How to replace bearings on a Hansa washing machine

How to replace bearings on a Hansa washing machine Any part of an automatic washing machine has its own service life, declared by the manufacturer of the equipment. The bearings in the washer function properly for ten to fifteen years. However, these elements of the system can fail even earlier; this happens if the machine was used in violation of the basic operating rules, for example, the maximum permissible loading of things into the drum was exceeded.

Signs of wear of a part will be a specific noise made by the equipment during the spin cycle, visible play, and often the engine belt begins to fly off. It is possible to replace the bearing on a washing machine with your own hands, without the help of a specialist. We will tell you how to do this below.

We are carefully preparing for repairs

To replace the bearings on Hans’ machine yourself, you need to have a full set of tools, as well as new parts that will be needed during the repair process. Let's figure out what to prepare:

small hammer;
open-end wrenches of various sizes;
grinder (grinder);
pliers or pliers;
gas key;
two types of screwdrivers: Phillips and slotted;
sealant;
lubricant intended for processing SMA bearings (can be replaced with lithium grease);
a smartphone with a good camera or camera. It is advisable to record the process of disassembling the washing machine, disconnecting wiring and other things on camera, so that at the end of the process all the parts and cables are correctly connected to their places.

As for spare parts, you should purchase two new bearings and an oil seal. After visiting a specialized store, you can tell the manager the model of the washing machine and ask to select the parts. If you order components via the Internet, we advise you to disassemble the machine before purchasing, remove the elements and use their numbers to find analogues in the online store.

Try to find original spare parts, they will function much longer, also choose bearings specifically for automatic washing machines (closed type).

Before starting the main work, you should prepare the washing machine itself. Unplug the machine's power cord from the outlet, turn off the tap responsible for supplying water to the apartment, and disconnect the inlet hose. After this, drain the remaining water in the tank. Then you need to remove the drain hose and drag the washing machine to a place where it will be convenient to repair it, this can be a spare room, a spacious corridor or a garage. You can carry out work in the entrance, but you need to make sure that you do not disturb your neighbors. The preparatory process is complete, you can begin the main repairs.

Removing the tank with the drum

The parts that you have to replace with your own hands are located deep in the machine body, so in order to get the failed bearings you will have to completely disassemble the washing machine. It is necessary to remove many of the main parts of the unit to provide free access to the tank of the machine, then pull out the tank with the drum, disassemble the tank body and only then change the non-functioning bearings. The scope of work may seem huge, but if you strictly follow the instructions given, you will be able to cope with the repair in a time or two.

So, the algorithm for removing a tank with a drum from an automatic washing machine will be as follows:

remove the top cover of the washing machine body; to do this, unscrew all the fastening bolts holding it;
disconnect the false panel located at the bottom of the washing machine from the front wall;
remove the tray intended for washing powder and other detergents from the body;
Unscrew the screws holding the main control panel of the machine, carefully move it away from the body and leave it hanging on the side. If desired, you can secure the panel with mounting tape;
dismantle the transverse metal strip and carefully unfasten the pressure switch;
Unscrew the bolts located on the back of the body, which are responsible for holding the water intake valves;
check the inlet filter mesh, if the mesh is clogged, use a screwdriver and pliers, pull it out, rinse it well and put it in its original place;
pull out the counterweights - concrete blocks responsible for the stability of the equipment, they are very heavy, so remove the parts carefully so as not to damage the remaining elements of the system;
unfasten the spring, keep in mind that Hansa washing machines are equipped with one spring and three shock absorbers;
remove the dispenser, not forgetting to first remove the clamp from the pipe from below;
open the hatch door and begin dismantling the cuff - an elastic band located around the circumference. To do this, tighten the outer and inner clamps holding the gasket and carefully, without damaging it, pull out the cuff, unscrew all the bolts holding the front wall of the case, and remove it.

At this stage, pay special attention to the hatch locking device; it must either be unscrewed or the chip removed from the UBL.

We continue to approach the tank.

Dismantle the counterweights located near the cuff.
Disconnect the contacts and ground from the engine.
Unscrew the bolts, carefully pull off the drive belt and remove the washing machine motor from the housing.
Disconnect the contacts from the heating element (heating element).
Using special wire cutters, bite off the plastic clamps that attach the wiring harness to the tank of the machine.
Disconnect the pump terminals and unfasten the pipe.

The cable cable should be carefully routed to the side to prevent unintentional disruption of the connection.

After the manipulations described above have been completed, you can begin to remove the tank with the drum. It is quite heavy, so it is better to call someone for help. Reach your hand into the drum and gently lift the part. Since the main parts of the washer have been removed, the tank will be safely removed from the SMA body.

We disassemble the tank, change the bearings

The process of disassembling the tank will be less labor-intensive than the procedure for removing it. We'll tell you what actions need to be taken to get to the damaged bearings:

unfasten the drum pulley;
Using an adjustable wrench or a gas wrench, unscrew the mounting bolt;
unscrew all the retaining screws located around the perimeter of the tank;
Carefully separate the tank into two parts and pull out the drum. This procedure is not so easy to perform; you will have to lightly tap the shaft with a hammer to remove the drum;
carefully examine the exposed surface. If a washing machine with such a malfunction has been in use for quite a long time, part of the damaged bearing may stick to the shaft, forming a hole;
if a wear is found, take a grinder and carefully cut off the edges of the bearing, then take a gas wrench and pull out the hard-to-remove part of the element.

If during the work you encounter difficulties with dismantling metal parts, use special lubricant WD-40.

After the old parts are removed, thoroughly clean the surface of the tank, drum, and shaft seats. When working, be sure to use lubricant to treat the bearings. The shaft and oil seal are treated with lubricant. Install the new parts in their intended place. To securely fix new bearings, it is recommended to use Supermoment glue or sealant.

lubricate and glue the new bearing

We return the machine to functionality

Reassembly is carried out either from memory or based on photographic material taken during the work. Assembling the unit from photographs is much easier; the likelihood of confusing the location of parts, terminals, chips and wires in this case will be negligible.

first we will install the engine and tension the belt, and then we will install the tank with the drum

I would like to highlight one important point related to the reverse installation of the engine in SMA Hans models that do not have access to the part from the rear. In this case, installing the tank first and then the motor, it will be difficult to put the drive belt in the right place. To tighten it well, you need to put the washer on its side and carefully put it on, inserting your hand into the hole between the body and the tank. Another, easier method is to install the engine and tension the drive before starting final assembly.