Washing machine belt is driving me mad.

[lorraine29]

My machine started to make a terrible noise the other day, as i know the basics about washers, i.e. cleaning filter, changing belt etc. I had a look including taking the belt off to see if the drum would turn ok without it. but now I am having a real problem getting the belt back on, On my model washing machine (hotpoint Aquarius) the back doesn't come off only a small panel at the bottom and so I am trying to get the belt on through a small gap at the top, where the drum keeps trapping my arm between the drum and the back (very painful) I wonder if anyone can offer me any tips for replacing the belt with such limitations.

Thank you

Lorraine x

[Teddio]

Have you tried removing the top from the washing machine? It is usually held on by two self-tapping screws at the back and slides off easily. Regarding the noise, check that one of the arms from the centre of the drum hasn't fractured.

[alvin100]

Hi Lorraine, you will probably find that the back does come off, Its just that you need to remove a ton of other bits to get to it!!

I have a small Hotpoint tumble dryer and when the belt snapped, I had to take off the door, The front panel, the control panel and knobs, the top and side assembly and a small back panel just to change the belt!!! It was in that many pieces I nearly just chucked it in the skip!!

[tboo]

Hi Lorraine
When my belt came off my washer I repaired it from the underneath

[Jay R]

Going onto your original problem. Most washing machines have a large concrete block bolted to the inner workings. This is designed to dampen the amount of vibrations from an unevenly loaded drum. If the bolts come loose then the block can make a horrible noise as it rattles about on the spin cycle. Check that the bolts are still tight and it doesn't move about. This may help the problem noise.