Reassemble Tension Assembly - Kenmore Sewing Machines

It's far too complicated to explain on here. You need to get a service manual for your model, or find one with a similar dial. Make sure the manual covers tension dials. Getting the spring wound correctly can be a challenge. Have you checked to see the if the presser foot lever is pressing against the tension dial from the inside of the machine?

The service manual for that machine can probably show you, and I would make sure and get the parts list as well. I just checked Sewing Parts Online, and it was not listed, but if you send an email to them (they give the address at the top of the page), they can and will purchase it for you. Usually takes about 2 weeks. However, I just saw a used one in nice shape on eBay for $72.99 and $27 shipping in the original box, so you might consider just buying another one. I also noticed that a new tension assembly is being sold for $18.95 including shipping, and if you write to them, they may include replacement instructions. Just do a search on Singer 4525 on ebay--they have all kinds of bobbins, foot pedals, and parts for it.

The best way is to get the replacement parts chart, which is available free from the Singer site at http://parts.singerco.com/CPpartCharts/2_2999/242_247_248.pdf. On page 9, there is a picture of the tension assembly and how it goes together. It will also tell you if any of the parts are in fact missing. It would also be helpful to download the user's manual, which also a free download at the same site.

Assembly is easy, calibrating it... not so much.
Bring it to a service center.

Go to Singerco.com click the Customer support button and click instruction manuals. White manuals are housed at Singer now. Be sure to enter your model number with a "W" before the number. Hopefully you'll see a picture that will give you a hint on how to reassemble.

#1 rule in dis-assembly of anything is to lay out the parts in the order they came off. I do this with a piece of tape turned sticky side up on my table. (for future reference)

As for your machine.. since you did not provide a model number the best I can offer is this parts page which has some diagrams under each model. Please locate model from the several pages listed... and view the diagrams.

http://parts.sears.com/partsdirect/getProductType.pd?parentCategory=Laundry+%26+Garment+Care&productType=Sewing-machine-Parts

If you go to www.searspartsdirect.com you can type in the model of you sewing machine and it will pull up a parts breakdown of your machine. Just look for the section that contains the tension unit. You might be able to reassemble the tension unit once you see all the parts in an exploded view.

Putting this back together is a thirty second job if you have done it a hundred times. If you have never done it but have mechanical aptitude, it may be a challenge.

Whatever you do, don't bend the check spring out of shape!

Below is a link to the Singer site with the schematic for reassembly. When placing the check spring back in place, place it in about the 6 o'clock position with no tension so that it has a fair amount of check before pulling it up in place..

When setting the tension, at a setting of "1" the tension disks should just be slightly compressing the beehive spring. "0" is almost no tension at all. Normal sewing is 5.

Get all of the parts together and push in the cup with the numbers while screwing on the knurled nut taking care to get the pin in one of the holes.

http://www.parts.singerco.com/CPpartCharts/2_2999/221-1_221K1_221K4_221K5.pdf

guide the the thread through the tension assembly and test it to make sure the tension is working correctly.
(To do this test, adjust your tension setting to normal or medium or 5 or something in the middle. Raise the presser foot and pull the thread through the tension. It should pull easily!! Lower the presser foot and pull the thread. It should pull noticeably harder.)If it doesn't work like this, then there is probably thread stuck inside the tension assembly. Set the tension to zero and blow hard between the discs to dislodge the thread. If it passes this test, continue up through the take up lever,then down through the thread guides to the needle.
Check to be sure you have the correct bobbin and that it is inserted the correct way.
OR remove the needle plate to remove the bobbin case. Look for any burrs or rough spots. Use a fine emery stick and steel wool to remove and buff them Reassemble and try again.
Sewman7