Signs of bearing failure in a washing machine - diagnostics

One of the most serious malfunctions automatic washing machine of any manufacturer is the wear of the drum bearings. Their price is low, but the replacement process requires time and effort, which is especially true in the case of devices with a non-removable tank. This problem can arise at any time, so a home technician simply needs to know the main signs of bearing failure in a washing machine. This will help you identify the problem in a timely manner, take corrective action, and avoid a serious accident.

The purpose of the unit and the consequences of its failure

The bearing assembly is an important part of the washing machine. On the one hand, it ensures reliable fastening of the drum to the tank, on the other hand, it does not interfere with its free rotation. The method of installing bearings and the configuration of the unit can vary significantly and depend on the type of machine and its manufacturer.

In most models of washing machines from famous manufacturers, for example, Indesit, Samsung, Bosch and others, the drum axis rotates on two bearings. They differ in size. The outer one experiences a greater maximum load, the inner one experiences less.The unit must be closed with a sealing collar that prevents water from leaking from the tank.

Bearings ensure smooth rotation of the drum, and they also protect the tank from mechanical damage. Under no circumstances should you use the washing machine, if there are signs of failure of this unit. A loose shaft can cause failure of a number of parts, including physical destruction of the tank, which will entail costly repairs.

Types of bearings used in washing machines

For installation in the washing machine tank, closed-type radial ball bearings are used. The protective function in them is performed by metal washers (the letters ZZ are present in the markings) or plastic seals (2RS). In terms of durability, plastic ones have a noticeable advantage, however, many manufacturers prefer varieties with metal washers.

The sizes of the bearings used vary markedly; sometimes you can find so-called “mono bearings” - a double-row bearing assembled in one housing, which is pressed into the tank. This solution guarantees the durability of the unit, but is extremely inconvenient in terms of repair.

Main causes of failure

The first and main reason for wear of the drum bearing in a washing machine of any brand, be it LG, Samsung, Indesit, is damage to the sealing lip (oil seal). Its task is to ensure the tightness of the tank, do not allow water to overflow.

Water helps wash out the lubricant, the balls rotate dry, which leads to breakage of the part.Most often, the separator is the first to break; its parts contribute to further destruction of the unit, and the lack of alignment of the balls allows the shaft and the drum attached to it to “walk.”

Constant overload also contributes to wear. To avoid this situation, many manufacturers use a system that blocks startup if the drum is overweight. Also, the cause of the breakdown may be a manufacturing defect, but reputable manufacturers purchase only high-quality parts, however, a bad bearing may have been installed during a recent repair.

Signs of unit wear

In order to identify with a high degree of probability the wear of the washing machine drum bearings, especially in the early stages, you need skills and experience. This is a difficult task, but there are signs of bearing failure that even a non-technical person will notice.

Extraneous noises in the washing machine during washing: metallic clanging, creaking accompanied by a crunch. The volume of sounds can increase significantly at high engine speeds.
Bad spin. The resistance in the bearing assembly does not allow the motor to operate at full power; the laundry is excessively damp after washing.
Increased vibration level due to drum imbalance.
Damage to the cuff edge. If the drum “walks” during rotation, its edges wear out the rubber seal. If such a situation occurs, it is worth checking the condition of the bearings.

Any of the signs listed above can serve as a harbinger of a problem, but do not panic; diagnostics will help confirm or refute suspicions. This is a series of simple steps that anyone can do.

Diagnostics without disassembling the washing machine

The first step is to fully open the loading hatch, touch the top of the drum with your fingers and slowly lift it. The drum should swing on springs along with the tank; the presence of significant play is a sure sign of failure.

Next, you need to spin the drum by hand and listen. Under normal conditions, it rotates freely and almost silently, let's say a quiet monotonous hum. If you hear a crunching sound, a clanging sound, or the drum stops abruptly, you need to change the bearings.

Diagnostics with partial disassembly of the washing machine

To finally make sure the need to dismantle the tank And bearing replacements, You need to partially disassemble the washing machine. Basically, all you have to do is remove the back panel. It is important not to forget to completely turn off the power to the machine and disconnect the water supply and drain hose before starting work.

The sequence of actions directly depends on the brand of a particular device. In the case of popular models of Ariston washing machines, it is enough to unscrew the bolts holding the top cover, slide it and remove it. After this, all that remains is to unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the back panel and remove it.

Next, you need to carefully examine the inside of the washing machine; for convenience, you can move it away from the wall and move it to a well-lit place or use a flashlight. A cause for concern will be drips coming from the center of the tank.

Features of replacing drum bearings

If a breakdown is identified during diagnostics, measures must be taken to correct it. There are two possible solutions to the problem: you can take the washing machine to a workshop, you can remove the tank and replace it yourself.Do-it-yourself repairs are possible, but you must be aware that this is a difficult task that requires experience and perseverance.

In most models of modern washing machines, the tank is non-separable. It is made from durable synthetic materials, which guarantees durability, but makes it difficult to replace something as simple as a bearing. Owners of such washing machines need to be prepared for the fact that they will have to either buy the entire tank, which is not cheap, or carefully cut it, replace the bearings and glue it back together.

Particular attention should be paid to the selection of bearings. There is no need to save on them; it is better to overpay once for a quality part than to disassemble the washing machine again after a few months. The same requirements apply to adhesive compositions. The glue is selected based on the material of the tank, and the work is performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Failure of drum bearings – this is really a problem, but it can be dealt with. To do this, you need to detect a malfunction in a timely manner, prevent it from developing into an accident, and take immediate action. Do not ignore the obvious signs of a washing machine breakdown; this can lead to serious consequences.