How to replace the shock absorbers in your washing machine
Washing MachineDifficult⏱ 30 - 40 minutes
Инструкция на английском (оригинал iFixit). Непонятные термины — в разделе «Основы → Словарь».
Replace worn shock absorbers when your washer starts walking, rattling or cutting spin speed. Fresh shocks protect the drum, keep spin cycles quiet and stop collateral damage to hoses, electronics and tiles. Follow this guide to safely remove the old units and fit new ones on both older inox-drum machines and the newer spring-suspended models.
🧰 Tools
- 13 mm wrench
- Water pump pliers
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Cutting Pliers
- Cloth
- Penetrating oil
- Sandpaper
- Wooden block
⚙️ Parts
- Shock absorber
- Rubber bushing
ШагиSteps
1
Disconnect the appliance from power
2
Open the cabinet and stabilise the drum
- Remove the top and rear panels to expose the chassis.
- Pull out the detergent drawer and lay the washer on that side so the rim cannot crack.
- Wedge a wooden block between tub and frame so the drum stays still while you work.
3
Check shock hardness and match replacements
- Count the three shocks and write down their colours because black, white and red denote different stiffness levels.
4
Remove the drain pump for clearance
- Unscrew the filter and take it out of the housing.
- Undo the pump-mount screws, rotate the pump and slide it free of the bracket.
- Release the two hose clamps and pull the hoses off the pump stubs.
- Lift the pump clear so the left-hand shock absorber is accessible.
5
Loosen the lower shock fixing
- Press the shock downward to compress the rubber washers and lock it in place.
- Use a 13 mm wrench to undo the lower nut while maintaining downward pressure.
6
Release the shock from the drum bracket
- Insert a screwdriver through the mount hole and clamp the knurled rod with water-pump pliers.
- Undo the upper nut completely and let the joint release from the drum.
7
Extract the old shock absorber
- Slide the loose shock out of the cabinet once both ends are free.
- Tilt the washer to the opposite side and repeat the removal process on the remaining shocks.
8
Prepare the replacement shock
- Fit the metal-reinforced rubber washer onto the new shock rod.
- Place the second rubber washer on the drum side of the mount.
9
Install and tighten the new shock
- Push the lower eye into its bracket, insert the bolt and thread the nut finger-tight.
- Seat the upper eye in the drum mount, add the washer and nut, then tighten both ends firmly while compressing the rubbers.
10
Reinstall the pump and hoses
- Reattach the pump, lining it up through the filter opening before securing the screws.
- Slide the hoses onto the ports and close each spring clamp using pliers.
11
Repeat on the other mountings
- Remove and replace the other shocks using the same technique.
12
Replace shocks on newer spring-suspended models
- Lay the machine on its back and place a cloth under the detergent compartment to catch any water.
- Remove the lower side shield to expose the two shock absorbers.
- Undo the top and bottom nuts on one shock and lift it out of the mounts by hand.
- Transfer the plastic bushing from the old unit to the new shock if the new part is supplied without it.
- Install the new shock and tighten both nuts, then repeat for the second side.
13
Close the cabinet and verify movement
- Refit the side shield and any protective covers removed earlier.
- Stand the washer upright and spin the drum by hand; it should stop quickly without bouncing.
14
Test the repair
- Remove blocks and tools, reconnect the power and run a spin cycle to confirm quiet, stable operation.
Fresh shock absorbers stop the washer from shaking and restore full spin speed. Double-check every nut is tight, all hoses are secure and no rubber parts are pinched. Enjoy longer appliance life and quieter laundry days.
«How to replace the shock absorbers in your washing machine» — автор Ula Gantar, iFixit, лицензия CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Показано без изменений. Открыть оригинал и комментарии →