Unimatic water bellows replacement!

[pulsator]

Ok, I've finally decided I can't stand seeing my Unimatic sit there in the laundryroom and not see it run! I gotta replace the water bellows, I don't know how the oil bellows are doing, but I think they are fine, I still turn the machine on and let it pulsate for 5 or so minutes empty (and yes I'm makin sure there is still water in the pump first!) and the machine seems to run just as quietly as before! I already have the entire pulsator assembly off but don't know where to go from there!

 

[fltcoils]

Do the unimatics use either of these?

OEM part # 5433576 bellows seal
http://www.davesrepair.com/vintageparts.htm
OEM part #638860 bellows seal for 1-18s
or Any electrolux parts for the 638860, its a stock item

 

[jetcone]

Bill

where did you get that number 638860? Who's catalog did it come out of? I came up with a refrigerator part?

Most older parts that went with WCI Frigidaire got a 500 slammed onto the front end with the old F part number.

jet

 

[pulsator]

I already have the new water bellows thanks so very much to our own Rich! (Trainguy)

 

[gansky1]

Jamie, use a "C" Clamp to compress the snap-ring retainer at the base of the water bellows. Be careful with metal tools in the porcelain tub - and unplug the machine ;-) You'll see where the locking teeth are on the ring and once you have them compressed, use a small screw driver to un-snap the teeth from each other. Once you get the old one off, remove the metal plate from inside the top of the bellows and transfer it to the new bellows. The new bellows may be a bit of a pain to get on, you can heat them in the a bowl of hot water to make them easier to stretch. Once you get the bellows onto the flange of the tub, replace the ring by compressing it with your clamp again and hook the teeth together.

 

[pulsator]

Well, here's where I am

I've got the Pulsator off, I've got that stupid snap ring clamp off, and the water bellow still won't come off! Hard to see from the pic, but the metal disc is still on top of the water bellow, I can't get that off either!

 

[pulsator]

I have it disconnected from the bottom but it appears to be attached to the oil bellow??? When I try to pull the water bellow off, it stretches the oil bellow!

 

[gansky1]

Hold the oil bellows with one hand and pull firmly on the water bellows and it should pop off.

 

[pulsator]

F*CK!!!!!!

Well, I held the oil bellow and yanked on the water bellow, but instead of coming off properly, the oil bellow tore in half...

 

[DADoES]

See there, it's not always so easy ...

 

[rickr]

Jamie don't feel bad, it was prolly ready to fall apart anyway. Someone here will have a replacement.

 

[gansky1]

That's it. Push it to the curb!

Well, now it's going to China in the form of scrap-metal. Not to worry, in six months you can buy a GE front-load washer and you'll have it back! (hee hee)

I'll look in the parts department for you later, I have a couple of other things to send out as well.

 

[pulsator]

Thanks Greg!

 

[rickr]

I didn't mean the entire machine was ready to fall apart, I was referring to the inner bellows.

 

[fltcoils]

Bellows PN

The 1-18 model's bellows I purchased from davesrepair.com came in a package labeled.
electrolux
genuine renewal parts
part# 5300638860
http://www.davesrepair.com/Parts/638860sale.htmgoogle hits on that PN.

That's all I know.
My oil bellows I got from Rich Trainguy, thanks Rich.

P.S. Kenny Goatfarmer loaned me his bellows pliers last year and tub nut wrench. If you want to come down to South Bend from G.R. you are welcome to borrow them. They make life a LOT easier.