How to replace the rubber band on a washing machine? Changing the seal yourself

You can replace the rubber band on your washing machine yourself. The steps are quite simple, the work will take no more than an hour. First you need to identify signs of leakage, then remove the old cuff and install a new one. A step-by-step description and practical tips can be found in this material.

Main causes and signs of wear

Replacing the rubber seal on a washing machine may be necessary not only due to natural wear and tear over the years. The seal often fails ahead of schedule due to various factors:

• exposure to mold;
• influence of aggressive chemicals (detergents);
• frequent temperature changes;
• scratching by clothing (locks, plaques and other sharp objects);
• friction against the inner surface of the housing;
• in rare cases, the cause may also be a manufacturing defect - then signs of a malfunction are noticeable already during the first wash.

Signs of wear and preparation for replacement

Before you figure out how to change the rubber band on a washing machine, you need to make sure that it is the one that has failed. A malfunction can be determined by 2 main signs:

1. Water flows down right during washing.
2. A fairly strong flow is noticeable next to the washing machine, and a puddle is forming.

It is not difficult to understand how to remove the cuff on a washing machine. To do this, it is enough to prepare the following tools and materials:

• Screwdriver Set;
• new rubber band;
• marker.

Replacing the rubber seal on a washing machine is carried out in several stages. First you need to do some preparatory work, then remove the outer and inner clamps. After this, they begin to install new material. Detailed instructions on how to put an elastic band on the drum of a washing machine are presented in the next section.

Step-by-step instruction

You can replace the material yourself even if you have minimal skills. To do this, it is recommended to follow several steps:

1. Turn off the machine. Immediately turn off the tap and open the door.
2. Before you figure out how to change the cuff on a washing machine, you need to remove the outer clamp. It is secured with a small screw that needs to be unscrewed.
3. Then unfold the seal, find the clamp and pull it out towards you. Next, it will be easier to remove the rubber band from the washing machine drum.
4. If the clamp is secured not with a screw, but with a spring, you need to pry it up with a screwdriver and pull it out towards you.
5. A mark is found on the top of the cuff - it is located opposite the corresponding mark on the surface of the tank. If it is not there, you can draw it yourself using a marker. This will allow you to more accurately understand how to place the rubber band on the drum of the washing machine.
6. Next you need to go to the inner clamp. Remove the top panel of the unit by unscrewing each bolt. If there is no access from above, you need to remove the panel from the front (where the door itself is located).
7. Unscrew the screw, pry up the spring with a screwdriver and remove it. This is the main step of the instructions on how to replace the rubber band on a washing machine.
8. Next, you need to clean the area from any remaining dirt using a regular detergent and a rag. Rub the area with soap to ensure better glide.
9. Now it’s easy to understand how to put an elastic band on the drum of a washing machine. It is enough to accurately align the 2 marks - on the cuff and on the surface of the tank.
10. The elastic band is put on so that it fits tightly to the edges - otherwise there will be no tightness, and smudges will appear during washing.
11. Next, put on the inner clamp and tighten it with a spring. Follow the instructions, which indicate how to remove the rubber band from the washing machine, but in reverse order.
12. Install the outer clamp and tighten the bolt using a screwdriver.
13. Run the wash in test mode (you can use a short program) to see how tight the tank is.

How to preserve an elastic band for as long as possible

The method for removing an elastic band in a washing machine is not that complicated. But in any case, it is better to ensure the maximum lifespan of its operation, saving yourself from unnecessary work and wasting money. To do this, it is enough to follow basic preventive measures:

1. After each wash, even a short program, wipe the elastic with a dry, clean cloth.
2. Leave the hatch open so that the moisture evaporates from the tank as quickly as possible.
3. Always check pockets before starting a cycle and remove any items from them.
4. Do not wash clothes with sharp metal elements - they can damage both the seal and the drum. This will allow you to preserve the material for a long time and not have to refer to the description of how to remove the rubber band from the drum of the washing machine.
5. If there are zippers or buttons, fasten them before washing.

From this review it became clear how to change the rubber seal on a washing machine.This is a completely affordable operation that you can carry out yourself. After installing a new seal, you should carefully monitor it - then it will last for many years.