Hoover Washer-Dryer Drum Broken

[jimbobfruitbat]

Our Hoover washer-dryer model 856DG-80 has a serious fault. It has been making a lot of noise, jumping across the room recently. I also noticed that the drum bangs when moved, and I could here some jangling sounds.

So, I had a look underneath the machine, and found that the large concrete block has broken in two, plus the attachment to the drum has broken. The photo shows the concrete block, plus all the fixings which were rattling about in the machine (bolts, washers and some plastic).

My question is this: is it a write-off, or is this worth paying the £116 to Hoover to come out and fix (and pay for more parts)? Given that the plastic which broke off appears to be off the drum, I am assuming the drum would need replacing, as well as the concrete block. Am I right?

Any advice welcome. Thanks!

[edhorwood]

It's like anything, it depends on whether you feel the cost is justified. Something must have happened to allow the concrete to be smashed against the casing and again, is this a design fault? You don't say how old the machine is, but if it's say a year old would you like to go through this every year? Lots of things to consider. If the mounting holes for the concrete are broken on the outer drum, then yes it will need replacing. If it's just a bit of excess unused plastic and there will be no leaks, then there will be no problem using the existing. My biggest concern would be the drum being able to move so much that the concrete was bashed and maybe there is a modification available. If the outer drum can be used, and the machine is quite old, then I would probably replace the concrete and keep it. It will work out cheaper than a new machine if you can repair it yourself. Of course, this is taking it that you was happy with its performance and there is definitely no other damage inside.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

If you use Hoover the parts are free - even up to 8 years old - see Hoover repairs

It looks like a new outer tub may be needed so I would either use Hoover and get everything repaired for a fixed cost or scrap the machine. If it's not very old you might have a claim under the Sale of Goods Act but if you've been ignoring a knocking noise (which is usually the case) then there's not much of a claim because when the nuts first come loose and cause a knocking noise on spin) they can be tightened up but if left they will destroy the outer tub as they get looser and looser.

[jimbobfruitbat]

Thanks for the replies. The machines is 3 years old, so it does qualify for the £119 repair by Hoover (which we have already used a couple of months ago when the contacts wore out).

I've been told by Hoover that if the engineer says that the machine cannot be repaired, then it will need replacing at my cost and I will still have to pay the £119. On the other hand, if I agree to sign up to the maintenance plan (for an extra £48 over the year), then they will replace the machine at their cost if the engineer deems it unrepairable.

The problem is, until the engineer has seen it, I don't know whether it is repairable or not. The service plan needs to be agreed prior to the engineer visit, so I will still be charged £119 regardless.

So, do I fork out the extra £48 for the maintenance plan, just in case the engineer cannot fix it?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

There's nothing that "can't" be repaired, so if they say it can't it means they don't want to because it will take too much time or cost too much. If they say that, I would ask them to explain how a product they made, which cost you x amount to buy, cost £119 last year to repair and is only 3 years old can not be repaired?

I cannot understand how anyone could justify charging £119 to tell someone their washer can't be repaired. It's ludicrous. I'm sure these schemes have been created in order to try and do the best they can in times when repairs are so expensive but I dislike them. Having said that, there must be plenty of people persuaded they are good or the scheme would collapse and be unworkable. Is it worth investing so much money on a product that is only 3 years old and has already cost £119?

[jimbobfruitbat]

Well, the Hoover repairman has been, and has ordered new parts. I didn't get to speak to him, but it sounds like it's going to get repaired once the parts come!