Are there any washing machine repairers in the house? Have a hotpoint aquarius WML520 it's 2 years old and I think bearing is on way out What I want to know is easy to fix at home with help?
It's a major strip down Viv... To give you a idea watch How to Fit New Washing Machine Bearings 2 of 4 - YouTube
Not a repair man but done a few in my time. Take it slowly, be methodical and it can be done fairly easy. Don't forget to unplug the m/c. Usually a standard bearing eg; 2005 etc. Good place for spares, eSpares - Spare Parts & Accessories for Electrical Appliances
How close to 2 years is it? If it's less than 2 years refer the suppliers to EC Directive 1999/44 which sets a minimum 2 year warranty period (para 17)
Some washing machines don't have bearings which can be replaced and the whole drum has to be changed.........In your case Viv, I think you need this....... Hotpoint WML520PUK.K Washing Machine Bearings Still, changing the whole drum is a damn sight easier than splitting the drum, changing the bearings, re-assembling the drum, and then the machine leaks when you get it back together... AL
Thanks Guys My own fault I never registered my parts warranty that's free for 5 years drrrr It's a lesson learnt :-/ Looks like it's cheaper to get a new machine
Al would I still need someone to fit drum or do you think if I get my son to help we can do it? Is the drum very heavy out of the machine
Viv its not the end of the world if you dont register. Call hotpoint and give them the serial number and model number approx date of purchase and the retailer. That will be enough. The worst hotpoint will do is charge £120 which is labour cost and is standard. They will explain this when you call. I know that may seem expensive but many moons ago I was a domestic appliance engineer and changing bearings is a bloody nightmare.
If you took photos as you stripped (the machine :wink down, so you could put it back together; you could probably change it OK.....the drum is not that heavy.....It's the blocks of concrete that are bolted to it that causes the weight. In some cases you can get the plastic outer drum without the stainless one inside it, but that is usually only with a splittable outer case......and if you have got a splittable one, buy a new outer drum seal as well. The drums that come complete do mean that the shaft that goes through the bearing and seal (looks like an oil seal and usually it's the seal that fails which allows water into the bearing, which then washes away the grease) is new as well. My philosophy is if you have to buy the whole drum, just get a new cheapy machine....I found that Candy are the most reliable and the most cost effective....Mine was about £200 from Tescos. However as Troy says, give Hotpoint a call (now owned by Indesit, who have really gone down the drain over the years) and see what they will charge you.......don't forget on top of a labour charge, if you need a new drum complete, then your cost will probably be more than a new one. I would ask Hotpoint if your model has replaceable bearings or if it means a new drum complete......I don't trust the image in the link I posted because that looks as though it may be a splittable outer case. AL
