changing washing machine door seal

wallofbeans

Hi All,

The grey rubber door seal in our washing machine is going a bit mouldy. I've tried cleaning it etc but it seems beyond saying at this point and I thought I'd just change it. I can buy replacements online... BUT how difficult is it going to be?

The washing machine is a Zanussi - mod no: Z714W43BI - prod no: 91458020600 - if that information is helpful!

Has anyone tried this before? Any advice on whether I should attempt myself or not?

Thanks!

  

JohnB47

Search for "replace Zanussi washing machine door seal" on YouTube. Loads of videos.

I did this years ago and from memory, I needed to get at least the top off the machine and maybe even have it tipped over on it's side. On mine, there was a plastic covered spring wrapped around the seal, on the inside, keeping it in place. Undoing a clip, or maybe just dragging it off (think bicycle tyre) allowed to seal to be removed through the front.

Maybe it's easier nowadays.

glennevis

I've done it twice on Bosch washers, most recently last year. They also have a springy ring thing. As @JohnB47 says, look on YouTube for videos. I did have to take off the top but I don't recall having to tip up the machine. I did remove the door to get at the springy ring. It is important to note the exact position of the rear part of the seal on the drum, do this as soon as you start to pull the seal out. You do need a bit of strength to reinstall the springy ring, And don't forget to note the exact orientation (drain holes at the bottom).

wallofbeans

I did look at YouTube videos, and got a bit confused... one Zanussi video makes it look very easy, with no need to take the top off. But the other is a lot more complicated and potentially above my skillset. Plus, mine is inside a cupboard, so taking the top off is perhaps even more complicated...

Here's the easy version:
https://youtu.be/qIoQga84pzo

And the complicated version:
https://youtu.be/7pMIHdjG0Ck

wallofbeans

This seems to be the correct replacement seal direct from Zanussi:

https://shop.zanussi.co.uk/laundry/washing-machines/seals/rubber-bellow-bi-wm-oko/p/1327601033

But the page is very confusing. At one point is has a DIY logo and says "This product can be installed without a technician" but then on the same page it also says "This product should be installed by a professional technician".

It also has a link to "how to install this spare part" but on that linked page states that "All the work to be performed inside the appliance requires specific skills and knowledge and may only be carried out by qualified and authorised Service Engineers".


 

Ganga

I changed the door seal on our Hotpoint washer years ago ,removed the top and reached down to disconnect the tension spring that retains the seal ,lost loads of skin and blood ,fast forward years and i changed one for a friend ,looked on you tube ,remove top AND then the front panel ,doddle of a job ad no skin or blood lost ,some times in life you learn more than you thought you knew.

JohnB47

I wonder if you might reconsider changing the seal. You say it's gone a bit mouldy, you've tried cleaning it and it's beyond saving. You haven't said it's actually leaking or causing any sort of problem.

Why not try asking about different types of cleaning methods? Or just clean it as best you can and live with it. 'If it ain't broke ....' and all that.

I've just done an internet search and there's loads of cleaning suggestions. 

wallofbeans

JohnB47 said:

I wonder if you might reconsider changing the seal. You say it's gone a bit mouldy, you've tried cleaning it and it's beyond saving. You haven't said it's actually leaking or causing any sort of problem.

Why not try asking about different types of cleaning methods? Or just clean it as best you can and live with it. 'If it ain't broke ....' and all that.

I've just done an internet search and there's loads of cleaning suggestions. 

I’ve tried many, multiple times, and it never gets fully clean and always comes back more aggressively. 

I’ve seen videos that show it on the underside of seals as well. And I can’t get to that without removing it. And if I’ve removed it, I might as well replace it.

JohnB47

wallofbeans said:

JohnB47 said:

I wonder if you might reconsider changing the seal. You say it's gone a bit mouldy, you've tried cleaning it and it's beyond saving. You haven't said it's actually leaking or causing any sort of problem.

Why not try asking about different types of cleaning methods? Or just clean it as best you can and live with it. 'If it ain't broke ....' and all that.

I've just done an internet search and there's loads of cleaning suggestions. 

I’ve tried many, multiple times, and it never gets fully clean and always comes back more aggressively. 

I’ve seen videos that show it on the underside of seals as well. And I can’t get to that without removing it. And if I’ve removed it, I might as well replace it.

OK, fair enough. Good luck with it.