noisy washing machine

[joddington]

Hi, my washing machine is working fine, except when it is on spin the noise is getting louder and louder, does anyone know how to rectify this, without calling out an engineer? Thankyou.

[ummmm]

Have you cleaned out the filter?

[danchip]

it'll be a bearing that needs changing, simple job if your ok at DIY or there's a bra wire stuck somewhere!

[Sipowicz]

You don't live in the flat above WF8Man do you?

[joddington]

Yes, I have

[joddington]

Danchip, thankyou for your answer, how do I find out if it is a bearing ? I ca'nt find a bra wire anywhere.

[ChuckFickens]

Open the door, grasp hold of the inner drum and try and shake it from side to side and back and forth...

It should move smoothly and with the outer drum, if you can feeling it knocking or if it feels loose at all then the bearings have gone.

If you've been getting black spots on your clothes that's also a sign the bearings have gone.

[linedancer16]

I've got the same same problem and when I shake the drum something inside rattles!

[Clanad]

At least here in the U.S. and I assume some similarity in all washing machines, it's a pretty serious job to replace the drum bearings.
First thing, though...best way to check for a failed drum bearing is to remove the drive belt and rotate the now free drum. A failed drum bearing will make a rumbling sound while the drum is rotated. If that's the case, unless you're a really serious DIY'er, I'd call a repairman. Firstly, just getting the correct bearing and seal can be a duanting task, since the actual washing machine brand name is often made by a third party manufacturer. Secondly, with the newer, often plastic tubs, the beraing is pressed into and sealed in the bottom of the drum, making it likely that you'll have to replace the entire drum. (You didn't say if it's an upright drum or a horizontal one).
If you have the model number you can often go on line and find a video of how to do the job...

[ChuckFickens]

It's a pretty safe bet in the UK it will be a front loader.

In two years of repairing washing machines I didn't see a single top loader (in fact the last one I saw belonged to my grandparents when I was a little kid)

other than that, agree with clanad, changing the bearings is not a simple task even for somebody that's good at general DIY.

[joddington]

Thankyou all very much it has stopped spinning now [given me headache!]
I will have a go later tonight again to see what I can do , will let you know, but Very grateful for all your help. Regards, joddington.

[Dodger666]

If it does require new bearings it's a lot easier to buy to a new "spider" to fit on the drum that will come complete with new bearings.

This type of item:-

http://www.easyspares...ducts.asp?c=20&c2=110

Put your model No in the box and search to get an idea of the cost..