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How to repair or replace the crosspiece of a washing machine

washing machine spiderThe crosspiece of the drum is the basis for the operation of the movable elements of the washing machine. Any defects of the cross may affect the operation of the machine so that it will lead to the destruction of bearings, drum, heating element, and the tank body. That is why if you have any suspicions or you know about problems with the cross, you should immediately start repair work.

The reasons for the failure of the cross

Generally speaking, all the reasons for the failure of the cross are reduced to the carelessness and carelessness of the user of the washing machine, who did not listen to its work on time. In this case, you don’t even need to listen especially, because if the machine is brought to a breakdown in the cross of the drum, it means that it worked for some time with a terrible creak and a metal rattle. What causes the failure of the cross?

  • Bearing defect;
  • manufacturing defects;
  • hard water;
  • failed repair.

The main reason is of course the untimely replacement of bearings, which led to their complete destruction, which in turn led to damage to the spider shaft.

Note! A destroyed bearing cage and balls during the rotation of the shaft scratch it very much, leading to the appearance of a working out, which in turn leads to the fact that a new bearing can no longer be planted on this shaft, replacement must be done on time.

Factory marriage is less common, although it is not uncommon on Italian-made cars. Why it happens? Maybe the reason is the quality of the alloy or insufficient quality control in the production of components. History is silent, but the fact remains, the cross is destroyed.

washing machine spiderEven in a perfectly functional washing machine LG or any other, the cross may spoil from the constant exposure to hard water. Although, of course, hard water is a secondary reason, since it leads to difficulty in rotating the drum, and this in turn damages bearings that are already damaging the spider shaft.

Also, the cause of the failure of the cross can be an unsuccessful repair. This is generally a separate topic for discussion, since the masters who try to remove and change the bearing of the cross are different. Some, trying to remove the bearing with a grinder, cut the shaft, others lick the threads, trying to unscrew the fixing bolt, in general, the meaning is clear, if the hands do not grow from there, you can’t say anything!

Need or don't need repairs?

Perhaps only an experienced craftsman can determine whether or not to repair a cross, whether it needs a replacement, or you can try to revive a part. It is necessary to study the shaft production, the state of the thread, therefore, we recommend that you be extremely careful and, if there is the slightest doubt, the shaft is serviceable, contact a service center for advice. Do not leave a faulty cross in operation.

If the bearings of the cross of the LG washing machine have failed and the shaft output is small, then there is no need to change the entire part, and even more so the cross with the drum, as representatives of ARDO service centers offer us. Such repairs will come to us almost more expensive than a new washing machine, you can separately put new bearings. But if there are obvious damage to the shaft of the cross or its elements (especially seats), replacement of the part cannot be avoided.

Repair or replacement?

So, repair of this part of the LG washing machine or any other is possible only if the bearings that are located in the sleeve of the tank cover are damaged. Separately, I would like to note the fact that some masters put non-original, not suitable bearings that are not designed for a given load. As a result, the bearings are destroyed, and repairs have to be done again.To prevent this from happening, you need to purchase bearings that will match a specific LG washing machine (or another).bearings in the washing machine

To change the bearings of the crosspiece of the washing machine you need:

  1. dismantle old bearings from the shaft (since they stick to the shaft);
  2. remove the old oil seals;
  3. put new oil seals;
  4. press in new bearings.

But as they say, it’s easier said than done. The main problem is the careful removal of old bearings from the shaft of the drum cross. Typically, damaged bearings are so attached to the shaft seat that it is extremely difficult to pull them out. We have to make an effort.

In no case should you hammer the bearings with a hammer, trying to destroy the cage, together with the cage you can damage the shaft, since it is made of soft metal.

Knocking down the bearings with a chisel is also quite dangerous, although you can still use the chisel, but in a slightly different way. How can one act?

  • Take a grinder or drill.
  • Make cuts on old bearings on both sides.
  • Then install a chisel in the place of cuts and knock the bearing off the shaft.

cross in the washing machineIn the presence of cuts, it is easier to knock down the bearings, it does not take much effort, therefore, the risk of damage to the shaft is less. The most important thing is not to rush, because rush is the enemy of any business. Old oil seals also need to be removed. Moreover, they are always removed and in all cases, even if it seems to you that the seals will still work. It’s better to spend extra pennies on oil seals than later, because of them, to do a new repair of the LG washing machine or another soon.

We put in place the old bearings and new seals, assemble the car and rejoice. It happens that the bearings hardly sit in the sleeve or do not want to sit at all. In this case, you can warm up the steel sleeve a little with a blowtorch and gently press the bearings in - they will stay dead! The crosspiece is attached to the outer wall of the drum with 6 bolts, in some cases 3 bolts, unscrew these bolts, remove the crosspiece, put a new one and assemble the car back.

Important! Some models of washing machines have crosses that are welded to the drum. Since the cross is inseparable from the drum, we change it together with it.

To summarize, we note the repair of the drum of an LG machine or any other, or rather, replacing a crosspiece is a very time-consuming task. The main problem is not even the repair or replacement of the cross itself, but the long and tedious disassembly of the washing machine. If you are determined to complete the work, this article is for you!

   

1 reader comment

  1. Gravatar Anton Anton:

    What alloy?

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