Regardless of the model of the washing machine, its owners may experience damage to the cuff or, as it is also called, rubber. And, if most machine malfunctions are difficult to repair on your own, you can replace the cuff at home. Replacement is the only reasonable solution in this case. Yes, you can glue it, but where is the guarantee that after a short period of time the washing machine will not leak again? If the cuff does not tear at the gluing site, it will tear in another place.
Why does the cuff get damaged?
The cuff is a rubber product, damage to which can be caused by the following factors:
- physical wear of the material, which occurs due to the presence of vibration loads during drum operation;
- rotting of the cuff due to the appearance of mold in the folds;
- mechanical impact with a sharp object during rotation.
It often happens that some factors overlap with others. With poor maintenance, namely lack of proper care after washing, mold may appear between the folds and rust may appear on metal elements.
This leads to the fact that during operation the rubber product cannot withstand the impact and is rubbed or broken. Hard water can have a negative impact.
This means that it is better to replace the cuff before it breaks. If there are places with significant wear on it, then you need to think about replacing it.
What to do if the sealing rubber breaks
Due to the use of different design solutions, dismantling and installing cuffs on automatic washing machines may differ. Therefore, before performing such an operation, you must read the operating instructions. This operation is usually included in the book.
Do not forget to disconnect the machine from the network by removing the cord from the outlet, especially if a leak has already occurred. If you touch a puddle or a metal element with a bare part of your body, if there is a short circuit, you can get an electric shock.
The fundamental difference between the different models is the method of mounting the front panel. In any case, in order to dismantle it is necessary to disconnect the front part. Therefore, first the hatch is opened, then it is removed, for which the existing screws are unscrewed, if any.
Next, you need to find the metal rim that presses the rubber and pull it. It will be easiest to remove with a screwdriver. The metal rim is easily removed if you find a spring. Then the applied force will be several times less.
Before removing the top cover, there is one operation left. You need to remove the rubber. The easiest way to do this is to take hold of the bulge and wrap it in the drum. This is done to facilitate the process of removing the top cover.
Then there are two options for action if the rubber band in the washing machine between the drum and the door breaks:
- If it is impossible to remove the front panel, you need to find another rim under the cuff and simply remove it. Again, if you feel the spring, removing the rim will be quite simple. In some cases, the rim can be removed along with the cuff.
- If it is possible to remove the front panel, then the first step is to remove the detergent block. To do this, you need to press the valve that is inside the block. Next, the panel screws are unscrewed.
Next, unscrew the screws that are necessary to hold the front panel with the lock. Once access to the metal rim is gained, it can be removed.
It is possible that in some washing machines there will be clamps, rather than springs, on the rims. You need to unscrew them with a screwdriver, and then take out the rim itself.
Installing gum machine
Some owners decide to install the old rubber after cleaning, but this is up to everyone. Either way, the reassembly process will look the same. Assembly requires more attention and even more effort. You can't miss a single detail.
Before reinstalling the cuff, it is necessary to determine where the outer part is and where the inner part is. It must be installed in such a way that there is a special mark on top and a drain hole at the bottom. As a rule, the drain is located at the lowest point.If the automatic machine has a drain hose and adapter, then before replacing the rubber of the hatch, you should connect it, and only then install the inner hose.
As a rule, additional plastic elements are not included with a rubber product, so it is not recommended to throw away old components. In addition, you need to carefully dismantle it, removing all the elements one by one and putting them in one place.
Next, the iron rim is put on. This is the most complex operation of all that is performed during assembly. The screw is unscrewed from the lock and a screwdriver is inserted into it. This must be done to engage the spring. In this case, the sleeve should be tucked inside the drum.
To install the headband, you need to put it on the back of the cuff. Using a second screwdriver will allow you to install the elastic in its place without any problems. After this, you can install the lock.
Installation is performed in the following sequence:
- counterweight;
- middle panel element;
- castle;
- bottom and top panels;
- compartment for powders;
- top cover.
The last thing to do is thread the cuff. This operation is performed using a flat-head screwdriver. After this, the hatch of the automatic washing machine is installed.
Features of installation and dismantling
Firstly, you need to be extremely careful when working with the cuff, especially when using sharp objects such as a screwdriver. If you make a careless movement, it can be damaged.Secondly, you should not use a lot of force when removing and installing the metal rim, as it can be stretched or broken.
The problem is that this element is not included with the elastic band.
Thirdly, it is prohibited to perform any operations while intoxicated.
Conclusion
A washing machine is a unit that must be repaired by specialists. But there are operations that you can perform yourself. Our article describes in detail what to do if the rubber band of your washing machine breaks.
Naturally, this cannot be done if the washing machine is under warranty, since then it can be lost. In the event of a serious breakdown, you will still have to contact specialists.
