Washing Machine Repair & Restyling

There are several things without which modern man cannot live. First, it is a smartphone, a refrigerator, and, of course, a washing machine. And things that are often used, of course, fail faster. We are used to throwing away old, unnecessary gadgets, devices, and equipment. To a certain extent, this is the merit of manufacturers who purposefully manufacture equipment in such a way that it does not work for long and breaks down. The point is that people are more likely to buy new things and throw away old ones. In recent years, the life of home equipment has been approximately 7 years. Only now have they begun to change the laws to make the products produced by the industry easier to repair (repairability).

What I like about old things is that they are very reliable and made of quality materials. And even more, I admire antique mechanisms that can work for a very long time! For example, I have a 1908 Singer sewing machine, and it still works!). Therefore, when my washing machine (a Samsung Bigwash B1015J) broke down, I did not replace it with a new one. It was produced in the early 2000s (year of manufacture: 2003). I not only repaired the washing machine by replacing the failed elements, but also gave it a new life by adding additional LED lighting as well as other colors to the control panel indicators. Now, when you add laundry detergent, the container is highlighted, which is very convenient in low light.

I also installed a green LED on the power button of the washing machine. Due to this, you can see when the washing machine is turned on. Previously, the LEDs on the control panel were the same color. I replaced some of them with different colors, which makes it easier to visualise the mode of operation of the washing machine. And around the drum, I added a blue LED strip that glows during the operation of the device. This allows you to see the process of washing clothes and also gives it an additional aesthetic design.

After all these alterations, it will be difficult to part with this washing machine and buy something newer. I think that thanks to such recycling and restyling of old things, we can not only help preserve the ecology of our planet but also make our lives more interesting and exciting. You can update the interior design of your home by adding antiques! By giving new life to old things, you thus discover new opportunities and inspiration for creativity!

Supplies

Materials:

• Bearings: 6205-2RS/6206-2RS, with bearing seal set
• Bearing grease
• Shock absorbers: 50 N (100 N)/Samsung DC66-00343JB
• Belt: 1270J5
• LED tape 5 mm (blue): 0.5–1 metre
• LEDs 3/5 mm : Green/Yellow/Blue/Red
• Resistors: 0.5–1 kΩ (optional)
• Pulse transformer: AC100-240V/DC12V 350 mA
• Wire, connectors
• Plastic nylon straps (screeds)
• Thermotubes
• Silicone sealant (150 °C/302 °F)
• Rust removal lubricant BS40 (WD40/60)
• Citric acid: 20–50 g.

Tools:

• Hammer
• Socket wrenches
• Hot glue gun & glue
• Soldering gun & solder
• Multimeter
• Clamp meter (optional)
• Screwdrivers, pliers, cutting pliers, and other tools that can be found in any home workshop.

⚠ Warning! Be careful when repairing electrical equipment! Before starting repairs, disconnect the washing machine from the mains and also close the water supply tap. When carrying out repair work, use protective equipment such as protective glasses and gloves!

Step 1: Troubleshooting

The first thing I repaired on my washing machine was the drum shock absorbers. Before the failure of the shock absorbers, the washing machine worked for about 10 years without any defects! Before any technique breaks down, there are always some signs that point to it. Although this principle applies not only to technology!) I remember that before the failure of the shock absorbers, the washing machine began to vibrate strongly when washing and spinning clothes. From here, she simply came out from under the furniture on which she was built. Due to the fact that the repair warranty had expired, I tried to repair it myself. Then it was a relatively simple repair that boiled down to replacing two shock absorbers. I looked at the code written on the shock absorber and contacted the nearest washing machine repair shop, where I purchased the necessary parts.

After the shock absorbers, the next failure was the failure of the washing machine drum bearings. The signs of this breakdown were the sounds emitted during washing. A small noise at the beginning gradually turned into a rattle and rumble. Obviously, the problem was with the bearings. It's unbelievable that the washing machine had been in operation for over 15 years prior to this incident. I'm not used to turning to services and workshops when it comes to repairing equipment. So I took on the repair work myself.

In this manual, I will describe not only the repair of the washing machine but also its modernization. Anyone with minimal technical skills and knowledge can handle such a repair. This will not only save you money, but also give you the confidence that you can deal with other problems of this kind in the future.

Step 2: Error Messages

Almost all modern washing machines have fault codes. If any part fails, the display will show a two-digit designation of a digital code. This will facilitate diagnosis and troubleshooting when repairing washing machines. From experience, I can say that not all defects are displayed on the screen of the washing machine! Therefore, repair work experience and information will always prove useful in such cases.

Step 3: Disassembly of the Washing Machine

In order to get to the bearings, you need to disassemble the washing machine almost completely! While performing such painstaking disassembly work, at the same time, you can check other systems of the washing machine. That is, in parallel, perform preventive work and identify possible defects. This work will allow you to avoid other possible troubles in the future and save you time. After disconnecting the washing machine from the water supply and the mains, you need to disconnect the hose that is attached at the back. It is necessary to carefully remove the filter and check its condition. If it is dirty, it can be put aside for descaling. Or replace it with another new filter. Next, you need to remove the top panel of the washing machine body by unscrewing the two screws at the back.In order to get to the drum, you must first remove the front panel of the washing machine. To do this, using a screwdriver, you need to pry off the ring with the spring, which is hidden under the rubber cuff of the hatch door. After that, you need to unscrew the electromagnetic lock on the glass door. It must be taken along with the wires to the side. I used to have some problems with the lock, but I managed to repair it without replacing it. Then I just took it apart and cleaned the contacts before putting it back together.Now you need to remove the plastic control panel along with the electronic board. In order not to confuse wires with connectors during reassembly, you can simply photograph them or mark them with a marker. Next, you need to remove the dispenser for detergent (washing powder). To do this, first you need to disconnect the metal clamps on the rubber tubes of the intake solenoid valves with pliers. At the bottom of the container, there is another hose that goes to the tank of the washing machine; it also needs to be disconnected.

Step 4: Tank & Drum

It is time to release and pull out the drum tank from the washing machine. First, you need to remove the wide rubber hose that goes to the pump. You also need to remove the hose that is connected to the level sensor.Concrete blocks for weighting are fixed to the tank. Counterweights are designed to dampen the vibrations of the washing machine during operation. They need to be unscrewed with a socket wrench. Next, you need to remove the springs that are fixed between the body of the washing machine and the drum. You also need to disconnect the wires going to the water heater. Before disconnecting the motor, you need to remove the belt as well as all electrical wires (connectors). You also need to unscrew the shock absorbers using a socket wrench. Now the tank with the drum can be pulled out of the body of the washing machine in order to make repairs.

Step 5: Removing the Pulley and Motor

Before disassembling the washing machine tank, you first need to separate the motor from its body. To do this, you need to unscrew the bolt, which is mounted on rubber cushions, as can be seen in the photographs. In order to remove the pulley, you first need to block it. I did it with a regular wrench. After that, you can unscrew the nut with a 19 wrench. The nut is unscrewed counterclockwise.

Step 6: Tank Disassembly

The plastic body of the washing machine tank consists of two parts. In order to separate these parts, you need to remove the metal fasteners. Between the two halves of the tank is a rubber gasket. It is better to replace it with a new one after reassembling the tank. In order to pull out the stainless steel drum, I used a hammer and a metal pipe to fit the axle diameter. In order not to damage the drum axle, you need to handle it very carefully! It is better to use a special press to remove the drum. In order for the axle to come out of the bearings more easily, I used a special tool, WD-40. After that, I cleaned the axle from rust and also cleaned other parts of the tank from scale.

Step 7: Bearing Replacement

This is the most important part of the repair, the quality of which depends on the further operation of the washing machine! I was very surprised after opening the old, rusty bearings. Due to the gradual ingress of water, their condition only worsened over time.When buying new bearings, you need to look at the designation codes on old bearings. Along with the replacement of the bearings, the seals must also be replaced. They were given to me in the service shop along with new bearings. In the same place, I asked for some special water-repellent grease (white). I also lubricated the steel axle of the drum with grease in order to prevent it from rusting in the future. After that, you can insert the drum into the bearings of the tub of the washing machine.

Step 8: Cleaning the Parts

In order to clean the parts of the washing machine from scale, I used simple citric acid, which is sold in any store. You can use other means that are able to remove scale. Even after separate cleanings of parts, traces of scale may remain. Therefore, after assembling the washing machine, you can additionally use anti-scale products for its final removal.It is necessary to pour granulated citric acid (20–50 g) into the powder compartment and run the machine once in a single wash (without linen) at a temperature of 60–95 °C.It seems to me that citric acid is the most effective and affordable remedy.

Step 9: Assembling & Sealing the Drum Tank

After all the work is done, you need to assemble the drum and tank of the washing machine. In order to prevent water from leaking through the tank, in addition to the old gasket, I added silicone sealant. The silicone must be resistant to high temperatures because the water in the tank can reach up to 95 °C. I used a red silicone sealant that can withstand up to 150 °C. You can also apply sealant to other pipes and valves to be sure that water will not leak when the washing machine is running. The tank is assembled in the same way as it was disassembled, not forgetting to insert all the clamps and brackets into place. Allow the drum to dry for at least 24 hours before running water into the drum. See the instructions on the silicone sealant you are using.

Step 10: Checking the Motor

Having completely disassembled the washing machine, it is necessary, if possible, to check all its components for operability. The motor with a tachogenerator on the Samsung washing machine is very reliable. I did not notice any problems in its performance; therefore, for the purpose of prevention, you can only clean the motor manifold. I used fine-grit sandpaper to clean the carbon off the manifold. You can also wipe it with alcohol. As you can see in the photo, the brushes of the electric motor are in perfect order; they have not yet worn out, so I do not change them. If the collector on your motor is very worn out and has grooves, it can be given to a turning shop. Or, process the collector lamellae yourself with emery. Now it remains to install the motor back on the tank of the washing machine.

Step 11: Checking the Drain Pump

The drain pump is a very important part of the washing machine. The pump performs the role of draining water in the operation of the unit. Therefore, it is better to check it when performing other repairs. First, you need to check if there is no blockage or contamination in the pump filter. After that, you need to check the so-called snail in the rubber tube leading to the pump. I turned the motor impeller and checked if it turned easily and had no play. After all the mechanical checks, you can test the motor coil for serviceability. To do this, you need a multimeter to measure resistance (an ohmmeter). The tester should show a resistance of approximately 150–250 ohms for a serviceable motor. If the instrument shows 0, it means a short circuit. In the event of a winding break, the resistance value will be very large. And if the resistance is above the norm, this means damage to the stator winding of the motor. If the mechanical and electrical parts of the pump are in good condition, it can be installed back on the washing machine.

Step 12: Belt Replacement

For all the time my washing machine has been working, I have changed shock absorbers more often than the pulley belt!) I advise that when buying spare parts for your washing machine, it is better to have one belt in stock, just in case. Due to the fact that I changed the bearings on my washing machine, I thought that it would not be superfluous to change the pulley belt to a new one. Usually on the belt there is a product code by which it can be found in repair services.

Step 13: LED Backlight Settings

I had an idea for LED lighting for a washing machine a long time ago. Therefore, when the opportunity presented itself to repair and disassemble my Samsung washing machine, I decided to install LEDs. You can check the diameter of your drum to determine the length of the LED strip. I used blue LEDs – about 1 metre of tape. First, using a multimeter, I determined on the electronic board of the device where to connect the power for the LEDs. When you turn on the washing machine, you need to find the alternating voltage on the connectors that connect to the control unit board. I connected a small pulse transformer with a 12 V output to one of the connectors. The output current of 350 mA is enough for my LED strip. From the output of the transformer, I soldered a wire that goes to the LED strip. For ease of installation, it is better to connect the tape through connectors. I fixed the LED strip to the plastic case of the washing machine tank with hot glue. The LEDs must be facing the tank body. As you can see, nothing is complicated!

I installed another backlight above the detergent dispenser. To do this, I used a segment of three LEDs on the same tape. The power wire must be carefully routed through the plastic panel and connected in parallel to the transformer output (12 V). LEDs and soldered wires can also be fixed with hot glue.Additionally, I added a separate green LED to the button for turning on the washing machine. It must be connected to 12 V on the control board, not forgetting to insert a 0.5–1 kΩ resistor in series into the power circuit. I was able to find on the electronic board the power output for this LED in standby mode. This means that the LED will glow when the washing machine is plugged into an AC outlet. This is convenient because you can see that the washing machine is ready to go.On this model of the washing machine, all the LED indicators on the front panel were red. In order to diversify the appearance, I changed some LEDs to other glow colors. For example, the rinse mode (water) now glows blue. Other operating modes glow yellow or green. Colors are limited only by the choice of LED glow. Well, the most spectacular sight is the illumination of the washing machine drum in blue (sea color). When rinsing water in the washing machine drum, the blue color looks mesmerising and magical!

Step 14: Washing Machine Assembly

After all the restyling and repair of the washing machine, you need to assemble all the elements and equipment in reverse order. After repairing the tank and drum, you need to install the pulley and tighten it with a bolt. The assembled drum with the motor can be inserted back into the body of the washing machine, and the springs and shock absorbers can be attached to it. After that, you can connect all the tubes and wires of the washing machine device. If additional sealing is required, silicone sealant can be used to attach the rubber tubing. It is also necessary to check the serviceability of all clamps when attaching the tubes. Before the test run of the washing machine, you need to make sure that all electrical wires are connected correctly. You also need to check the grounding of the metal case of the device. Only after a thorough check of the installation can you connect the washing machine to the network and check the operation of the washing modes.

Step 15: Tests & Conclusions

After such a large-scale repair of the washing machine, I began to treat it with great attention. I don’t want to disassemble the washing machine into parts again!) Despite the fact that the washing machine is very old, I think that it will last a long time without major repairs! It is very important to treat your home appliances with care, this will extend the life of the devices. Here are some tips that will help you: Now, after every wash, I take out the detergent dispenser in order to rinse it with running water. After that, I dried the container and put it back in place. After washing, you do not need to completely close the door of the washing machine. It must be left ajar for better ventilation and drying of the drum. The rubber cuff around the door also needs to be carefully monitored by wiping it with a damp cloth after washing. There may be mould in places where water accumulates! Also, coins, buttons, screws, and other foreign objects may remain inside the cuff after washing. And do not forget about the pump; you need to check it and clean the filter from dirt and debris. As you can see, the washing machine, at least in appearance, seems to be a non-trivial, simple home appliance. In fact, this invention consists of complex mechanisms and elements that eventually changed our lives!

Thanks for your time and attention to this topic! 

Step 16: Video Demonstration