Bosch WCM62 noise on spin

[Gary C]

Hi all,

We've got a loud noise on spin, like a banging. I'm doubtful it's bearings as it seem to start quite suddenly around a week or so ago, rather than being a 'wear' thing.

Had the top and back off and can't see anything obvious such as a broken spring/weld point or anything.

Any ideas or help much appreciated :-)

Machine is around 6 years old, average family of 4 use. Doesn't seem good enough for a reasonable machine?

Vid here:

https://youtu.be/Pf99KtSYETg

 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello Gary. That sounds like something is a bit worn or loose, possibly around the motor or the motor itself. I would disconnect the machine from the mains and try taking off the back panel if one is fitted. Make sure that the motor is securely fitted to the outer drum. It sounds like it could be coming loose and rattling. This kind of noise if left long enough can cause irreparable damage so try to get to the bottom of it. Another thing to check if nothing is found around the motor is that the concrete weights are not loose. You should not be able to move them at all. If the motor seems to be fitted tightly take off the drive belt and make sure there is no play in the armature all rotor of the motor. Finally check the suspension legs to make sure they are securely fitted and not coming loose.

[Gary C]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your help.

I checked it all out internally and it looked fine, however the noise worsened and upon re inspection the drum was movable by hand up and down by 5-10mm. This was particularly noticable in the same position ie with a paddle in a particular place.

I suspected a spider arm was broken. My wife then decided to try 'one more wash' and this turned out to be the end as a second arm clearly broke and then drum was movable by about 25mm!

Only good news is that we've picked up a new machine quite cheaply in sales! Got a Samsung down from £650ish to £380 and comes with a 5 year parts and labour warranty. 

Cheers, Gary 

 

 

 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Thanks for the update Gary. Just for reference, if the drum spider is cracked you will usually find that the drum movement/play is only (or worse) at one point in the drum. The drum spider usually has 3 arms and they usually correlate with the drum paddles. So to check, I would rotate the drum so that one of the paddles is at 6 o'clock and try lifting and pulling the drum from that point holding the bottom of the lip. Then I would slowly rotate to the next paddle and do the same. Alternatively, wind a paddle to the 6 o'clock position and check it, then slowly turn the drum round 3 or 4 inches and check again until you have gone full circle to see if there is a particular point where there is excess play. That can indicate a cracked or broken spider arm. It is possible but rare for more than one to become cracked.