Washing machine oil seal repair. How to replace oil seal and bearings on LG washing machine Washing machine oil seal stuck and petrified

Like most household appliances, the work of the washing machine is aimed at facilitating human labor and performing everyday tasks. The device is powered by electricity and uses water. However, some of the details necessary for the quality performance of the specified operations, in principle, should not come into contact with moisture. To prevent water from getting into some parts of the washing machine and it lasted a long time, special devices were designed - oil seals and cuffs.

Like other parts of the machine, they require proper care. Washing machine oil seal grease extends bearing life by keeping water and moisture out of the bearings. Why is it needed, how should it be lubricated correctly and when?

What is an oil seal?

This is a dense technical material located at the joints of parts. It is he who prevents water from entering technical departments and protects the internal structure of the machine. In fact, no model of a washing machine can do without it, regardless of the manufacturer. The only difference that could be is the shape and size of the seal.

The specific properties and characteristics of the device directly depend on what material is used to make the stuffing box. They are usually made from silicone rubber or rubber. In the manufacturing process, a special metal insert is most often used, thanks to which the product in the future retains the desired shape and does not lend itself to deformation.

If we talk about frontal ones, then the drum is mounted on a bracket with several special legs. A semiaxis is mounted nearby, which helps to fix the entire structure. In addition, it retains its mobility, due to which the drum begins to spin during operation. The seals are initially located on the bushing. In tandem they are leak-proof. Complete safety is provided for other mechanisms. In the absence of any damage, the entire structure, including the bearings, is located as if in a waterproof valve. If moisture gets on the bearings, then after a while they begin to rust and quickly stop doing their job.

Why is it necessary to lubricate the oil seal on time?

During operation, the shaft is constantly in contact with the inner surface of this part. Washing machine oil seal lubricant slows down wear and tear of parts by providing free sliding. If we neglect the composition to reduce friction, the part sealing the joint will dry out over time and begin to let water through. This will lead to a forced premature replacement of both the oil seal and the bearings.

What kind of lubricant to use for the oil seal of the washing machine?

After replacement, the sealing device must be processed. The ideal option is a waterproof grease for washing machine oil seals. It is purchased in specialized stores where components for the repair of household appliances are sold. In addition to being water resistant, lubricant for oil seals for washing machines must have the following characteristics:

• Should not contain chemicals that can corrode or soften rubber (as a rule, sealing parts are made of this material). A grease that is not suitable in its composition will not perform the functions assigned to it, but will only reduce the service life of the stuffing box.
• Increased heat resistance. The specificity of the gland is such that when the washing machine is in contact with the shaft, during friction and exposure to hot water, the temperature of the parts rises. Therefore, the composition that will soften the slip must withstand the rise in temperatures. High-quality grease for oil seals for washing machines can withstand temperatures up to 180 - 200 degrees.
• Thick composition. This is an important indicator of good lubrication. Since the liquid solution will simply flow out during operation.

If the owner of household appliances carries out repairs with his own hands, and he has a question about which lubricant for the oil seal of the washing machine is better, then you need to choose it according to the above criteria, and not according to the manufacturer. In any case, in any normal specialized store, sellers will advise the required composition, you just need to explain its purpose.

Washing machine oil seal grease: what to replace?

The most successful option would be to use those substances that were recommended by the manufacturer of the washing machine. Many manufacturers produce branded lubricants that, according to them, are suitable for a particular model of household appliances. But in fact, these are standard formulations that are suitable for any oil seal. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford even such lubricants, since this pleasure is not cheap.

As alternative good options, you can choose the following types of lubricants designed for machine maintenance:

1. "Litol-24".
2. "Tsiatim-221".
3. Azmol-Alumina.
4. Ambligon.

Of course, there are many such options, but the above listed compositions have already been tested more than once on a wide variety of washing machine models and have shown good results during use.

Is it worth replacing?

According to the masters, any alternative helps to soften the part, which shortens its service life. After a couple of years, the replacement will have to be done again. Therefore, the best option today are those lubricants that are recommended by manufacturers of washing machines.

Conclusion

An oil seal in a washing machine is a part that seals and seals the connection, which has an important function. Thanks to it, the bearings are protected from moisture, their service life is extended, and the washing machine operates normally. But in order for them to perform the functions assigned to them, they must be lubricated with special compounds that reduce friction and increase the service life of parts.

Today, automatic washing machines have become the most common things. They, like many other household appliances, are designed to take on some of the household tasks and make a person's life more comfortable and pleasant. The design of the machines allows them to perform their duties efficiently. They run on electricity, use water and have some parts that should not come into contact with moisture.

The combination of these features of the functioning of the machine obliged their designers to create a system that allows you to combine all these things and at the same time maintain the safety of work and the possibility of long-term operation of household appliances. Various cuffs and seals for washing machines took over part of the tasks associated with protecting against water entering unwanted places.

Oil seal description

The gland is a special material, the task of which is to seal various joints and prevent water leakage.

It is used in all types of automatic washing machines. However, in different models, it can have a different shape and size. The oil seals used in typewriters may have some differences from the oil seals used in other types of household appliances.

Their properties and characteristic features also depend on the qualities of the rubber material from which they are made. In addition to rubber, they are made from silicone rubber, fluoroelastomer and other materials.

In the manufacture of all variants of oil seals for the washing machine, a special metal insert is used. It plays the role of reinforcement and helps to maintain the correct shape. This insert can be quite brittle, so be careful not to damage it when replacing it.

Oil seal in the design of the washing machine

Let's take a look at the location of the oil seal in front-mounted washing machines. The drum in these machines is fixed on the bracket. The bracket has several legs. Usually 3-4 pcs. In the middle of it is a steel axle shaft. It is needed in order to secure the drum to the bearing assembly. This fixing option allows the drum to rotate. That is, to have mobility. The axle shaft forces the electric motor to turn.

Oil seals for washing machines are not fixed on the shaft, but on a special sleeve. And paired with it, it ensures the normal operation of the washing machine and protection against water leakage. They are watertight and keep moisture out of the bearings and the entire assembly. If moisture gets on the bearings, then pretty soon they will rust and become unusable.

The oil seal is a very important part of the machine. After all, if it is damaged, then it will be necessary to change not only the oil seal, but also the bearings. And the replacement of bearings requires almost complete disassembly of the washing machine. This is a very time consuming task. And if you call the master, then the repair will not be the cheapest. And if you take it yourself, then it will take a lot of effort and time.

You can find instructions on how to replace bearings yourself below.

Replacement

Basically, you need to do the same thing to replace the oil seals as to replace the bearings. That is, almost completely disassemble the machine. First you will need to remove the cover (top of the case), then remove the front and back panels. Then get to the tank, remove it. Dismantle the tank into two halves. And after that you can get to the bearing assembly. This is how the oil seal and bearings are located. We will not describe the entire replacement procedure in detail, since it has already been described in the article on replacing bearings, which is on our website.

In order for you to understand how much work you have to do, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a video recording of such a repair of a washing machine. You can also replace both oil seals for washing machines and bearings yourself, simply by doing the same thing that the master does in the video. This video was recorded in English, but in order to repeat all the steps or just estimate the amount of work, you do not need a translation. Watch the video:

Oil seal lubrication

When replacing the bearing and the oil seal, it is imperative to fill it (oil seal) with grease. The best option would be to use those lubricants that are recommended by the manufacturer of the machine. However, such a lubricant may not be cheap. Some craftsmen use automotive and other types of lubricants. Such as:

• Litol-24m,
• CIATIM-221,
• AZMOL-Alumina,
• AMBLIGON,
• and etc.

It is believed that most types of grease are not suitable for this purpose. Since they soften the gland and it may fail again in a year or two. Therefore, if you want to be sure that the machine will work properly and for a long time, it is better to use lubricants recommended by manufacturers or others, but you have proven in practice.

Despite the fact that the washing machine is constantly in contact with water, there are parts in it that should not get moisture. To a large extent this applies to the drum bearings, which wear out quickly when the grease is washed out. The bearing is protected from water penetration by an oil seal - a hermetic seal.

Some users ask the question: do I need to lubricate the oil seal of the washing machine? Let's figure it out.

To begin with, consider the device and the principle of operation of the oil seal. No washing machine is complete without this detail.

This rubber sealing ring serves to protect the bearing at the joints from water. For high-quality sealing, the washing machine tank gland should sit as tightly as possible. That is why it is recommended to replace it at the same time as the bearings.

A metal bushing passes through the central axis of the tank, which, when rotating, contributes to the wear of the oil seal. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to use a water-repellent oil seal grease.

Some users use folk remedies like oil or fat. Of course, this seems to be more cost effective, since a grease that meets all regulations is expensive.

Dear users! Remember, saving on grease will reduce packing life. Subsequently, you will have to spend money on new parts and replace them.

Before replacing the oil seal, let's figure out which lubricant to choose.

Properties that a grease should have:

1. Moisture repellent.
2. No aggressive chemical components. Otherwise, under their influence, machine parts will be destroyed.
3. Resistant to temperature extremes.
4. Viscosity - for long service life.

Experts recommend using LIQUI MOLY "Silicon-Fett" silicone water-repellent grease for oil seals. It is able to withstand temperatures from -40 ° C to + 200 ° C. It is considered the most effective of all.

Other means are also popular. What else can you lubricate the oil seal in the washing machine, read below.

Italian-made grease has a neutral chemical composition and water-repellent properties. Withstands temperatures up to + 190 ° С. Perfectly retains its properties when heated. Suitable for all types of oil seals.

Ambigon is a grease for oil seals from an Italian manufacturer. The product perfectly retains its properties when exposed to temperatures from -28 to + 192 ° C. It is water-repellent and chemically inert. It is packed in portions in syringes of 2 ml, and in packs of 100 g.

Water resistant multipurpose grease. Unlike non-professional products, it does not harden when heated. Able to withstand temperatures from -40 ° C to + 120 ° C. Chemically and mechanically stable.

The product has a moisture-repellent effect, reliably protecting the components from corrosion. Withstands temperatures in the range from -40 ° С to + 120 ° С. Compatible with other greases, does not seal in water, mechanically stable.

Homogeneous multipurpose grease.

Replacing the oil seal in a washing machine requires the lubricant to withstand temperature extremes. CIATIM-221 is able to withstand from -60 ° С to + 150 ° С. It is successfully used in friction units, does not lose its properties when boiled.

However, there are also disadvantages: the grease is hygroscopic, therefore, absorbing moisture, it thickens and loses its properties. In addition, it cannot be used in conjunction with other products. Chemically inert.

Make your choice and purchase the right lubricant.

Now let's look at how to change the oil seal.

Let's see how you can get to the oil seal. Here's the step-by-step steps.

1. After disconnecting the machine from the mains and communications, drain the remaining water from the drain filter. It is located under the front panel, behind a small hatch.
2. Remove the two screws from the back to remove the top panel. Now unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the back panel, set it aside.
   
3. Remove the drive belt from the drum. Having locked the pulley with the hammer handle, unscrew its central bolt and remove it from the tank.
4. Disconnect the wiring that may be attached to the drum. It is usually secured with plastic straps, so use wire cutters.
5. After disconnecting the motor wiring, remove the fixing bolts and pull the motor out of the housing. Also unfasten the wires from the heating element.
   
6. Remove the upper tank counterweight bolts. Move it aside.
7. Pull out the detergent dispenser by pressing the center latch. Remove all bolts that hold the control panel. Opening the plastic clips, remove it and place it on top of the case.
   
8. Loosen the filler valve clamp and disconnect it from the tank. Pull out the powder hopper together with the filling valve. To do this, unfasten the wires from the valve and unscrew the fastening bolts at the back.
9. Remove the pressure switch hose, which is usually attached to the tank.
10. Open the hatch door by bending the sealing rubber, remove the outer clamp. Place the collar inside the tank. Unscrew the UBL lock screws by running your hand behind the SMA housing, pull out the lock and unfasten the wiring.
    
    
11. Unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the front panel, pull it up and set it aside.
12. Remove the counterweights from the tank by unscrewing the bolts.
13. After unscrewing the shock absorbers, remove the tank from the hooks and pull it out.

You have coped with dismantling the tank. Now let's figure out how to properly get and put the oil seal in the washing machine.

A washing machine is usually purchased with the expectation that it will last at least a dozen years, but this does not always happen. The service life of a washing machine depends on many factors: the conscientiousness of the manufacturer, the frequency of use and compliance with the rules of operation.

Gentle care includes not only the selection of high-quality detergents, timely cleaning and prevention of limescale formation, but also monitoring the condition of the internal elements of the washing machine.

One such element is the oil seal. You can find out what it is and how to keep it in working order by reading this article.

What is an oil seal and why is it lubricated

The stuffing box (or, as it is more correct to call it, the stuffing box) is a part of the mechanism that serves as a sealing element between its two parts, one of which is movable and the other is not. The gland is usually made of rubber, so it not only seals, but also seals the connection.

In a washing machine, oil seals are needed in order to protect the bearings from water ingress. They are located on top of a bronze bushing, which, in turn, is fixed along the axle shaft. The oil seals must be replaced with the bearings so that the connection always remains tight and sealed.

The axle shaft is a rotating shaft on which the tank and drum of the washing machine are fixed. Rotating, the shaft comes into contact with the inner surface of the stuffing box. Constantly exposed to friction, this part wears out quickly. To slow this process down, a special oil seal lubricant is used to provide sliding, thereby reducing friction. If the grease is not renewed in time, the oil seal will dry out and begin to let water through, which will lead to bearing failure and malfunction of the washing machine.

Lubrication requirements

There is a category of owners of washing machines, which, instead of specialized compositions for the care of stuffing box devices, prefers to use folk remedies, for example, vegetable oil or fats. Such a solution, of course, is more economical, but it does not affect the state of the mechanism in the best way.

• are moisture resistant, that is, they do not lose their properties, being in constant contact with water;
• have a non-aggressive chemical composition that does not destroy the surface of the gland and metal shaft;
• resistant to temperature changes, do not disintegrate and do not lose their qualities when exposed to heat;
• have sufficient density and viscosity so as not to wash off with water for a long time.

Oil seal grease is usually sold in shops that specialize in washing machines or parts for various types of household appliances. The price of this consumable may unpleasantly surprise you: this is due to the fact that this is a narrow-purpose product that is difficult to find on sale.

Often, manufacturers of household appliances are engaged in the production of greases for oil seals that are intended directly for a given brand of washing machines, but in reality they are suitable for all models. Most lubricants are interchangeable, you just need to pay attention to the main component of the composition. Silicone and titanium lubricants are popular, which repel water well and are able to withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees.

Instructions for use

To replace the oil seal or renew the lubricant, you first have to almost completely disassemble the washing machine, pull out the tank and remove the drum from it. We described in detail how to do this in the article "How to remove a bearing from a washing machine drum?"

Replacing worn out bearings and oil seals with new ones, you need to make sure that they last as long as possible. To do this, we need to properly lubricate the oil seal. First, the grease is applied to the outer surface of the gland in an even, thin layer. Then we start processing the inner surface. The layer should be a little thicker here. The oil seal can then be reinstalled.

Visually and in more detail, the whole process, see the next video.

How can you replace the lubricant?

Sometimes it is not possible to find a special grease for the oil seals. In this case, craftsmen replace it with petroleum-based means of similar action, for example, solid oil or lithol. Experts warn against the use of these funds, as they contribute to the rapid wear of the oil seals. Similar lubricants are used in the automotive industry, but they do more harm than good to household appliances. Therefore, it is better to spend time and money on the purchase of specialized products that have a lasting effect and are completely safe for washing machines.

The washing unit, like all household appliances, requires care and maintenance. Many parts come into contact with water during operation, so they need high-quality protection against moisture penetration: for this purpose, the designers have installed special cuffs that require regular lubrication. We will show you how to lubricate or replace a washing machine oil seal at home.

Waterproof rubber cuffs are used in different techniques, so they have different shapes and sizes. The design is similar, only the appearance is slightly different. The quality and density rubbers: in some cases, the seals are made of silicone rubber, fluoroelastomer and other elastic materials.

These cuffs are made of a special waterproof material with a metal insert, which is very fragile, but it is she who helps to keep the oil seal in the desired shape. When lubricating, you must be extremely careful not to break it.

Where are the oil seals

To get to them and lubricate, it is necessary to disassemble the entire washing machine, with the exception of those models where a one-piece stainless steel tank is installed. Have frontal type machines, the drum is mounted on a special bracket with a steel half-shaft in the middle: it is necessary to fix the drum housing on the bearing assembly.

Thanks to this design, the drum can rotate at different speeds, carrying out the washing modes. Oil seals in the washing machine are installed in a special bushing, together with which they protect the bearing assembly from water penetration.

Important! This part is very important - if it fails, the bearing will rust from moisture, urgent replacement is required, and this is laborious work.

All dismantling operations can be performed independently if you are technically competent, know how to handle various tools and have a lot of free time.

Lubrication requirements

During maintenance, it is mandatory to flush and clean the bearing housing and the oil seal, followed by filling them with new grease. Various lubricants are used for the cuffs, which the manufacturer of household appliances recommends, but often these samples cost a lot, which is beyond the affordability of many users.

Do not use automotive lubricants, select more viscous in consistency: it must be remembered that water washes out the low-viscosity grease from the oil seal and penetrates into the bearing assembly.

The main requirements for the quality of lubricants are as follows:

• stable water resistanceso that during operation of the machine it does not wash out with water;
• in order not to corrode the rubber of the cuff, thereby reducing the life of the oil seal, it should be non-aggressive;
• good heat resistance - during operation, the bearings heat up, especially in the spin mode, when the drum rotates at maximum speed;
• constant consistencymust not change so as not to flow out of the place of application.

Poor lubrication can spoil all your efforts and after a fairly short time you will have to disassemble the machine again.

Lubricant selection

It is better to purchase lubricant in special stores where the sale of spare parts for washing machines is established. Experts consider a silicone-based lubricant to be good - it has a decent water resistance, meets all the necessary requirements. The tube has the following parameters: water resistance, viscosity and maximum temperature of use.

When buying, pay attention to Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett from a German company that is considered a leader in the production of lubricants for various purposes. A thick silicone grease resembles jelly, retains the elasticity of rubber and plastic up to +200 ° C, is produced in tubes of 100 g. It is expensive, but the quality justifies all the costs. Such a tube will be enough for the entire operation of the machine.

It is worth paying attention to Anderoll, it is produced by the company that makes cars Indesit. Packaging goes in 100 g jars or in disposable syringes containing two doses.

If you save on the purchase, you will lose money on subsequent repairs: poor-quality grease for oil seals will quickly wash out of the bearing assembly, extraneous noise or squeak will begin in the washing machine.

Correct algorithm of actions

After completely dismantling the machine, proceed to oil seal lubrication - we apply it evenly over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe outer contour of the cuff. After that, we insert the oil seal into the workplace and carefully lubricate its inner part.

As you can see, the process is quite simple, but it must be carried out slowly and carefully so as not to damage the fragile metal insert... After the end of the lubrication, we proceed to the assembly of the washing machine.

If it is necessary to urgently replace the oil seals due to damage or wear of their housing, a similar dismantlingunit for washing in the following sequence:

• remove the top cover, remove the back and front panels;
• we disconnect the wiring, pipes and fasteners from the tank in order to take it out;
• disassemble the tank into two parts to open access to the bearing assembly.

You can do the disassembly yourself, but for the first time it is better to invite the master from the service center - he will do all the manipulations quickly and with a guarantee. For those who are confident in their abilities, we attach the following video to help, where the master explains all the nuances of the correct installation of the oil seal.