Replacing shock absorbers on an LG washing machine: how to check the condition of the parts, where to buy and at what price, how to remove and replace them yourself?

Washing machines experience significant centrifugal force during the washing process, and especially during spinning. Shock absorbers - devices located under the drum - help smooth out vibration and compensate for shaking.

When these parts wear out, the washing process, and even more so the spinning process, becomes unsafe for the internal structure of the machine, and therefore requires timely replacement.

We will tell you below how to replace shock absorbers on an LG washing machine with your own hands.

Why does the breakdown occur?

Shock absorbers in a washing machine become unusable as a result of prolonged use, as well as due to violations of the rules for using the equipment.

Most often this contributes to:

regular drum overload;
spin setting (especially at high speeds) when washing shoes;
incorrect installation of the washing machine itself;
long term intensive service.

If during operation you hear extraneous noise and vibration is greater than usual, this may be a sign of wear on the shock absorbers.
But simply based on the noise, and even the rumble during washing, it is impossible to make an unambiguous conclusion about the breakdown of the shock absorbers. Similar “symptoms” may be present with other types of failures, for example, with crumbling bearings.

To make sure that the reason for the abnormal operation of the washing machine is worn shock absorbers, you should partially disassemble the device . Such work should be carried out only after disconnecting the machine from the network.

There are two of these parts in the washing machine. The shock absorbers are located under the drum, in the corners. Their task is to dampen vibrations and prevent the tank from contacting other parts during rotation.

Reducing the load on the nodes adjacent to the drum is achieved by the shock absorbers taking the load on themselves. As a result, natural physical wear and tear occurs.

What is a shock absorber

Why is it needed?

If the washing machine makes noises and moves during the spin cycle, first check that the shipping bolts have been removed.

What does it consist of?

The part has a spring-piston design: its shape resembles a cylinder. Inside there is a rod consisting of a rod holder and a rubber gasket, which is impregnated with a special lubricant for effective friction. The upper part of the rod is specially made for fitting polymer inserts and rubber gaskets. A piston with another gasket is attached to the base of the rod.

How is it different from a damper?

Dampers are a modern type of shock absorber. The principle of operation is the same, the only difference is in the position of the springs: in models with dampers, they are installed not inside the part, but at the top, and the tank is suspended from them. This allows you to replace springs faster and reduce the likelihood of breakage.

How to check the condition of parts?

Dampers (shock absorbers) work in conjunction with suspension springs, which hold the tank with the drum on top. The damper operates on the principle of a piston , which takes the load from the tank onto itself.

If the drum begins to move with a large amplitude during washing, the tank hits the body and other parts, this is always accompanied by noise and rocking of the entire machine that is uncharacteristic for a washing machine.

To verify the condition of the dampers, and, if necessary, to replace them, you need to partially disassemble the device. The machine must first be disconnected from all communications.

Top loading washing machine

Damage to the dampers can be diagnosed by the specific noise during washing that comes from inside the machine. check the condition of the shock absorbers :

Press the top of the drum without excessive force. If resistance is not felt, and after the hand is removed the drum dangles, a replacement is needed.
The drum rotates with a creak.
The drum should be accessed from the rear cover. You need to press the tank with your hand and quickly release it. The container should bounce and lock into place if the shock absorbers are working properly.

From horizontal

With front loading, the verification algorithm will be slightly different:

Open the top cover.
Press the top of the tank with your hand and observe the behavior of the rubber cuff of the hatch. If it becomes wrinkled, the shock absorbers need to be replaced.

In normal condition, the rubber should not wrinkle, and the tank should not sag under load.

Types and design of the washing machine tank spring (SM)

Earlier models of washing machines used and still have shock absorbers . The parts are located under the tank in order to dampen vibrations during operation. Their design consists of the following parts:

cylinder;
piston;
spring;
gaskets, fasteners, bushings.

How does the device work? During vibrations, the piston inside the housing begins to move; the return movements are provided by the shock absorber spring located below. Around the piston there is a gasket impregnated with a special non-drying compound. Thanks to this, the friction force is reduced and the part lasts longer.

There are holes on the surface of the case that help pump out air from the inside.

These parts must be completely replaced when worn out. You won't find replacement parts for them in stores.

How to remove and change?

For repairs, you will need new dampers (they can only be replaced in pairs), pliers and screwdrivers. The part is removed by unscrewing the top latch using a screwdriver.

Repairs are carried out by partially disassembling the washing machine. To do this, disconnect the communications and remove the outer covers, opening free access to the internal structure of the washing machine.

Procedure:

the top and back panels are held in place by screws - they should be unscrewed;
from the rear of the washing machine, gain access to the shock absorbers - they are located at an angle under the tank;
check their status by pressing;
pull out the clips and remove the part.

Installation is carried out by inserting a gasket into the damper spring and installing the part itself. Fastening with a bolt completes the installation.

The video will show you how to replace shock absorbers on an LG washing machine:

What is a shock absorber

Why is it needed?

If the washing machine makes noises and moves during the spin cycle, first check that the shipping bolts have been removed.

What does it consist of?

How is it different from a damper?

Where can I buy new dampers, at what price?

You can buy new parts to replace worn ones at specialized sales points and on the Internet. The cost depends on the place of purchase and the manufacturer . On average, a pair of shock absorbers will cost 600 rubles.

You need to select a new part in accordance with the model of your washing machine, focusing on the model. Also, detailed information on the operating resistance of the part can be found on the body of the dampers themselves after they have been removed.

Some stores indicate on the Internet the cost for 1 damper. But you only need to purchase a pair of completely identical parts.

We fix the problem ourselves

Repairing the shock absorber yourself will help you save money on purchasing new parts. Restoring the functionality of an old part is possible in the event of abrasion of the liner or gasket. Mechanical damage (distortion, cracks) requires complete replacement of the part.

How to change gaskets or liners?

Light, fast movement of the rod when compressing the shock absorber indicates that the gasket has worn out. Replacing it is easy, just follow a clear algorithm of actions:

We measure the diameter of the sleeve hole (use a caliper).
Based on the measurements, we cut off a piece of rubber (thickness of at least 3 mm; alternatively, you can use a brake pad or a piece of PCB).
We insert the cut piece into the place of the previously worn out seal (the edges of the new gasket should meet).
Lubricate the part and install the shock absorber rod in its original place.

Lubricate the new part immediately before installing the rod. It is important to use lubricating oils that are resistant to moisture, resistant to high temperatures, and have a high viscosity index.

Calling a professional: how to avoid falling for scammers, how much does the work cost?

In the event that you cannot carry out repairs yourself, you can contact a company specializing in servicing household appliances . Such companies are widely represented on the Internet.

Before calling a specialist, you can check the prices for the work of the masters and look for reviews of the company on the Internet. Firms that have been working in the service market for years try to maintain their reputation and fulfill orders with high quality.

The cost of work depends on the complexity of the breakdown . If other repairs need to be done in addition to replacing the shock absorbers, the price will be higher.

On average, replacing shock absorbers in the capital will cost from 2,900 rubles and will take up to 1.5 hours. If the client does not have new parts, the dispatcher should be notified about this when registering the technician’s call. In this case, the cost of shock absorbers will be paid separately.

After completing the work and reassembling the washing machine, the technician performs a test run and issues a warranty.

What can replace lubricant with?

When it is not possible to find a special lubricant for oil seals or its cost does not suit the owner of the washing machine, petroleum-based lubricants with similar effects, for example, litol or grease, can be used.

However, experts do not recommend replacing specialized lubricants with anything in order to avoid accelerated wear of the oil seals. Materials that are effective in the automotive sector are just as harmful to household appliances as edible oils and fats that are not intended for them.

Replacement procedure

Let's find out how to replace the shock absorbers of a washing machine with your own hands. You will need a screwdriver and a set of wrenches. First you need to get easy access to them. On some models, simply remove the back cover. If your shock absorbers are located in the front, then you will need to complete the following points:

Remove the bolts and then remove the top cover of the washing machine.
Remove the powder receptacle and the bottom plastic panel. Be careful! Do not damage the wires.
Remove the cuffs and release the metal clamps.
Unscrew all the bolts by removing the front part of the machine.
Remove the wires or the door lock completely.
Dismantle the façade of the building.
At the bottom of the machine on the sides there are shock absorbers. Unscrew the bolt that secures the element to the body or remove the latch (depending on the specific model).
Disconnect the shock absorber from the tank in the same way as described above.
Install the new part and then reassemble in reverse order.

In the worst cases, it will be structurally impossible to disconnect the shock absorber from the tank. Then you just have to completely remove the tank. This is a rather complicated procedure. If you do not want to cause additional damage, contact a professional. When purchasing new parts, it is recommended to pay attention to the article numbers to be sure that the product is compatible with the model of your machine.

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