Proper care and maintenance are essential for the longevity and performance of household appliances, including the washing machine. Due to its regular exposure to water, various parts of the machine require effective protection against moisture. To fulfill this purpose, designers have incorporated special sleeves that require regular lubrication. In this article, we will guide you on how to lubricate or replace the gland of the washing machine in the comfort of your home.
Types and design
Cuffs made of moisture-resistant rubber are utilized in various techniques and thus come in different shapes and sizes. While their design remains largely the same, their appearance may vary slightly. The rubber used can differ in quality and density, with some cuffs being made from silicone, fluorocarbon rubber, or other elastic materials.
These sleeves are crafted from a special water-resistant material that incorporates a delicate metal insert, which helps maintain the desired shape of the cuff. When lubricating it, caution must be exercised to avoid damaging the insert.
Where the oil seals are located
To access and lubricate the glands in the washing machine, it is necessary to disassemble the entire appliance, except for models with a one-piece stainless steel tank. In front-loading machines, the drum is secured to a special bracket with a steel half axle in the center. The drum housing should be fixed to the bearing assembly. This design allows the drum to rotate at different speeds for various washing modes. The glands are installed in a special sleeve and together they protect the bearing unit from water ingress.
It is vital to note that this component is extremely important. If it malfunctions, the bearing will rust due to moisture and it will need to be urgently replaced, which is a labor-intensive task.
Requirements for lubrication
When performing maintenance, it is essential to rinse and clean the bearing housing and oil seal before refilling them with fresh grease. There are different types of greases recommended by the manufacturer of household appliances for the oil seals. However, the cost of these greases can often be unaffordable for many users.
To avoid any issues, it is important to avoid using automotive grease and instead choose a grease with a more viscous consistency. This is because water can easily wash out weakly viscous grease from the oil seal and penetrate into the bearing unit.
- The grease used should have stable water resistance to ensure it does not get washed out during machine operation.
- It should also be non-corrosive to prevent any damage to the rubber of the oil seal, which can shorten its lifespan.
- Excellent heat resistance – during operation, the bearings undergo significant heating, particularly during high-speed spinning when the drum rotates at its maximum velocity;
- Consistent viscosity must remain stable to prevent any depletion during application.
Substandard grease quality can compromise all your efforts, requiring you to dismantle the machine once more within a relatively short period.
Selection of grease
It’s advisable to purchase grease from specialized stores that sell spare parts for washing machines. Experts recommend silicone-based grease as it has excellent water resistance and meets all the necessary requirements. The tube of grease will indicate its water resistance, viscosity, and maximum temperature of use.
When making a purchase, consider the Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett from the leading German company in lubricant production. This thick silicone grease has a jelly-like consistency and maintains the flexibility of rubber and plastic materials up to +200 °C. It is sold in 100g tubes. Although it is expensive, the quality justifies the cost. One tube will last for the entire lifespan of the machine.
If you cut corners on your purchase, you’ll end up paying more for repairs later on: subpar lubricant for oil seals will quickly get washed out of the bearing assembly, leading to strange noises or squeaks in your washing machine.
Correct algorithm of actions
Once the machine has been fully disassembled, the next step is to lubricate the stuffing box by evenly applying grease across the entire outer contour of the oil seal. Following that, carefully insert the packing into the designated area and grease the inside of the packing.
As you can observe, the procedure is fairly straightforward, but it necessitates a slow and cautious approach to avoid causing any harm to the delicate metal insert. Once the lubrication process is completed, you can proceed with the reassembly of the washing machine.
If there is an urgent need to replace the oil seals due to housing damage or wear and tear, follow these steps to dismantle the washing machine:
- Start by removing the top cover, followed by the rear and front panels;
- Disconnect the wiring, pipes, and fasteners from the tank in order to externally remove it;
- Separate the tank into two sections in order to access the bearing assembly.
If you prefer to disassemble it yourself, it is recommended to have a professional from the service center assist you. They will be able to perform the necessary manipulations efficiently and with a guarantee. For those who feel confident in their skills, we have provided a helpful video below where an expert explains the correct installation process of the gland.
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