Repair Bosch Washer: Pump, Door Lock, Shocks

Before you start#

• Tools: Torx T20 screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, pliers, a 10mm socket, a multimeter, and towels.
• Parts: drain pump BSH 00145787, door lock BSH 00638259, or shock absorbers BSH 00742719 (sold as a pair).
• Safety: Disconnect power AND water before any repair, and drain the pump filter before touching the pump. The machine weighs 170-190 lbs — never try to tip it alone.

Repair 1 — Drain pump (BSH 00145787)#

Symptoms: an E18 error, water standing in the drum after a cycle, or grinding, clicking, or silence from the pump on drain.

1. Access it. Open the service flap at the bottom-left and drain residual water through the small hose or by easing the filter cap into a shallow tray. For full access, pull the lower kick panel from the front, or lay the machine on its back over a towel to expose the pump from below.
2. Remove the old pump. Unplug the 2-pin connector (press the tab, pull straight out), squeeze and slide back the two spring hose clamps, and pull both hoses off — water will drain, so keep towels ready. Most Bosch pumps are a bayonet mount: twist the housing about 30 degrees counterclockwise and pull it out; some use 2-3 Torx T20 screws instead.
3. Fit the new pump. Transfer the filter cap if it is not included, seat the pump in the bayonet mount and twist clockwise to lock, refit both hoses with their clamps, and reconnect the 2-pin plug.
4. Test. Run a Rinse and Spin, listen for a smooth steady pump hum on the drain phase, confirm E18 is gone, and check both hose joints for leaks.

Repair 2 — Door lock interlock (BSH 00638259)#

Symptoms: an E04 error, a door that closes but never clicks locked, a no-start with the door apparently shut, or a lock that clicks repeatedly without engaging.

1. Access it. The interlock sits on the right of the door frame behind the front panel. The quick route is to peel back the right side of the door gasket to expose the two Torx T20 mounting screws through the opening; the full route removes the front panel for easier access.
2. Remove the old lock. Through the gasket opening, take out the 2 Torx T20 screws, push the lock inward and angle it out through the gasket, then unplug the harness (press the tab, pull straight). Note the orientation — the hook slot faces the door catch.
3. Fit the new lock. Connect the harness first, since it is easier before mounting, align the lock and secure the 2 Torx T20 screws with the hook slot facing the catch, and reseat the gasket lip.
4. Test. Close the door for a firm catch click, then start a cycle for the quieter solenoid lock click. If E04 persists, check that the door catch — the metal hook on the door — is not bent or worn, because if it does not fully enter the lock the feedback switch never triggers.

Repair 3 — Shock absorbers (BSH 00742719)#

Symptoms: heavy spin vibration and walking, loud banging at high speed, visible tub movement when you push the drum, or an oil leak under the machine.

1. Access them. Bosch washers have two shocks running diagonally from the tub bottom to the base corners. Reach them by laying the machine on its back (a two-person job — protect the rear connections) or by removing the front panel.
2. Remove the old shocks. Each shock has a pin at the tub end and one at the frame end, held by plastic locking tabs. Press each tab with a flathead screwdriver, push the pin out, and slide the shock end off its bracket; do both pins, then extract the shock and repeat for the second. Always replace both as a pair — the kit includes two — since a new shock beside a worn one damps unevenly.
3. Fit the new shocks. Point the piston-rod end (usually the smaller eye) up to the tub, align each eye with its bracket, insert the pin, and push until the tab clicks. Tug each shock afterward to confirm all four pins are locked.
4. Test and recalibrate. Stand the machine up, push down on the drum and release — it should settle in one bounce, not keep bouncing. Run a Spin with 3-4 towels; some vibration at the 1200-1600 RPM final spin is normal, but the cabinet should not rock or walk. Then recalibrate by holding Start and RPM for 3 seconds so the machine adjusts to the new damping.

If problems return#

• E18 comes back after the pump: confirm the hose clamps are fully seated (a loose clamp lets air in and cuts suction) and that the new impeller spins freely with any shipping tab removed.
• E04 persists though the lock clicks: the door catch hook is likely worn — replace the catch if the metal is rounded or thin.
• Vibration unchanged after new shocks: re-level the machine, confirm the shipping bolts are out, and check the top suspension springs, which work with the bottom shocks.