A cross is called a part that seems to connect the drum and the tank together. Thanks to the action of this part, the operation of the moving part of automatic machines is ensured. There are bearings inside. The use of soft metals in manufacturing leads to various deformations over time. Replacing or repairing a cross is not that difficult if you know the rules exactly. It is also easy to figure out how to remove the cross.
Breakage of crosspieces: reasons
Usually a part does not fail abruptly or unexpectedly. Wear of bearings suggests the presence of additional noise during operation, hum. The bearings first begin to wear out, and then further destruction occurs.
What other reasons could there be for such a malfunction?
- Negative result of repairs carried out earlier.
- Using too hard water.
- Presence of a manufacturing defect.
Most often, problems arise due to the fact that the bearings began to wear out, but they were not replaced in time. Because of this, the entire drum cross is destroyed.
If the bearing race and their balls are severely damaged, then during operation of the device they severely scratch the shaft. The result is the appearance of the so-called production.It will no longer be possible to fit a new bearing on the same shaft. Both parts of the structure will have to be replaced.
Cases of marriage are quite rare. The exception is models of some Italian brands. There are different reasons:
- Low quality alloy.
- Lack of production control.
- Components are produced with violations. What a particular model is made of can be easily found out from the accompanying documents.
Constant exposure to hard water can damage the crosspieces of even the highest quality products. In this situation, difficulties arise in the movement of the drum. Because of this, the bearings deteriorate. The result is a failed crosspiece.
In the case of unsuccessful repairs, everything is clear. Many people put too much effort into it, causing the parts to become unusable.
When is repair required and when is it not?
Only a technician with sufficient experience can tell whether a device currently requires repair. The condition of the thread and the wear of the shaft are studied first. You should contact the service center if you have the slightest doubt that the part is working properly. Faulty crosspieces must not be ignored.
There is no need to change the entire part if only the bearings have deteriorated and the output remains small. Repairing the cross of a washing machine will be quite expensive for the consumer, and the result will not be very noticeable. It’s another matter when there is damage and is very noticeable on the surface of the part. For example, when the crosspiece burst.
Recommendations for repair and replacement
The bearings themselves are located in the sleeve of the tank cover.The behavior of some craftsmen deserves a separate discussion - they often install bearings that are not designed for the load actually present in a particular model. Because of this, the part is destroyed again, and you have to re-turn to the services of specialists. It is recommended to independently purchase bearings that are suitable for use in conjunction with a specific machine model.
Replacing the bearings at the cross requires the following steps:
- Removing old bearings from the shaft.
- Removing old seals.
- Installation of new oil seals.
- Pressing in new bearings.
The main problem is that every action is performed as carefully as possible. Old parts are often difficult to remove from their place without damaging other structures. You have to put in extra effort.
It is not recommended to attempt to destroy the clip, for which the owner hits the surface with a hammer. This often leads to damage to the shaft.
It is also dangerous to use chisels to knock down a part. It is allowed to use the tool, but you must be very careful:
- First, take a grinder or drill.
- Cuts are made on old bearings on each side.
- A chisel is installed in the places where the cuts are made. The bearing finally comes off the shaft.
It is the cuts in this case that simplify the repair. The main thing is not to rush; rushing will prevent you from achieving the desired result when performing the work. A mandatory step is removing the seals. They are removed in any case, even if their condition still seems normal. Upon completion of the work, new parts of Samsung and other models are installed in place of the old ones.
How to avoid serious damage?
It is important to ensure that the presence of a breakdown is determined in a timely manner. Then other parts of the washing machine will not suffer as much. The appearance of excess noise during washing is the first sign of a malfunction. Usually sounds appear that were previously absent. At the first suspicion, it is recommended to contact a specialist.
Additional selection rules
It is recommended to choose specialized service centers. Or stores that directly cooperate with manufacturers. The part is purchased from the same brand as the washing machine itself. The following brands have their own characteristics:
- Candy;
- Indesit;
- LG;
- Bosch;
- Samsung.
Regarding bearing replacement
The easiest way to work is with vertical loading machines. In this case, there is no need to remove the tank, which greatly simplifies the entire process. But replacement requires removing the plastic calipers where the bearings are fused.
Some people only change the bearing itself, ignoring the calipers. But this approach will not guarantee the maintenance of the minimum warranty period. Only a new support will increase the shelf life of the device as a whole.
In what sequence are the works carried out?
- First, the walls of the washing machine are dismantled along with the drive belt. The pulley is unscrewed separately. Inside the caliper, on both sides of the tank, there are bearings. Both parts are changed in turn, but in the shortest period of time.
- Calipers or hubs can be removed in different ways, depending on which model requires work. In some cases, the use of two lever screwdrivers is required. In other situations, you cannot do without a screwdriver.
- The oil seal must be removed if, after the previous steps, the structure remains in place.
- The planting site is thoroughly cleaned of any kind of contamination.
- New parts are treated with special compounds for maximum protection. Lubricant must be applied to the oil seal groove and bearings.
- The new hub is put in place along with the bearing, the second part involves performing the same actions.
- The machine is assembled in reverse order.
If loading is horizontal, with a collapsible tank
When replacing bearings, this is the option most often encountered. Most of the machines are equipped with horizontal unloading. The tank must be disassembled separately to perform the necessary work. There are two shock absorbers at the bottom as support, springs are used at the top, two or four pieces.
Before starting work, the machine must be completely disassembled. The procedure is individual, depending on the model, or the personal preferences of the owner or master.
For disassembly, you will need to dismantle the following components with parts:
- Front strap, if there is one.
- Front bar with hatch.
- The bottom panel where the drain filters are located. Under it there are often screws that hold the front wall with the door.
- Cuff.
- Interference filter.
- Shock absorber.
- Drain pipes.
- Counterweights.
- Motor part.
- Pulley.
- Drive belt.
- Back wall.
- Liquid supply valve.
- Filler pipes.
- Dispensers for detergents.
- Pressostats.
- The instrument panel is at the top, with the addition of a circuit board.
- Trays for detergents.
- Top covers.
Conclusion
Replacing any parts of washing machines requires some experience; this is a complex category of repair work. If possible, it is recommended to seek help from a specialist.Doing work independently is only permissible if you have confidence in your abilities and certain dexterity.
Replacing bearings and crosspieces is not a job that you can start with without having any skills at all, with zero training. Nowadays, finding a specialist is not difficult; the entire operation is performed at home, in just a couple of hours. You are only allowed to independently monitor the device’s status and stable operation.
