Drum seized, back welded

[N. Thornton]

Hi.


Washing machine drum has seized solid, no movement at all.
Unfortunately the outer casing back is welded in place, not
unscrewable, making drum removal practically impossible as far as I
can see. Theres a 7" or so porthole in the back where the drum main
bearing is.

Is it possible to replace this main bearing from this porthole, ie
without removing or opening the drum? If so I'm in luck. If not, any
other ideas welcome! I've repaired washing machines but havent done
bearing replacement before.

Its a Hotpoint Ultima WM71, European style front loader.

Also any recommendations on part suppliers would be good, as I dont
fix washers for a living. I'm in Britain.


Thanks, NT

 

[Bob Eager]

Washing machine drum has seized solid, no movement at all.
Unfortunately the outer casing back is welded in place, not
unscrewable, making drum removal practically impossible as far as I
can see. Theres a 7" or so porthole in the back where the drum main
bearing is.

I did the bearings on a slightly older (I think) Hotpiint. The porthole
is necessary for bearing access, but the drum came out the front.

This is what I did, but it may be different for you. Worth a go...very
satisfying DIY I thought.

Remove top, timer knob (in my case, anyway) and release door seal clamp.
Remove soap drawer and undo screws inside cavity that hold front panel
on. Also remove other front panel screws. Remove front panel.

At this point I undid the clips that hold the front of the outer 'tub'
on, and removed said front complete with door seal. Drum exposed.

Removed drive belt, jammed drum at back and undid large nut (LH thread I
think). Drum then slid (OK, banged) out of front.

More of story by email if you like!

I found the Haynes manual useful (really!).

 

[Stuart]

Hi.


Washing machine drum has seized solid, no movement at all.
Unfortunately the outer casing back is welded in place, not
unscrewable, making drum removal practically impossible as far as I
can see. Theres a 7" or so porthole in the back where the drum main
bearing is.

Is it possible to replace this main bearing from this porthole, ie
without removing or opening the drum? If so I'm in luck. If not, any
other ideas welcome! I've repaired washing machines but havent done
bearing replacement before.

Its a Hotpoint Ultima WM71, European style front loader.

Also any recommendations on part suppliers would be good, as I dont
fix washers for a living. I'm in Britain.


Thanks, NT

Does the top not come off like my old Zanussi
Stuart

 

[James Sweet]

Hi.


Washing machine drum has seized solid, no movement at all.
Unfortunately the outer casing back is welded in place, not
unscrewable, making drum removal practically impossible as far as I
can see. Theres a 7" or so porthole in the back where the drum main
bearing is.

I had a hell of a time figuring this out, but the whole entire top/front
comes off my mom's washer, it's a top loader but you may find yours has a
similar setup, it was not at all intuitive as I was experienced with the
type where the back comes off.

 

[N. Thornton]

I had a hell of a time figuring this out, but the whole entire top/front
comes off my mom's washer, it's a top loader but you may find yours has a
similar setup, it was not at all intuitive as I was experienced with the
type where the back comes off.

OK thanks for the ideas everyone, I'll do another exam and see what
options there are first.

Cheers, NT

 

[Christian McArdle]

Its a Hotpoint Ultima WM71, European style front loader.

I might be talking bollocks here. However, when I fixed the heating element
on mine, the Haynes manual said that Hotpoints are different from other
makes because everything comes out of the front of the machine rather than
the back. This was certainly true of the element.

Mine was an Ultima too. May even have been a WM71.

Christian.