Disassembly of the Ardo washing machine is required immediately if, during the spin cycle, a hum is heard, reminiscent of an airplane taking off, or when a puddle appears on the floor from under the body. The most common cause is destruction oil seal and failure of bearings, which leads to shaft play and damage to the tank. Ignoring these symptoms will lead to engine seizure and costly repairs, so Ardo must be disassembled for visual diagnostics of the components.
Owners of Italian equipment are often faced with the need to replace the heating element or remove foreign objects stuck between the tank and the drum. The design of these units is quite repairable, but requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions during dismantling. Mishandling electronics or failure to seal the tank during assembly can aggravate the breakdown.
Before starting work, be sure to prepare a container for draining water, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers and a set of keys. Work is carried out on a flat surface with good lighting, where there is access from all sides to the device.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
The preparation process begins by disconnecting the water supply hoses and the drain pipe from the sewer. In cars Ardo There is often no built-in check valve, so water may leak out spontaneously if the hose is located below the level of the tank. It is necessary to turn off the cold water valve and carefully disconnect the inlet hose, using a rag to catch any remaining liquid.
The next step is to remove any remaining water from the internal system, since the drain pump does not always pump out the liquid completely. To do this, you will need to remove the bottom cover (if there is one) or tilt the unit to drain the water through the filter into the prepared container. In some models, it is more convenient to remove the pipe that goes from the tank to the pump and remove water through it.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to start disassembling while the device is connected to an electrical outlet. Residual voltage in the control unit capacitors can be dangerous, so wait 5-10 minutes after disconnecting the cable.
After draining the water and disconnecting communications, the machine must be moved to free space. Remove the top cover by unscrewing the two screws at the back and slide it back. This will give access to the top of the internal unit where the powder dispenser and top counterweight are located.
Removing the Top Cover and Control Panel
To access the internal components, you must remove the top metal housing cover. It is fixed with two self-tapping screws on the back wall, which can be easily unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver. After removing the cover, a view of the top concrete block, which makes the structure heavier and dampens vibrations during spinning.
Control panel for models Ardo usually mounted on the front wall and connected to the chassis with plastic latches or screws. To remove it, you often need to first remove the detergent tray by pressing on a special latch inside the niche. Then the screws hidden under the tray or decorative plugs are unscrewed, and the panel is carefully moved to the side without disconnecting the wires.
- 🔧 Remove the top cover by unscrewing the two rear screws.
- 🔧 Remove the dispenser tray by pressing the tongue in the niche.
- 🔧 Unscrew the screws securing the control panel and remove it.
- 🔧 Disconnect the wire connectors, remembering their location.
When disconnecting electrical wire connectors, be extremely careful not to damage the fragile plastic clips. It is recommended to take photographs of each connection step wiring harnessesso as not to mix up the contacts during assembly. The panel can be temporarily hung on the edge of the tank or placed on the top of the body if the length of the wires allows.
Removing the front panel and accessing the hatch
The front panel is a complex assembly that includes a hatch, a cuff and a locking lock (UBL). To remove it, you must first remove the clamp securing the rubber cuff to the body. The cuff is held in place by a spring ring, which must be carefully loosened with pliers and removed from the groove on the front wall.
When removing the cuff clamp, use a flathead screwdriver under a cloth to avoid damaging the rubber seal with the sharp edges of the tool.
After releasing the cuff, the screws securing the front wall to the side walls of the case are unscrewed. In some modifications Ardo It is also necessary to remove the decorative plinth at the bottom. Then the panel is carefully moved forward, and through the resulting gap the wires from the hatch lock and the temperature sensor are disconnected.
Removing the front panel allows direct access to heating element (heating element) and tank cuff. This is a critically important stage, since this is where dirt most often accumulates and electrical breakdown occurs on the housing. Visually inspect the condition of the rubber and metal tank for cracks or corrosion.
Removing the tank and drum from the housing
The central stage of disassembly is removing the tank with the drum. To do this, remove the top and, if present, front counterweights. The upper block is unscrewed with a 10 or 13 mm wrench, after which the top of the tank becomes visible. The front counterweight is bolted to the front and also requires removal.
Next, all communications are disconnected from the tank: the pipe from the powder receiver, the pressure switch hose, the wires from the heating element and sensors. Buck suspended by springs to the top of the body and by shock absorbers to the bottom. First, the springs are removed using pliers, then the lower shock absorber mounts are unscrewed.
After disconnecting all fasteners and hoses, the tank is carefully removed through the top or tilted and pulled forward, depending on the dimensions of the opening. In top-loading models, the procedure is different: there the side wall is removed and the tank is pulled out to the side after disconnecting the drive belt.
Disassembling the tank and replacing bearings
The most difficult part of the repair is disassembling the one-piece or split tank to replace the bearings. If the tank is fastened with screws around the perimeter, you need to unscrew them and carefully separate the two halves using a knife or flat-head screwdriver. If the tank is welded, you will have to carefully cut it with a hacksaw and then assemble it with bolts and sealant.
Located on the drum shaft bearing unit, which is in the cars Ardo often fails due to wear of the oil seal. Old bearings are knocked out with a punch or puller, and the seats are thoroughly cleaned of rust and old grease. New parts are pressed in all the way, after which a new oil seal is installed, generously lubricated with water-repellent grease.
⚠️ Attention: When pressing bearings, force must be applied only to the outer ring. Impacts to the inner ring or cage will cause instantaneous destruction of the new part.
☑️ Checking components before assembly
After replacing the bearings, the halves of the tank are connected and tightened with screws, and the joint is coated with silicone sealant for washing machines. It is important to allow the sealant to dry according to the instructions before reinstalling the tank to ensure a complete seal.
Engine and drive belt diagnostics
The motor in Ardo washing machines is located at the bottom of the tank and is mounted on a bracket. To remove it, you need to loosen the belt tension adjustment bolt and remove the drive belt itself. The belt should be inspected for cracks, stretching, or oil stains that could cause slippage.
The electric motor is disconnected from the tank by unscrewing the mounting bolts and disconnecting the chip with wires. During diagnostics, the resistance of the windings is checked with a multimeter and the condition graphite brushes. If the brushes are worn down to less than half their length, they do not need to be replaced, but if there is wear or chips, the entire brush holder assembly must be replaced.
| Component | Symptom of malfunction | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Bearings | Hum, vibration, backlash | Scrolling by hand, listening to noise |
| heating element | Doesn't heat water, machine breaks | Testing with a multimeter for short circuit |
| Motor brushes | Sparks, rotation stops | Visual inspection of length |
| Oil seal | Water leak, rust on shaft | Inspecting the shaft with the tank disassembled |
Features of Ardo motors
Ardo motors often use a brush mounting system that requires careful disassembly. Do not lose springs or carbon elements.
Assembly and testing of the washing machine
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order: first, the tank with a new bearing is installed on the shock absorbers and suspended on the springs. Then all hoses, wires and sensors are connected. Particular attention is paid to correct connection grounding to the tank body or engine, if provided for by the design.
After installing all panels and covers, a test run is carried out without laundry. It is necessary to check the water intake, heating and the absence of leaks at the connections of the pipes. If the machine operates quietly and does not display errors, the repair can be considered successfully completed.
The main secret to long service life of bearings after replacement is to do the first start without heating the water and at minimum speed so that the lubricant is evenly distributed.
During operation, monitor the dosage of detergents and regularly clean the drain pump filter. Using special anti-scale products will prolong life heating element and prevent overheating. High-quality DIY repairs are possible with basic tools and attention to detail.
Do I need to completely remove the tank to replace the heating element?
In most Ardo models, the heating element is located at the front, under the tank. To replace it, simply remove the front panel and disconnect the wires without removing the tank itself from the housing.
How to lubricate the oil seal during installation?
Use a special waterproof lubricant for washing machines (for example, lithium-based). Regular grease or graphite lubricant can destroy the oil seal rubber.
Why did the whistle appear after assembly?
A whistling sound may indicate a tightened drive belt or a foreign object in the drum rotation area. Check the tension and cleanliness of the gaps.
Can the machine be operated without a top counterweight?
No, launching without counterweights is strictly prohibited. This will lead to severe vibration, “jumping” of the machine and destruction of other components during spinning.