Hotpoint WMUD-962 making loud knocking noise - plz help!

[Barefoot_Wanderer]

Hi All,

I have a Hotpoint washing machine WMUD 962 I've had it for about 5 years without any issues until yesterday.

It now makes a loud knocking noise during spin cycle (800 rpm and 1600), almost deafening in fact. It fills with water and goes through a washing cycle but the clothes don't wash properly - e.g. I can see brownish spots on my light coloured shirts.

From the research I have done it sounds like it might be the bearing in which case I would have to replace the sealed drum for £140 plus (aint gonna happen I can buy a new one for that). However, I would like some input from you guys who will know a lot more than me.

A few more points, I removed the back and top panel and had a look around and theconcrete block on top of the drum has crumbled (see pics) - now this could have happened as the fault as developed or since the knocking started 2/3 days ago. When I first installed the washing machine I had to wedge it between two walls with foam pads to stop heavy vibrations (this was 2 years ago when we moved in), I made sure it was level but the vibration through the wooden floor upstairs was still way too loud - maybe the damage was done because of the foam padding hiding the problem which gradually got worse? Ummm.?

Anyway have a look at the pics - the pullies left and right which support the drum are perfectly intact (I assume there isn't one underneath the drum), belt is very tight and motor looks v.clean)

 

Any ideas?

I'll be listing it on ebay for spares if not repairable so watch this space.

 

Help and info in the meantime would be appreciated,

 

Andy

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello. Drum bearing failure is a serious fault these days due to the way the washing machines are designed. Brown spots can also be a symptom if rust and grease from the failed front bearing get onto the laundry. However, a loud knocking noise on spin can also be caused by a loose drum weight.The weights in the photo look pretty poor but if they are still tightly attached to the drum and can't be moved they won't be causing any noise. There's usually more than one weight inside a washing machine though.

My article here covers all possible causes of a noisy washing machine - Washing Machine noisy on spin

This article contains a short video of what drum bearings sound like when worn although they can get worse than the example shown.

[Barefoot_Wanderer]

Many thanks Andy, your video confirms it for me - it's the bearings. The noise is identical to the noise mine has been making for a few months, the knocking has only just started but doesn't matter now I think I'll list it on ebay for spares or repairs - if I'm allowed I can provide the link here? My machine has a sealed drum so I can't get a bearing kit I have to buy a new drum (cute Hotpoint.... very cute) - so I'm going cheap this time there's a nice Bush machine for £139 (half the price of a hotpoint) and see how long she lasts.

OK Andy... thanks again! 

 

[SminkyPinky]

Whoa!  The lower concrete block has probably come loose; we have the exact same model and I fell for the bearings being the culprit.   Have just had machine apart.  The plastic 'turrets' that the block mounts on frets along with the concrete, making the block clunk horrendously; sounds terminal on spin!  The block is held on by three Torx screws.  Remove them, lift the block away.  Cut the screws down by 5mm with an angle grinder (this means you'll get them to tighten fully on reassembly).  Apply a PU adhesive/sealant (such as Tiger Seal) around the turrets and re-assemble.  Tighten screws fully.  Leave overnight for the PU to cure.  Fixed.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Wow. I didn't think it was possible to repair. I wouldn't be surprised if they work loose again so keep a close eye (ear) on it. The weight causes a lot of destructive force on spin. Good luck.

[hammythered]

hi the concrete lower block on my 962 is loose but need to take the front off to see if perished is the front easy to take off iwh56@outlook.com 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

If the front panel does come off you should be able to see three screws at the base of it. They may be hidden behind the kick panel, which usually prises off. Be gentle though as they can easily break. Also if you pull out the soap dispenser drawer you should be able to see a screw behind the drawer. On Hotpoint washing machines where the front panel does come off you normally have to remove the control panel. Also you have to disconnect the door seal from the frame. Not all front panels come off, some may be welded on.