What bearings are in the washing machine

The device of the washing machine is thought out to the smallest detail and the malfunction of even a small bearing assembly will immediately affect the functioning of the machine. The washing machine will begin to knock, make noise and rattle up to a strong rumble. If you do not replace the parts, you can finally break the unit and pay a lot of money for a major overhaul. Therefore, we respond to knocking and vibration in a timely manner, and first of all we find out which bearings are on the drum. Not to be mistaken with the size and look our article will help.

Where are the bearings installed?

Without theory, a replacement cannot be made, so let's delve into the device of any washing machine. Let's pay attention to the place between the drum and the pulley - this is where the bearing assembly located in the special crosspiece is located. The latter is not difficult to find: it is attached to the back or side of the tank and has 3-4 branches. Together with bearings, the crosspiece provides smooth and trouble-free rotation. Nodal assembly consists of two bearings:

• the internal one which is closer to the drum and “takes on” the entire load, in connection with which it is thicker and larger in diameter;
• external which is installed on the other end of the shaft, and it is an order of magnitude smaller than its "colleague" and performs an auxiliary function.

Important! In modern cars, sometimes there are more durable and durable mono bearings, which are a single ring with two rows.

A sealing gum is located between the shaft and the assembly, and the bearings are protected from the friction and water from the oil seal pair. All parts of the bearing system are thoroughly lubricated with a special compound to ensure constant sliding.

What bearing elements are there?

Bearings installed in washing machines are metal and plastic. You can find out the type by marking on the outer surface: 2RS stands for plastic, and ZZ stands for metal. And, no matter how strange it may sound, plastic products are considered more reliable and durable. The whole “secret” is that both types have a metal base, but in the second case the design is complemented by an upper plastic coating. Thanks to such protection, the part is easier to withstand leakage of oil seals and less subject to friction.

But plastic bearings are rare, as their high cost forces manufacturers to use cheaper tooling. But with proper operation and timely repair, the difference between the parts is not too noticeable. Therefore, it is not necessary to replace the original form with an improved one in an already equipped machine - it is better to put a factory analogue.

Why do they have to change?

Bearings, like other elements of the washing machine, are subject to natural wear and tear. Even in expensive machines with Indesit, Ariston, Bosch, Samsung and LG brands that are distinguished by quality and durability, there is a standard limit of 6-7 years. This is with proper operation without factory defects. In fact, the period is much shorter due to many violations when using the machine:

• frequent overload of the machine with exceeding the maximum permissible weight;
• use of a machine to store heavy items;
• body tilt;
• untimely repair or replacement.

Most often, the reason for the rapid wear lies in the last paragraph. Especially when it comes to oil seals. It is this element, which is a rubber gasket, which protects the bearings from getting into the water and leaching of grease. If you do not notice the leaking stuffing box and washed grease in time, a minor breakdown will lead to serious problems.

What bearings are installed in different machines?

Almost everyone can replace damaged bearings. It will be more difficult to independently determine which part is ideal for an existing machine gun house. It should be understood that even with one brand, the size range of nodes varies greatly, therefore, it will not work to buy a universal spare part.

It is best to find out the type of bearing in the instructions that came with the particular unit. If there is no technical manual at hand, you can go the other way and “break through” the serial number of the machine on the Internet. The easiest option is to remove the old unit and find a similar one among the assortment offered by the store. However, there is no guarantee that the previous owner did not improve the design of the washer with an inappropriate bearing in diameter and thickness.

You can also choose the bearing size for the washing machine, focusing on the manufacturing company. Each manufacturer prefers certain diameters:

Attention! The list of bearings is for guidance only, as brands can change equipment as they wish.

• The most commonly used bearings are brand 203-204, less often - 205-206. Non-standard marking is only WF-R105AV, for which 305-306 are suitable.
• LG. The bearing system is similar to Samsung washing machines: 6203-6204, 6205-6206 and very rarely - 6305-6306.
• Bosch There are parts of the ZZ type and with a size range from 6203 to 6206 and from 6305-6306.
• Ariston Most washers are equipped with two-row single-bearing SKF BA2B 306037 brand bearings. In other cases, for example, we purchase numbers from 203 to 206 ZZ from the Ariston ALS 1048 CTX.
• Ardo. The most frequent option in WD, A, FLZ and S models is 6204 and 6305. For TL and FLS, only 6202 and 6203 are needed.
• Indesit. Better to navigate to specific sizes. So, with an internal diameter of 2 cm, an external diameter of 4.7 cm and a height of 1.4 cm, select 6204-2RSR, and with values ​​of 2.5 cm, 5.2 cm and 1.5 cm, respectively - ZVL 6205-2RSR. If the measurements do not match, then stop on bearings of the type 203-204.
• Beko. Only metal bearings are suitable, the number of which varies from 6203 to 6205 depending on the model.
• Standard bearing systems of types 203-205 and 204-205 are provided.
• Atlant. Suitable markings are the smallest - 6204 and 6205.

Knowing the typical sizes used by a particular manufacturer, you can check the recommendations of the seller-consultant and confirm the selected option. But do not forget that a lot depends on the specific model. Therefore, we do not neglect the ability to remove the old bearing and use it as a sample.

The main thing, in addition to sizes, is to think over the other nuances of the upcoming repair. For example, give preference to original spare parts or products made in Korea. And remember that only one bearing cannot be replaced. The entire assembly is dismantled and reinstalled, and it is better to immediately install new oil seals.