dishwasher pump bearing

thingiverse

Dishwasher Hotpoint-Ariston went down, error code F15 lit up like a neon sign. It's a pretty clear indication that the washing pump has given up the ghost and needs to be replaced. The culprit behind this failure is usually the graphite sleeve bearings in the pump, which are prone to backlash and faulty operation. Unfortunately, these bearings can't be swapped out for new ones, but I've discovered a clever workaround. I printed custom bearings with one full part at the end of the shaft (easy to replace) and another divided into two halves near the turbine. To fix the pump, you'll need to remove the graphite bearing first – either break it up or crush it – and then swap it out for the printed halfs. Be cautious not to damage the small gasket on the shaft; if you mess that up, you're in for a world of trouble. The key is to make sure the new bearings are loose enough to allow the motor to run smoothly, otherwise you'll be right back where you started with error code F15. I used PA11 (nylon) for this mod, but PEEK would be an even better choice if it's available. The good news is that this fix should work on a variety of machines – including my own LTF11H132 dishwasher – since many have similar motor parts. Update: Nylon might not hold up to the harsh conditions in your dishwasher (chemical detergents, hot water, etc.), so you may need to find an alternative material. I've had success with PP (Poli-Propylene) and think it should solve all your problems. Just be sure to check the diameter of the shaft in your motor and adjust your print settings accordingly – I've included a few different models with varying diameters for your convenience.