The cuff in the washing machine has several important functions. It prevents water from escaping from the hatch during washing. In addition, a rubber seal prevents liquids with detergents from entering the mechanism of the washing machine. In case of its deterioration or failure due to the fault of the user, repair work is required. Most often, the cuff requires replacement in case of damage with sharp objects (locks, coins, bra bones). The consequences of damage - the formation of smudges under the installation or directly under the hatch after washing.
Replacing the sealing gum on the washing machine is a procedure related to the repair of medium complexity. Therefore, having read the recommendations, the user may well carry out repair work on their own.
Reasons for the malfunction
In addition to sharp objects that have fallen into the drum of the washing machine along with the laundry, the sealing gum may render it unusable:
- Long term of operation.
- Mold and fungus damage. Most often this happens when the hatch door closes tightly immediately after washing things, or the washed laundry has been in the drum for a long time.
- Use harsh chemicals to wash or clean the washing machine.
- Frequent washing of large solid items, such as sports shoes, caps, warm outerwear, which contribute to the rapid wear of the rubber seal.
- Inaccurate loading and unloading of laundry from the drum.
As you can see, most of the causes of cuff damage are incorrect user actions. Subject to the rules of operation and selection of detergents, you can delay the need to replace the gum in the washing machine or even avoid such repairs. According to statistics, the wear of the seals of leading manufacturers is quite low, with an average service life of at least 10-15 years.
The first signs of repair
The following situations indicate the need to replace the rubber of the drum of the washing machine:
- During program execution, a puddle forms on the floor near the loading hatch or under the installation.
- The hatch cannot be closed.
- During the washing program, hissing or knocking is heard.
If at least one of these problems occurs, it is necessary to immediately stop the washing program, drain the water, disconnect the appliance from the power supply, take measures to establish the cause of the malfunction and eliminate it.
Where to start the repair?
To replace the elastic in the Indesit, Candy, Hotpoint Ariston, Samsung, Haier, Vestel, Beko washing machines , it is not necessary to disassemble the device and remove the tank. Since the cuff is fixed on the upper case of the device, it is enough to open the hatch door to provide access to it.
Theoretically, the dismantling of the old cuff can be started without additional manipulations. But in some cases, for convenience, it is better to remove the hatch door. For example, experts recommend doing this to replace the gum in the Indesit washing machine, since the edge of the cuff in it tightly borders on the mount.
To do this, unscrew the two screws, slide the mount slightly up, and pull the structure towards you - the door will detach from the front housing along with the hinge. Now you can proceed to direct work with the cuff.
It will be somewhat more difficult to replace the elastic in the Bosch washing machine. In this case, you have to remove the front housing. To do this, you must:
- Unscrew the mount and remove the top cover.
- Remove the powder dispenser.
- Having gained access to the control panel mount, unscrew the bolts and dismantle it.
- Remove the base plate.
By the same principle, the gum is replaced on the LG washing machine. After these manipulations, access to the seal will be open.
How to remove the first clamp?
To remove the rubber seal, you will have to dismantle the clamp that secures it to the front wall:
- To do this, find a metal spring and plastic holder on the side of the cuff.
- The metal clamp is dismantled by unscrewing the retaining small screw and pulling the spring onto itself, previously having pry off it with a flat screwdriver.
- The plastic holder extends beyond the area where the locks are located.
Now you can easily detach the edge of the cuff from the front wall.
Removal of an internal collar
Before dismantling, it is necessary to find the marks and remember the location of the seal. This will allow you to install a new cuff in strict accordance with the requirements for hermetically closing the hatch.
After that you can dismantle the internal holder, for this it is enough to pull it towards you. Now you can completely remove the gum and begin to clean the grooves. To facilitate the installation of a new part, you can grease the grooves with soap and water.
Assembling a new cuff
Before proceeding with the direct replacement of the gum in the washing machine, it is important to compare the old and new parts. They must be identical in size. Before installing, you must note for yourself the seats, upper and lower marks.
The top point, as a rule, is marked by the manufacturers with a triangular ledge. When replacing the gum in the washing machine, it fits in with the mark on the tank.
At the bottom of the cuff are holes for draining water.
It is very important to carry out the installation strictly according to the marks. Otherwise, the seal may slip or be damaged during installation.
Direct installation starts from the top:
- While holding the installed area with one hand, insert the cuff into the grooves with the other hand.
- Then completely push the inner edge onto the tank.
Despite the fact that the replacement of the gum in the Indesit washing machine can be carried out without dismantling the front panel and the cover, partial disassembly of the housing can still help a layman. For example, through the opening after removing the upper part of the case, a better view opens, which will assess the correct installation of the cuff.
Mounting the internal clamp
This moment is the most difficult to replace the gum in the washing machine. Proceed with mounting the clamp only after the master is convinced of the correct installation of the cuff:
- For convenience, it is recommended to unscrew the bolts holding the hatch lock structure.
- A screwdriver should be inserted through the lock hole, hooking the clamp, thereby locking it for further work.
- After you can start pulling it around the perimeter in any direction. During operation, it is important to control the tension and fixation. With careless movement, the screwdriver can turn and the clamp will come off - you will have to do all the work again.
- After the clamp is in its seat, you must slowly pull the screwdriver out of the lock hole.
- Now you need to feel the cuff and the clamp on the correct installation. The spring should be pressed firmly into the seat.
Final stage
Finally, it remains to install the upper clamp. To do this, it is necessary to stretch the spring, drown it in the grooves, and, without loosening the tension, walk along the perimeter until it is fully seated. This is not easy to do the first time.
After you need to visually inspect the result of the work. Install the door and check for leaks.
Checking the work done
After the replacement, the quality of repair measures should be checked. To do this, set the rinse mode and start the washing machine for several minutes. Then you can drain the water and tilt the apparatus for inspection of the cuff. If the bottom of the rubber is dry - the work is done efficiently.
How much does the service of a qualified craftsman cost?
To understand whether it is necessary to save on the described repair, we call the cost of such a service. The price of replacing an elastic band on a washing machine, excluding the cost of acquiring a new cuff, costs an average of 2000 rubles. The final cost of the service is determined by the master on the spot. It depends on the model of the washing machine and the complexity of the job.
As a rule, service centers cooperate with suppliers of components for washing machines. If the master offers his consumables, you should check the accompanying documents. The key to a good repair is quality components.