How to change a washing machine caliper?

Repairing an automatic washing machine, the purpose of which is replacing bearings, is classified as complex. It is especially difficult to replace when working with a non-removable washing machine tank. But there are equipment models in which the bearings are placed in calipers, in which case it is quite easy to repair the machine even at home. Let's look at how to replace a washing machine caliper yourself, without the help of a technician.

Let's make sure the problem is in the bearings

There are times when equipment owners incorrectly diagnose the cause of a malfunction, mistakenly believing that the problem lies in the bearings. They replace the spare parts, but it turns out that they had nothing to do with it. To understand which part has failed, remove the casing wall to inspect the “insides” of the washer. On front-loading models, this will be the rear panel; on vertical models, this will be the side wall. The following general signs indicate bearing damage:

• the presence of brownish stains on the washed laundry (this is how the grease escaping from the part appears);
• the appearance of strong vibrations (bearing play);
• noise, roar, rattle heard during equipment operation;
• rupture of the drive belt (may occur due to jamming of the bearing);
• the presence of rusty stains on the caliper, the outer surface of the tank in the pulley area.

The part needs to be replaced as soon as possible; if the crosspiece fails, repairs will become even more expensive and labor-intensive.

If you really don’t have enough time to fix it, take the washing machine to a workshop.Another way out is to not use it until you decide to change the part yourself.

Equipment repair instructions

We will describe the repair work algorithm using the example of a Zanussi vertical washing machine, because this particular model is equipped with a classic caliper. Replacing a washing machine caliper is not difficult; the main thing is to prepare a special key used by craftsmen for this type of repair.

The caliper wrench can be purchased at specialized stores.

The sequence of actions will be as follows:

• turn off the power to the washing equipment, disconnect the machine from the water supply and sewer networks;
• move the machine away from the wall to gain free access to the housing from all sides;
• Unscrew the screws holding the side walls of the machine, remove the panels and put them aside;
• find the caliper screwed into the wall of the tank;
• remove the drive belt from the pulley wheel;
• Unscrew the bolt holding the pulley, remove the wheel from the axle;
• Unscrew the screw securing the caliper to the axle. The bolt is located on the opposite side of the housing;
• loosen the screws holding the counterweight, remove the weighting material from the tank;
• use a special key to remove the caliper;
• clean the place where the part is attached from any dirt accumulated on the shaft;
• treat the shaft with a rust preventative;
• Apply lubricant to the seat. It comes complete with a spare part;
• place the rubber seal and caliper on the shaft;
• use a wrench to tighten the new part;
• Replace the previously removed bolt securing the caliper to the axle;
• connect the grounding with a self-tapping screw.

Next, the washing machine is assembled in reverse order. A counterweight is installed, a drive belt is put on, and the walls of the housing are secured.The washing machine will work normally again.

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