The washing machine cross is the part that is responsible for attaching the drum to the tank. It is she who ensures its rotation.
At first glance, it may seem that it is difficult to replace a part, but if you understand this issue and strictly follow the instructions, you can cope with the task yourself.
The article will discuss how to properly replace the drum cross on a Samsung washing machine.
Breakage of crosspieces: reasons
Usually a part does not fail abruptly or unexpectedly. Wear of bearings suggests the presence of additional noise during operation, hum. The bearings first begin to wear out, and then further destruction occurs.
What other reasons could there be for such a malfunction?
- Negative result of repairs carried out earlier.
- Using too hard water.
- Presence of a manufacturing defect.
Most often, problems arise due to the fact that the bearings began to wear out, but they were not replaced in time. Because of this, the entire drum cross is destroyed.
If the bearing race and their balls are severely damaged, then during operation of the device they severely scratch the shaft. The result is the appearance of the so-called production. It will no longer be possible to fit a new bearing on the same shaft. Both parts of the structure will have to be replaced.
Cases of marriage are quite rare. The exception is models of some Italian brands. There are different reasons:
- Low quality alloy.
- Lack of production control.
- Components are produced with violations. What a particular model is made of can be easily found out from the accompanying documents.
Constant exposure to hard water can damage the crosspieces of even the highest quality products. In this situation, difficulties arise in the movement of the drum. Because of this, the bearings deteriorate. The result is a failed crosspiece.
In the case of unsuccessful repairs, everything is clear. Many people put too much effort into it, causing the parts to become unusable.
General information
Modern washing machines from companies such as Samsung, Bosch, Indesit, LG are very popular in Russia and the CIS countries due to their quality and technology, as well as ease of washing.
But more and more often the question arises that the more expensive the car, the more expensive its maintenance and repair. This especially applies to the Indesit and Bosh brands, because over many years they have shown themselves to be the best, which suggests that their equipment is naturally not cheap. One of the most important parts of any washing machine is the drum. After all, this is where the washing takes place - the process for which this machine was created. The rotation of the drum is carried out by a bearing unit, which, in turn, is attached to the cross. The drum itself rests on it. A malfunction of the crosspiece can lead to dire consequences, depending on the damage to the latter. Most often, the crosspiece breaks due to high loads, and this entails a number of other breakdowns, because An automatic washing machine is a complex mechanism that includes not only parts and mechanisms, but also an electronic component. Also, a malfunction can occur when oil seals and bearings wear out, which are either poorly lubricated or made of soft and brittle material.
In order to avoid damage to the crosspiece, you must listen carefully to the sounds that the operating drum makes. Grinding, knocking, rustling of surfaces indicates that most likely the bearings have become unusable or the cross itself has a deflection. If you hear similar or unusual sounds coming from the drum, you should immediately stop the washing machine and contact a specialist. The crosspiece itself is inexpensive, and there is plenty of it in warehouses, but disassembling and repairing the drum is painstaking and expensive work. Also, if you have sufficient experience and the necessary knowledge, you can repair the car yourself.
a Samsung washing machine is not much different from the crosspieces of machines from LG, Bosch, Indesit and other popular manufacturers. The fundamental difference is in the drums and their orientation relative to the surface; they can be horizontal or vertical. But vertical ones are more popular, so we’ll talk about them.
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When is repair required and when is it not?
Only a technician with sufficient experience can tell whether a device currently requires repair. The condition of the thread and the wear of the shaft are studied first. You should contact the service center if you have the slightest doubt that the part is working properly. Faulty crosspieces must not be ignored.
There is no need to change the entire part if only the bearings have deteriorated and the output remains small. Repairing the cross of a washing machine will be quite expensive for the consumer, and the result will not be very noticeable. It’s another matter when there is damage and is very noticeable on the surface of the part. For example, when the crosspiece burst.
Preparation for the procedure
Before you begin the main procedure for replacing the cross, you need to perform the following preparatory steps:
- shut off the water supply to the washing machine;
- disconnect the device from the power supply;
- drain the water remaining in the tank, unscrew the inlet hose and remove the drain filter;
- move the washing machine away from the wall - if possible, it is better to take it out of the bathroom, this will make the job faster and easier.
To carry out repairs, you will need tools. Therefore, you need to prepare in advance:
- screwdriver,
- bit,
- hammer.
Recommendations for repair and replacement
The bearings themselves are located in the sleeve of the tank cover. The behavior of some craftsmen deserves a separate discussion - they often install bearings that are not designed for the load actually present in a particular model. Because of this, the part is destroyed again, and you have to re-turn to the services of specialists. It is recommended to independently purchase bearings that are suitable for use in conjunction with a specific machine model.
Replacing bearings at the cross requires the following steps:
- Removing old bearings from the shaft.
- Removing old seals.
- Installation of new oil seals.
- Pressing in new bearings.
The main problem is that every action is performed as carefully as possible. Old parts are often difficult to remove from their place without damaging other structures. You have to put in extra effort.
It is not recommended to attempt to destroy the clip, for which the owner hits the surface with a hammer. This often leads to damage to the shaft.
It is also dangerous to use chisels to knock down a part. It is permissible to use the tool, but you must be very careful:
- First, take a grinder or drill.
- Cuts are made on old bearings on each side.
- A chisel is installed in the places where the cuts are made. The bearing finally comes off the shaft.
It is the cuts in this case that simplify the repair. The main thing is not to rush; rushing will prevent you from achieving the desired result when performing the work. A mandatory step is removing the seals. They are removed in any case, even if their condition still seems normal. Upon completion of the work, new parts of Samsung and other models are installed in place of the old ones.
Symptoms of a problem
Moderate noise and the absence of excessive vibration in the operation of the washing machine do not cause concern to the owners. But the appearance of knocks, creaks, and attempts by the washer to “jump” from its designated location should alert you. In such a situation, you need to spin the drum and see if there is any beat. If it spins with a noticeable imbalance, then the problem lies in the violation of the integrity of the cruciform product.
Another annoying breakdown that can occur with this important element is the destruction of its rays. The technician can determine the specific cause of the malfunction.
Regarding bearing replacement
The easiest way to work is with vertical loading machines. In this case, there is no need to remove the tank, which greatly simplifies the entire process. But replacement requires removing the plastic calipers where the bearings are fused.
Some people only change the bearing itself, ignoring the calipers. But this approach will not guarantee the maintenance of the minimum warranty period. Only a new support will increase the shelf life of the device as a whole.
In what sequence are the works carried out?
- First, the walls of the washing machine are dismantled along with the drive belt. The pulley is unscrewed separately. Inside the caliper, on both sides of the tank, there are bearings. Both parts are changed in turn, but in the shortest period of time.
- Calipers or hubs can be removed in different ways, depending on which model requires work. In some cases, the use of two lever screwdrivers is required. In other situations, you cannot do without a screwdriver.
- The oil seal must be removed if the structure remains in place after the previous steps.
- The planting site is thoroughly cleaned of any kind of contamination.
- New parts are treated with special compounds for maximum protection. Lubricant must be applied to the oil seal groove and bearings.
- The new hub is put in place along with the bearing, the second part involves performing the same actions.
- The machine is assembled in reverse order.
If loading is horizontal, with a collapsible tank
When replacing bearings, this is the option most often encountered. Most of the machines are equipped with horizontal unloading. The tank must be disassembled separately to perform the necessary work. There are two shock absorbers at the bottom as support, springs are used at the top, two or four pieces.
Before starting work, the machine must be completely disassembled. The procedure is individual, depending on the model, or the personal preferences of the owner or master.
For disassembly, you will need to dismantle the following components with parts:
- Front strap, if there is one.
- Front bar with hatch.
- The bottom panel where the drain filters are located. Under it there are often screws that hold the front wall with the door.
- Cuff.
- Interference filter.
- Shock absorber.
- Drain pipes.
- Counterweights.
- Motor part.
- Pulley.
- Drive belt.
- Back wall.
- Liquid supply valve.
- Filler pipes.
- Dispensers for detergents.
- Pressostats.
- The instrument panel is at the top, with the addition of a circuit board.
- Trays for detergents.
- Top covers.
Where and at what price can I buy a new part?
You can buy a new crosspiece at a Samsung service center, or at a specialized store that sells components for household appliances. Another option is to order the part online.
The price depends on the point of sale, as well as on the car model for which it was produced. Estimated price – 2000-3000 rubles .
You need to purchase exactly the part that is “native” for the brand and model of the washing machine. It must be original. When making a purchase, you need to ask the seller for a receipt.
Another option is to buy a used crosspiece . Such parts are often available from craftsmen who repair household appliances. However, the seller will not be able to guarantee its proper operation for a long time, which is why it is so important to evaluate its appearance.
The part purchased for disassembly must be free of visible cracks and have a polished sliding bushing. If there are dents on it, you should not buy such a cross.
How to change?
The most labor-intensive preparation process is over, you can begin replacing the cross. This process is simple, the main thing is to strictly follow a certain algorithm of actions:
The crosspiece is fixed to the drum with three bolts.
To remove the old part, the bolts must be unscrewed. In the case where the fasteners do not lend themselves (the metal is covered with scale or rust), WD-40 liquid will help speed up the process.It is enough to treat the soured bolt, wait twenty minutes, and then unscrew it with a screwdriver.
- Having unscrewed the fasteners, carefully tap the crosspiece with a hammer, knocking it out of the grooves of the drum (you can use a screwdriver).
- A new cross is installed in the vacant space and secured with bolts. Attention: before installation, the drum walls must be cleaned of dirt and scale.
After the new cross is fixed, the assembly of the washing machine begins (the sequence of actions is the reverse of the dismantling process).
The final touch is a test wash. When all the parts have taken their place and the last screw on the body has been tightened, you can start a test wash (duration of at least an hour, at a temperature of 40°C-60°C, always with rinsing and spinning).
If the test wash went through without any suspicious noises, the repair of the LG washing machine can be considered successfully completed.
This video will tell you about replacing the crosspiece in an LG washing machine:
