The rubber seal on the door of front-loading washing machines molds, breaks or crumbles over time. By purchasing a new seal for your machine model, you can replace it yourself. In some cases, this is quite a simple task, but if your washing machine does not have a removable front panel, the process of replacing the seal can take several strenuous hours.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Remove the old seal
Step 1. Unplug the washing machine
Unplug the machine from the wall outlet to ensure that it cannot be switched on accidentally.
Step 2. Unscrew the front panel
Not every model is equipped with a removable front panel, and in some cases the removal process is quite complicated. Search for your model on the Internet for “front panel removal” so that you don't have to find out this possibility yourself, or find the screws at the following points if the front panel does not give way with enough force:
- The front panel itself, the side panels and the base of the machine next to the front panel.
- Remove the detergent dispenser and look behind it.
- Remove the cover plate (under the large front panel) and all other small panels on the front of the machine. Some cover plates can only be removed after opening the filter with a flat screwdriver and disconnecting the drain hose.
- Unscrew the cover and look underneath the screws that secure the front panel.
Step 3. Working with the machine without a removable panel
If on your model the front panel is not removable, then all the work will have to be done through the doorway. To increase your workspace, you can do the following:
- Unscrew and remove the door.
- Unscrew the door hinge if possible.
- Place the machine carefully on the back wall so that the drum drops down slightly.
Step 4. Remove the outer retaining strap
Almost all machines have a small band flush with the outer edge of the rubber door seal. Pry it off with a flat screwdriver and remove it completely from the seal.
Step 5. Remove the door seal to the inside of the washing machine
Pry the rubber door seal from the edge of the drum using your fingers or a flat screwdriver. Remove it from the edge and place it in the drum to reach the inner retaining clip located underneath. If you feel that the clamp won't budge, find the retaining clamps. These clips are usually removed with a screwdriver by loosening the mounting screws or prying them off with a screwdriver head.
Step 6. Remove the retaining spring or clamp
This element holds the rubber seal in place. Locate the screw or nut that secures the spring and unscrew it to loosen and remove the seal itself. To get to the screws, use one of the following methods:
- Unscrew the lid of the washing machine and reach them from the top.
- Remove the front panel of the washing machine, then unscrew the large round ballast around the drum.
- In rare cases, the clamp has no tension adjustment and simply pops off if you pry it with your fingers or a screwdriver. Start at the bottom and work your way around the drum in both directions.
Step 7. Determine the position of the drain holes
Locate the small drain holes at the bottom of the seal. The new door seal must also have drain holes in the same place so that the water can drain properly.
Step 8. Pull off the seal
Pull the seal off the drum flange and remove it. Some seals can be glued, but they can be removed with proper force.
On some models, removing the seal requires unscrewing the door latch. Pay attention to the position of the latch before removing, as after installing a new seal, the latch will need to be set in the same position
Part 2 of 2: Installing a new seal
Step 1. Wipe the exposed area with a damp cloth
Before installing a new seal, remove all dirt and mold with a damp cloth.
Step 2. Using a lubricant or sealant
If the seal is not pre-lubricated, you can apply some dishwashing liquid to the drum rim to help the seal slide on more easily. If the seal is not lubricated, a rubber seal adhesive can be used to secure the seal. This is usually unnecessary if the seal does not need to be glued to the drain hose.
Step 3. Place a new seal on the drum
Place the seal on the drum along the inner bead. Make sure that the drain holes are at the bottom, as with the removed seal. Often there is a special triangle mark on the machine and the seal. Use it as a guide when installing the seal.
Step 4. Replace the inner spring or clamp
Bend the new seal back onto the drum. Take a spring or clamp and pull it over the seal. Tighten securely with a screwdriver or wrench.
Step 5. Slide the outer collar over the outer ring
If you removed the ballast or front panel, you will need to reinstall them first. Then pull off the door seal again and slide the outer flange onto the corresponding groove. If the machine is equipped with an outer retaining strap, slide it over the outer collar and fasten securely.
Step 6. Reinstall the rest of the parts
Replace the front bezel, door, cover and any other removed parts. Plug the washing machine into a power outlet.