Stephen Parker • 1 year ago
Thanks VERY helpful - I have created a blog (with reference back to this article) about solving a front panel Red PC light after replacing the shock absorbers (https://1visionot.com/2024/... . Also added a few "extra details that I found, that may help others":
1. A few videos/guides suggest that you may not have to remove the front control panel – for my W3831 you DO. There were two screws holding the top of the main front panel, that were hidden behind the control panel.
2. First step to remove the front panel, is to remove the clear Perspex cover. It feels very tough to remove and I was worried it might break. Eventually found that best place to start was with small/thin flat head screw driver in top right corner.
3. NOTE after removing the Perspex front panel cover, you will see 2 x metal “springs” in the lower groove that are used to push the Perspex cover up – I didn’t notice them and I nearly lost them when they fell out as I removed the main control panel
4. When replacing the side panels, make sure you place the lower edge of the side panel under the lower part of the main frame first.
5. Most of the retaining screws are the same BUT a few are subtly different e.g. slightly longer/shorter, with a pointed/flat tip etc. Two specific ones I noted were:
- Front top control panel – one of the screws is slightly shorter.
- Main Front panel – there are 2 screws on each side behind the base plate with a small metal bar between them. One of these screws had a flat head, the other was pointed
Mark • 1 year ago
Hi, Thanks for these instructions, I followed them with few exceptions , even though my washing machine is the same model as yours I did not have to remove control panel at all, I skipped steps 2,3,4.
Regards
Mark
Joan Hulme • 2 years ago
Hi, firstly, you’re a legend, thank you.
It seems I have exactly the same issue. Question: should I replace anything else while I’m in there..? Drum bearings..? The springs you mentioned..? What’s your thoughts..?
They are dampers not hydraulic shocks. They work by having a sponge coated in damper grease rub on the rod. The friction causes it to slow down. Keep some nyogel damper grease on hand and coat the rod every 6 months.