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Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement

What you need

  1. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Getting Started: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • First step is to disconnect power.

    • Then disconnect all the hoses at the back and move the machine to a place where you have some room to work.

  2. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Remove the Iid: step 2, image 1 of 2 Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Remove the Iid: step 2, image 2 of 2
    • Removing the lid is the easiest part. Just push back until the lid is perpendicular with the top of the machine, then lift upwards and it will release.

  3. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Unfasten the plastic cover: step 3, image 1 of 2 Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Unfasten the plastic cover: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Simply pry off the plastic screw covers then unscrew the two forward screws. Note there is no need to remove the cover, just tilt it backwards on its hinge to gain access. Be careful with hoses and electrical wires at the back of the cover.

  4. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Suspend the cover out of the way: step 4, image 1 of 2 Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Suspend the cover out of the way: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • I used an old coat hanger to suspend the plastic cover out of the way by hooking it onto the trolley that I used to move the washing machine. This gives you access to the 4 rubber straps and 4 suspension rods.

  5. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Replace the Rubber Hanger Straps: step 5, image 1 of 2 Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Replace the Rubber Hanger Straps: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • You will see there are four rubber straps, one in each corner. I decided to replace these as well just to be on the safe side. When the old and new rubber straps were placed next to each other there was a significant difference in length. Just pull them straight off.

  6. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Removing the Suspension Rod: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • The metal cylinder down the end is full of oil which leaks out over time. When I removed this one it was very greasy. Note: Im not sure if it was a defect or not, but my rear right rod appeared to have a bend in it and was unique to the other three.

  7. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Lift out the Suspension Rods: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Place your left hand under the drum rim and support it. Remove and replace one rod at a time. You don't want the weight of the drum on the motor and pump below as you may break something underneath. By replacing them one at a time, the other three can help support the weight of the drum.

  8. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Removing the Suspension Rods: step 8, image 1 of 1
    • To remove the rods lift the plastic hanger off the chassis and then jiggle the bottom part of the rod out of the slotted holder. There are no fasteners holding the rods in place. Its just the weight of the drum holding them in place.

  9. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, The Rear Right Rod is Different to the Others: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • There is a clip half way down the rear right rod that needs to be undone. You also need to move the hoses and electrical looms out from under the plastic hanger prior to removing the rod. To remove the rods lift the plastic hanger off the chassis and then jiggle the bottom part of the rod out of the slotted holder.

  10. Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement, Reassembly: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Once you have replaced all of the suspension rods and rubber straps you can reassemble the washing machine cover and lid. Then you are finished. My washing machine ran beautifully after I completed this repair. Best of luck to you.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

54 other people completed this guide.

James

Member since: 01/29/15

1,664 Reputation

2 Guides authored

129 Comments

Amazing guide. Super easy to follow and did just as promised. I barely know which end of a screwdriver to use but I had no trouble following the instructions and photos which made the job simple. $100 for parts and this guide and I have my washing machine back as good as new. You saved me at least $500 and the hassle of getting a new washer. Cant thank you enough or rate this guide highly enough. Well done sir.

Glenny - Reply

My pleasure, you just made it all worthwhile Glenny

James - Reply

James,

What was the reason you changed these parts out. Was it going out of balance in rinse and spin or were you getting codes. I have this issue, it goes badly out of balance on the rinse and spin cycles. The Tech that came out (under warranty) thinks it is the electronic module or motor. He is ordering both parts. I think it is the rods and rubber straps as we don't get any codes just the washer trying to walk out of the room! Nice guide by the way.

jmckillop - Reply

Hi JMC,

Unfortunately, being amateurs I guess we are always having to gamble when we take the plunge and buy parts. From my research the warn out rods is a common issue. Overtime they lose the oil out of the cylinders. If it's possible to get your fingers down at the base of the rods you might find that they are leaking oil which causes the problem. However if your washing machine is under warranty I'm guessing its newish. This problem seems to occur as they get older, possibly over 5 years. To answer your question, the problem I had was that it was going out of balance during rinse and spin and then just stopping, whilst making beeping noises and lights etc. the shaking was extremely violent. Hope this helps. Anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.

James -

James,

Thanks for the reply. Mine is a bit over two years old. Worked perfectly till two weeks ago and then out of balance on rinse. We were able to redistribute the clothes and it would work but it gradually got worse and worse. Covered under the extended warranty and now waiting on the parts to arrive. The repair tech thinks it is the control module or motor, I disagree but I am not a repair tech. He was not going to order the rods but I convinced him to order them and the bands at the same time so we are not without the washer for two weeks. Tried to do a small load and it went out of balance so bad it was bouncing. I think one of the rods lost the oil then the others gave out gradually making the problem worse. Thanks for the great post and pics, I'll let you know how it goes. Up till two weeks ago it was the best washer we have ever owned. The only issue is parts seem to take a while to arrive.

jmckillop - Reply

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