Opening the drum casing

[Julian Wells]

Good morning. I have changed bearings on washing machines in the past - most recently on an AEG Lavamat. When the drum bearing went on my Hotpooint Aqualtis I assumed it would be straightforward to change... but my problem is that I have removed the drum and casing ( a nightmare in itself) but cannot split the casing . Any one have any ideas on how to go about this without damaging the casing. ? Many thanks. 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Sadly most drums and bearings in modern washing machines are deliberately designed to be unrepairable. They are welded together. It probably needs an entire outer and inner drum complete. Check out the spares availability and cost on Ransom Spares. Sometimes when relatively young these parts are "affordable" but often - especially after 5 years they are deliberately priced at a cost no one would be daft enough to pay.

[Julian Wells]

Thank you for the reply.  I feared as much; for the price of a bearing I am now righting off a machine that is barely 5 years old. Infuriating ...but your time in responding is much appreciated.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Yes sadly this has been a growing trend over the last 10 years or so. Hopefully the new right to repair legislation will reverse this abomination. In fact if it doesn't, then the legislation is not worth the paper it is written on.