When and why do you need to replace the hatch cuff of an LG washing machine? We repair the cuff ourselves
Replacing the cuff of the washing machine hatch is necessary after several years, since the seal wears out due to mechanical contact, poor-quality powder and other factors. In some cases, urgent repairs may be necessary. How to make it is described step by step in this material.
The content of the article
In what cases will the cuff need to be changed?
The cuff, also called rubber or seal, is a material folded in several layers and located between the door and the drum. It ensures complete tightness, i.e. does not allow water to pass through during washing, rinsing and spinning.
The seal is made of special rubber with the addition of silicone. This is a heat-resistant and water-resistant material that cannot be damaged even by very hot water. But over time, the elastic wears out and can also suffer from careless handling. Replacing the hatch cuff of an LG washing machine is required mainly in the following situations:
- Contact with sharp parts of clothing, for example, locks, buttons with angular edges, rhinestones. You can’t completely protect yourself from this, but you can at least turn your underwear inside out and fasten it on the reverse side.
- Replacing the cuff on an LG washing machine will also be necessary when washing non-standard items. For example, boots, shoes with protruding parts, especially spikes, are preferably washed in a special bag, or even better - by hand, so as not to damage the machine.
- The problem of how to remove the cuff on an LG washing machine also arises in the event of natural wear and tear. The elastic is constantly in contact with clothing, as well as with the door. Therefore, it inevitably wears out. If the material is of sufficient quality, it will last without complaints for at least 4-5 years.
- Also, people turn to instructions on how to change the cuff on an LG washing machine due to bad water or low-quality detergent. Due to constant contact with such a liquid, which stagnates in the folds, mold may appear, and the material itself may also suffer.
- Another cause of wear is abrasion from contact with the counterweights.
Thus, during normal operation, the question of how to remove the seal on an LG washing machine will not arise soon. But if you don’t wipe it, unfold it, and wash it, it will wear out quite quickly.
Preparatory work
First you need to inspect the rubber band and determine whether it needs to be repaired. This can be done using the following criteria:
- instructions on how to replace the cuff on an LG washing machine will be needed if it shows obvious signs of abrasion, especially leaks and especially cracks (even if they are small);
- cuts may also be noticeable - in this case, washing cannot be started;
- Due to large and even minor damage, water leaks will appear under the tank.
It is quite possible to replace the rubber band on an LG washing machine yourself, without turning to a specialist.To do this, you will need available tools - a set of screwdrivers (curly and flat), a basin and a rag, as well as detergent.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling
Replacing the rubber seal on an LG washing machine looks like this:
- Using a flat screwdriver, carefully pull the cuff towards you and find the retaining clamp. This is a metal retaining part in the form of a circle.
- It is pulled up and dismantled. This is preparatory work before changing the rubber band on your LG washing machine.
- Now the cuff itself is removed from the frame.
- Unscrew the 2 bolts located on the right (they fix the device that blocks the hatch before starting the wash).
- Before you understand how to put the cuff on a washing machine, you need to remove the part (just squeeze it out by hand).
- And then disconnect the contact, as shown in the photo.
- It may also be necessary to replace the hatch handle of the LG washing machine (if the door does not lock and the wash does not start). But first you need to remove the baseboard - the lower part of the unit.
- Remove the front panel.
At this point, the first stage is completed - the old part was removed, and the unit was also prepared for installation of the new part. Replacing the seal in an LG washing machine is described in the next section.
Installation of a new part
Then proceed like this:
- Find the cuff mounting screw and unscrew the fastener.
- Remove the clamp that secures the rubber band.
- It is clear how to remove the rubber cuff on a washing machine - you simply remove it and attach a new part.
- Replace the retaining clamp.
- The mounting screw is also returned to its place.
- Now you no longer need to learn how to remove the rubber band on an LG washing machine. All that remains is to install the front panel in place.
- Place the baseboard and tighten the screws.
- Return the device that blocks the hatch and tighten it with bolts.
- At this point, the instructions on how to replace the rubber band on an LG washing machine put the retaining clamp back on.
- All that remains is to connect the device to power and carry out a test wash (you can do it in quick mode).
How to save a new rubber band
Now it’s clear that removing the rubber band from the drum of an LG washing machine, as well as installing a new part, is quite possible on your own. But in order to carry out repairs as rarely as possible, you should stick to a few simple rules:
- After each spin or wash cycle, the seal is unrolled and thoroughly wiped to prevent any remaining liquid from stagnating, which could cause mold.
- Between washes, always keep the door slightly open to allow the water to evaporate faster.
- Do not use “aggressive” powders and other drugs that are prohibited according to the instructions (indicated in the model description from the manufacturer).
- Do not overuse washing at high temperatures - many things can be cleaned normally at 40 degrees.
- If the unit vibrates too much, it must be leveled - otherwise not only the cuff, but also the drum will suffer.
Thus, you can replace the seal yourself in literally 1 hour. If the rubber band is too worn out, you should not save it - it is better to buy a new one. To do this, you need to purchase exactly the same part, suitable for a specific LG model.