove the panel from the back of the case,
• Unscrew the bolt that holds the pulley and remove this part,
• Remove the disk, install a new one.

Next, you should put the pulley back in place and tighten the drive belt. At the final stage, assemble the body of the washing machine and connect it. This work usually takes no more than 20 minutes.

Removing the activator on a Daewoo

Semi-automatic models of Deo are activator machines with a drum. It is not removed when replacing the disk. The rim is removed from the device, after which the following actions are performed:

• Using a socket wrench, unscrew the nut that secures the activator and is located at the bottom of the tank;
• pry the part up with a thin screwdriver and take it out.

When installing a new activator, repeat the steps in reverse order. It is better to replace a worn part in models of this type with two people, so that the assistant holds the drum, preventing it from rotating.