Introduction
My washing machine was about 6 years old which appears to be about the age the suspension rods fail. The rods are full of oil which eventually leaks out. Additionally there are rubber straps which connect the rods to the drum chassis which stretch over time. It is worth replacing both at the same time. Surprisingly, this is a relatively easy fix and will save you big dollars doing it yourself. Check that you don't have a soap scum build up on the drum before commencing this repair first. You can look down the detergent cap recess after removing the cover to inspect the outside of the drum. I didn't have any so I went ahead and changed the rods and rubber hangers.
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First step is to disconnect power.
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Then disconnect all the hoses at the back and move the machine to a place where you have some room to work.
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Removing the lid is the easiest part. Just push back until the lid is perpendicular with the top of the machine, then lift upwards and it will release.
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Simply pry off the plastic screw covers then unscrew the two forward screws. Note there is no need to remove the cover, just tilt it backwards on its hinge to gain access. Be careful with hoses and electrical wires at the back of the cover.
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I used an old coat hanger to suspend the plastic cover out of the way by hooking it onto the trolley that I used to move the washing machine. This gives you access to the 4 rubber straps and 4 suspension rods.
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You will see there are four rubber straps, one in each corner. I decided to replace these as well just to be on the safe side. When the old and new rubber straps were placed next to each other there was a significant difference in length. Just pull them straight off.
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The metal cylinder down the end is full of oil which leaks out over time. When I removed this one it was very greasy. Note: Im not sure if it was a defect or not, but my rear right rod appeared to have a bend in it and was unique to the other three.
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Place your left hand under the drum rim and support it. Remove and replace one rod at a time. You don't want the weight of the drum on the motor and pump below as you may break something underneath. By replacing them one at a time, the other three can help support the weight of the drum.
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To remove the rods lift the plastic hanger off the chassis and then jiggle the bottom part of the rod out of the slotted holder. There are no fasteners holding the rods in place. Its just the weight of the drum holding them in place.
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There is a clip half way down the rear right rod that needs to be undone. You also need to move the hoses and electrical looms out from under the plastic hanger prior to removing the rod. To remove the rods lift the plastic hanger off the chassis and then jiggle the bottom part of the rod out of the slotted holder.
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Once you have replaced all of the suspension rods and rubber straps you can reassemble the washing machine cover and lid. Then you are finished. My washing machine ran beautifully after I completed this repair. Best of luck to you.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
129 comments
Amazing guide. Super easy to follow and did just as promised. I barely know which end of a screwdriver to use but I had no trouble following the instructions and photos which made the job simple. $100 for parts and this guide and I have my washing machine back as good as new. You saved me at least $500 and the hassle of getting a new washer. Cant thank you enough or rate this guide highly enough. Well done sir.
Glenny -
My pleasure, you just made it all worthwhile Glenny
James -
James,
What was the reason you changed these parts out. Was it going out of balance in rinse and spin or were you getting codes. I have this issue, it goes badly out of balance on the rinse and spin cycles. The Tech that came out (under warranty) thinks it is the electronic module or motor. He is ordering both parts. I think it is the rods and rubber straps as we don't get any codes just the washer trying to walk out of the room! Nice guide by the way.
Hi JMC,
Unfortunately, being amateurs I guess we are always having to gamble when we take the plunge and buy parts. From my research the warn out rods is a common issue. Overtime they lose the oil out of the cylinders. If it's possible to get your fingers down at the base of the rods you might find that they are leaking oil which causes the problem. However if your washing machine is under warranty I'm guessing its newish. This problem seems to occur as they get older, possibly over 5 years. To answer your question, the problem I had was that it was going out of balance during rinse and spin and then just stopping, whilst making beeping noises and lights etc. the shaking was extremely violent. Hope this helps. Anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.
James -