Zanussi Washing Machine Recirculation Pump Noise

[rwaldron21]

Hi all, I have a 7 year old zanussi zwk1231w fron load washing machine.

Recently the recirculation pump has started to make a low rumbling noise.

Noise stops when the water is emptying or filling.

If I turn the drum manually it turns fine with no noise.

Even if the machine is not spinning the noise is there so not sure dampers/springs/weights are the issue

I replaced the pump but the noise remains

I followed the hose from circulation pump up to the top of the drum where it looks like its supposed to spray water into the drum from above.This is known as a recirculation hose.

I noticed brown residue coating the inside of the hose ( see attached pic)

Now I'm wondering if the hose is blocked.

Anyone know what the purpose of this hose is and when during the cycle is it used.

I have never seen any spray eneter the drum from above.

I'm going to run a few 95 degree cycles in case there is a blockage that may flush out.

any other help appretiated

Ray..

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

The recirculation pump should pump water back into the drum on top of the laundry so that it can use less water in the drum. If the noise only occurs when the circulation pump is running on wash cycle it's strange that a new one didn't fix it. The main drain pump must be OK if it doesn't make the noise when emptying the water and if the noise was to do with the motor or drum it should make the noise on rinses and when turning on the spin cycle. Check the circulation pump and hoses for obstructions.

[rwaldron21]

Hiya and thx for the reply..yeah I agree I really thought recirculation pump would sort my issue..hose connecting both pumps is clear..did you see the pic I posted of top of recirculation hose? It shows brown residue inside..this hose is tricky to get at..any way to try unblock via wash? Is the brown substance a sign that it's blocked? This hose is normally transparent?

Both pumps are clear...is it worth me removing recirculation hose

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It looks like your machine may be full of gunge and slime, check out this article - Causes of grease, slime and black mould inside washing machine Whether it has anything to do with the noise or not I don't know. If this hose is which the circulation pump runs the water into to recirculate into the drum then you should be able to observer if water is pumping through it ok or not on a wash cycle. Is it definitely the circulation pump making the noise?

[rwaldron21]

Hiya,

Yes it's definitely the recirculation pump making the noise.

It's vibrating like it's trying to draw water in from the drainage pump.

During a wash cycle I Have NOT observed any water coming out of recirculation pump

(see new pic B location) and up into the recirculation hose. (see new pic C location)

I'm starting to think that the small tube (see new pic D location) connecting both pumps may have a blockage which is preventing water even reaching the recirculation pump.

I did remove both pumps but there were no blockages but I never completely removed the black hose.

attached is a new pic showing the scene.

A is Drainage pump near the filter at the front of the WC

B is recirculation pump. circled in black - this vibrates like crazy

C is recirculation hose, leads to top of washer drum, Ive never seen water flow up here.

D small tube connecting both Pumps

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

The only thing to do is remove both hoses connected to the circulation pump and thoroughly check for obstructions plus clean them out.

[rwaldron21]

Hiya, just to let you know I finally got it sorted.

Went on Holiday for a week, returned and ran a few 90 degress washes..Then the wife did alot of post holiday washes ( still no top spray).

Very next day, no more noise and spray was coming out the top spout !!

I reckon all the washes has unclogged the hose between both pumps which I was due to remove and check.

Sorted now.

thx for your help.

Ray..