Do-it-yourself gum replacement on a washing machine

Problems with a washing machine are found everywhere, but some of them can be solved independently if their cause is known. The problem is easily solved when an elastic band in the washing machine, which is a gasket between the inside and the outside of the device, is torn. After all, replacing the gum is not a problem at all.

Causes of cuff damage

The main causes of damage when it is necessary to replace the cuff on the washing machine are few, three of which can be distinguished:

• physical wear of the used material from constant vibration of the mechanism (drum);
• the same wear, but its cause is mold in the washing machineinsensitive to the effects of washing powder;
• mechanical damage to the material with sharp objects forgotten in the pockets of erasable items or accessories sewn to them (rivets, sliders, etc.). Also, if hard water is used, limescale may be deposited on it, which also creates damage to the gum on the hatch.

All these reasons lead to the fact that the cuff of the hatch begins to darken, break through, causing the washing machine to leak, and in critical situations, an electrical circuit may occur.

In order to prevent the likely consequences, you need to remove the mold on it, otherwise, a replacement gasket will need to be replaced. To do this, you need to remove the cuff of the hatch of the washing machine.

How to remove gum on a washing machine

Depending on which manufacturer designed the machine, the process of dismantling the cuff may vary slightly. Therefore, before replacing the gum on the washing machine, you should familiarize yourself with the design and disconnect the power cord from the network.

The fundamental point is in the method of mounting the front panel. If the cuff on the washing machine can be removed, this will be one algorithm of actions, and if not, another. In any case, before removing the gum, you must first disconnect it from the outside of the machine.

To do this, open the hatch and, if necessary, remove it by unscrewing the screws on top and bottom of the mount, if possible. Then find the pressing metal rim mounted on top of the elastic band and gently pull it off with a flat screwdriver or a blunt knife.

Then you need to remove the rubber from the convex edge on which it is installed, and then wrap it inside the drum (machine). The next step is to remove the top cover of the machine.

Further, it all depends on the type of machine:

• If the front panel cannot be removed, it is necessary to grope under the rubber for another metal rim, but inside the machine, and also remove it. This can be done with the cuff if it is not very tight.
• If the front panel is removable, you need to remove the detergent box by sliding it out and pressing the plastic valve inside. Then unscrew the screws in the upper and lower panels (put the upper one up and the lower one to the side).

After that, unscrew the screws holding the front panel and the lock. When access to the inside of the cuff is open, you can remove the metal rim. It may also have a spring, but there are models with a clamp that opens with a screwdriver.

How to install gum

After the cuff is cleaned or a new one is printed, it can be changed by performing all the steps in the reverse order. To correctly change the sealing gum on the washing machine, it is important not to break the sequence, otherwise the parts may be superfluous, and everything will have to start all over again.

First you need to determine the orientation of the rubber product, its inner and outer parts. At the top of the elastic band should be a convex mark, and in the lower inner part - drain holes. The holes are usually located at 6:00 on the drum. This must be taken into account before changing it.

Also, if a drain hose with an adapter was provided in the model, before changing the gum on the hatch, it must be connected and after that the inner part of the sleeve should be replaced.

The next step is to put on the inner metal rim, which is the most difficult step in replacing the rubber seal on the washing machine. If the front panel of the machine is non-removable, it is necessary to unscrew the top screw of the lock and install a screwdriver in the lock hole, which will serve as a hook for the spring mechanism. The sleeve must be tucked inside the machine. The rim is thrown on the opposite part of the lock and installed in the groove and with the help of a second screwdriver, it is filled in a circle. Then you need to install the hatch lock.

If the front panel has been removed, installing the inner rim is easier. To do this, throw it on the bottom of the gutter, and pulling it with a screwdriver to install it in place. After mounting the inner rim, you can continue reassembling the front panel. In turn, you must install:

• counterweight (if it was removed);
• middle (main) part of the panel;
• hatch lock;
• lower and upper (instrument) parts of the panel;
• detergent compartment
• top cover of the machine.

At the end, regardless of the design, it is necessary to turn the tucked cuff outward and install it in place, hooking it on the outer convex edge of the hole. Then replace the outer rim using a flat head screwdriver.

If the hatch of the machine has been removed, it must be replaced and the installation completed.

Read also:

• The drum does not spin in the washing machine: what are the reasons? How to repair and prevent damage?
• Flowing washing machine from below: reasons and how to fix the breakdown with your own hands?
• Replacing the seal in the refrigerator do it yourself. How to replace rubber correctly?

Conclusions and parting words

It is worth paying attention to several details before changing the gum on the device:

1. The cuff is made of rubber, and it is easy to pierce it with a screwdriver, so the actions must be careful so as not to damage it.
2. It is necessary to remove the metal rim carefully so as not to bend it, because it is difficult to level it.
3. Do not start work while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Hatch Cuff Replacement: video

The video tells about how the cuff of the washing machine hatch is replaced by a new one:

You can make a small repair of the washing machine yourself, without a master. The above recommendations prove this. But it is worth remembering that if the device is under warranty, it is reasonable to send it for free maintenance, and not to think about how to replace the elastic band on the washing machine or how to seal the cuff of the hatch of the washing machine.