Fix Your Electrolux Washer’s Banging Tub by Replacing the Front Shock Absorbers

Your washer’s tumbling/washing cycle causes a lot of movement inside the machine. The shock absorbers are part of what support the tub so it doesn’t bang against other parts or move around too much. If the front shock absorbers break, you’ll hear a lot of banging during the washer’s agitation cycle. The tub will also sag because it’s missing a support or two. If you want to replace the broken shock absorbers yourself, order replacement part #5304491701 for your Electrolux front-loading washer’s front shock absorbers. Then follow these steps to remove the old shocks and install the new ones.

1. Unplug the washing machine.

The first step you should always take before disassembling an appliance is to unplug it or flip the connected circuit breaker off. This protects you from electrical shock. Also, pull your machine a few inches out from the wall. You’ll need to tilt the machine slightly up during part of the repair. If you have enough clearance, then you don’t have to worry about disconnecting the water hoses. 

2. Disassemble the top of the washer.

The shock absorbers are at the bottom of the tub. But in order to access them, you will need to remove the top and front panels, which involves several smaller steps.

Start by removing the top panel. Unscrew the two screws at the rear of the top panel. Then slide the panel towards the rear of the machine to release it from the front groove. Lift the panel up and set it aside.

Next, pull out the detergent dispenser drawer. Depress the tab to completely remove it. Also, remove the drawer’s housing by removing the two newly revealed screws that hold it against the frame.

After that, remove the control panel. To do this, remove the two corner screws holding the control panel against the frame. Peel the top lip from the groove. Once the control panel is free, don’t just pull it away from the machine. Instead, tilt it down and disconnect the wire harness. Set the panel aside.

Then disconnect the large white wire harness on the right side of the machine interior. 

3. Disassemble the front of the washer to access the shock absorbers.

Now you will need to open the door and separate the outer door seal from the front access panel. Start by removing the outer door clamp wire around the edge of the seal. Use pliers to grab the spring but be careful to not snip the seal material.

Next, pull the seal’s edge out of the groove and stuff it into machine’s tub to get it out of the way. Close the door.

After that, you’ll need to tilt the washer slightly back to remove the screws at the bottom of the front access panel. Either ask a second person to hold it in position or grab a wooden block and slightly tilt the washer up on top of it.

Then remove the front access panel by removing the two bottom screws and top three screws securing front panel. Lift it straight up off of the bottom support and set it aside. 

4. Remove the shock absorbers.

Locate white hinge pins near front shock absorbers. The pin is pointed toward you, so reach around the assembly to find the head of the hinge pin. Use pliers to pull it free away from you and then pull the part out to set it aside.

Repeat with the bottom hinge pin on the same shock absorber. This one is pointed away from you, so just pull the head towards you.

Next, pull the shock absorber free.

Repeat this step to remove the second shock absorber.

5. Install the new front shock absorbers.

Slide bottom of the shock absorber into the bottom socket. Lubricate the hinge pin and slide it back into place. Make sure it goes through both the support bracket and shock absorber.

Then tilt top end of the absorber into place, lubricate the top hinge pin, and push it into place. Repeat with the second front shock absorber.

6. Reassemble the washer.

First, hook the front access panel onto the protruding white tabs near the top. Tighten the top three support screws. Then tilt the washer up and retighten to bottom two screws. Set it back down on its feet once the front panel is secure.

Next, reattach the outer boot seal. To do this, unfold it from the tub and push the edge into the groove. Slide the wire clamp around the edge, and make sure to position the spring at the bottom. When the wire is too tight to go the rest of the way around, use pliers to grab onto the bottom spring and elongate the clamp. Once it’s in place the clamp should not be visible. Tug on the seal to make sure it’s firmly in place.

After that, reassemble the top of the machine.

First, reconnect large white wire harness inside of the machine. Next, hold the control panel next to its place on the front and reconnect the smaller wire harness. Tilt it flush with the top of the front of the machine and push the top edge into place until you hear it click. The bottom of the panel should also click into place. Secure it with the two corner screws in the interior of the machine.

After that, reattach the dispenser drawer housing with the three screws. Also, make sure you return each screw to the hole you removed it from. Push the drawer fully into place by pressing down the locking tab and sliding the drawer through the housing.

Then reattach the front panel. Start by placing it with an inch extending on the back. Then slide it into place in the front gap. Secure it with the screws on the back. Push the washer back into position without pinching the hoses or power cord, and then plug it in.

Go to Flamingo Appliance Service for more repair guides or to contact our team of trained appliance repair technicians. We’re here to help with all of your appliance repairs.