Humming sound when spinning in the model Indesit WISL 103 most often indicates critical wear of the bearing assembly, requiring immediate intervention. If you ignore the increasing hum and vibration, shaft play will lead to destruction of the seal, water leakage into the electronics and costly repairs of the entire unit. In this design, the drum is often sealed, which requires careful cutting and subsequent sealing of the tank for work.
To replace a bearing in a washing machine Indesit WISL 103 you will need not only a set of tools, but also a precise understanding of the sequence of actions for disassembling the unit. Incorrect selection of lubricant or violation of the assembly technology of a new bearing assembly can reduce the service life of the restored part to several months.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the bearings, and not in a foreign object caught between the tank and the drum. A characteristic hum, which intensifies as the rotation speed increases, and play in the drum when rocked by hand confirm the need to replace the bearing assembly.
Fault diagnosis and tool preparation
The first stage of work is an accurate diagnosis of the condition of the bearing unit in the machine. Indesit WISL 103. The top cover and back wall must be removed to gain access to the pulley and motor shaft. When rotating the pulley by hand, you can feel a characteristic crunching or rolling sound, which indicates the destruction of the bearing race.
To carry out high-quality repairs, the technician will need specific tools and consumables. Using unsuitable tools may damage the tank shaft or body, making further repairs impossible or cost-effective.
- 🛠️ A set of keys and screwdrivers for disassembling the washing machine body.
- 🔨 Hammer and knockout or specialized pullers for knocking out old bearings.
- 🧴 Heat-resistant water-resistant lubricant (for example, Litol-24 or specialized NLGI 2).
- 🧼 Sealant for restoring the tightness of the tank (if it is sealed).
It is important to purchase a set of new bearings and an oil seal that matches the model in advance. Indesit WISL 103. Typically, this model has bearings of the 204 and 205 series, but it is better to check the exact dimensions by checking the markings on the old parts after removal.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the washing machine from the power supply and turn off the water supply. Failure to follow safety precautions may result in electric shock.
Dismantling the washing machine and removing the tank
Bearing replacement process Indesit WISL 103 is impossible without completely removing the tank from the device body. First, remove the top cover by unscrewing the two screws on the back and sliding the panel back. Then the control panel is dismantled, which must be carefully snapped off and lifted without damaging the wires.
Next, you should remove the front panel with the hatch, having first unscrewed the fastening screws and the cuff clamp. After removing the front wall, access to the internal components opens. All wires, hoses, and weights attached to the tank must be disconnected.
☑️ Checklist before removing the tank
Particular attention should be paid to disconnecting the heating element and motor wires. It is recommended to take a photo of the connection diagram before disconnecting it so that there are no errors during assembly. Tank in the model Indesit WISL 103 suspended on springs and shock absorbers, which also need to be released.
After disconnecting all communications, the tank is removed through the top of the housing. This requires physical strength and care not to damage plastic elements or wiring. At this stage, it becomes clear that in this model the tank is often made in the form of two welded halves.
Cutting and disassembling a sealed tank
Many washing machine tanks Indesit, including model WISL 103, do not have factory bolted connections and are a monolithic structure. To access the bearing assembly, such a tank must be carefully cut along the perimeter of the junction of the halves.
Using a hacksaw or grinder requires extreme caution. The cutting line must be drawn exactly along the factory seam, taking care not to damage the internal cavity and drum shaft. The cutting depth is controlled visually so as not to touch the metal elements inside.
Alternative methods for opening the tank
There are methods for drilling holes around the perimeter and then separating the parts of the tank using a chisel, but they require high skill and do not guarantee tightness when reassembled. Sawing remains the most reliable method for the home craftsman.
After separating the tank halves, access to the drum cross and bearing assembly is available. The old bearing and oil seal are removed using a drift. It is important not to damage the shaft seat and the shaft itself, as this will lead to rapid failure of new parts.
Thorough cleaning of the inner surface of the tank from scale and rust is mandatory before assembly. Using chemicals to remove deposits will help extend the life of the restored unit and improve the quality of the wash.
| Component | Condition before repair | Required Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearing (external) | Play, noise, rust | Replacement | Puller, hammer |
| Bearing (internal) | Destruction of the clip | Replacement | Punch |
| Oil seal | Cracks, loss of elasticity | Replacement | Tweezers |
| Drum shaft | Plaque of rust | Cleaning | Sandpaper |
Installing new bearings and oil seal
Installing new bearings in a washing machine Indesit WISL 103 produced by pressing method. The new bearing should fit into the seat tightly and without distortion. Hammer blows should only be applied to the outer ring of the bearing to avoid damaging the internal raceways.
Before installing the oil seal, the inner surface of the shaft and the oil seal itself must be generously lubricated. This will provide initial lubrication upon startup and protect the rubber lip from drying out and overheating.
Lubricate the shaft and oil seal with thick grease before installation. This will prevent the rubber lip from lifting during the first revolutions of the drum and will extend the service life of the seal.
It is important to orient the seal correctly: the metal part usually faces outward, and the rubber lip faces inside the tank. Some seals have a spring that must remain in place to ensure a seal.
After installing the bearings, check that the shaft rotates easily. It should rotate freely, without jamming or extraneous sounds. The presence of play after installing new bearings is unacceptable and indicates incorrect installation or defective parts.
Assembling the tank and sealing the joint
Assembly of a sawn tank requires careful sealing of the joint. A layer of special sealant that is resistant to water and temperature changes is applied to the ends of the halves. The halves are combined and pressed tightly against each other.
For fixation, self-tapping screws are used, which are screwed in around the perimeter of the joint in increments of 2-3 cm. It is important not to overtighten the screws so as not to crack the plastic, but to ensure sufficient clamping force for polymerization of the sealant.
⚠️ Attention: Use only plumbing sealant that is rated for contact with potable water and that is resistant to aggressive environments. Conventional construction sealant can be destroyed by powder and heat.
The time for complete polymerization of the sealant ranges from 12 to 24 hours. Early installation of the tank in the machine and starting the wash can lead to depressurization and leakage. It is recommended to keep the tank with the joint clamped for at least a day in a warm room.
After the sealant has dried, the excess is carefully removed. The tightness test is carried out by filling the tank with water outside the machine body. The absence of drops at the junction confirms the readiness of the unit for installation.
The quality of tank sealing directly affects the durability of the repair. Saving on sealant or haste during assembly will lead to repeated disassembly of the machine in a short time.
Reassembly of the Indesit washing machine
Installing a restored tank into the washing machine body Indesit WISL 103 done in the reverse order of disassembly. First, the tank is suspended by springs, then shock absorbers are attached. It is important to install the counterweights correctly, as they dampen vibration during spinning.
Next, all electrical components are connected: motor, heating element, sensors and control unit. The connection diagram made at the disassembly stage will help to avoid mistakes. All connectors must be latched until a characteristic click is heard.
After installing the tank, the front panel with the hatch cuff is mounted. The cuff must be pressed tightly with a clamp to prevent water from leaking onto the floor. Check the tension of the drive belt if it has been removed.
The final stage is installing the top cover and connecting the machine to communications. Before starting a full wash, it is recommended to carry out a test run without laundry to check the tightness and absence of vibration.
What kind of bearing is in Indesit WISL 103?
In most cases, the model Indesit WISL 103 bearings of size 204 and 205 are used (20x47x14 mm and 25x52x15 mm, respectively). However, the equipment may vary from batch to batch, so the exact size must be checked using the markings on the old parts.
How to lubricate the new oil seal?
To lubricate the oil seal and shaft, it is best to use the same grease as for bearings (for example, Litol-24 or specialized Aral LGHB 2). Do not use grease or graphite lubricant, as they may destroy the rubber seal.
Is it possible not to saw the tank?
If the tank is your model Indesit WISL 103 Bolted together, there is no need to saw it. However, most tanks in this series are sealed. There are replacement service tanks that come in two parts and are bolted together, making future repairs easier.
Why does a new car hum after replacement?
If a hum remains after replacing the bearing, check the correct installation (for misalignment), the amount of lubricant and the condition of the shaft. The noise may also come from the engine or a foreign object remaining inside the tank.