AEG LAV981 Drum Bearing Seal

[Sparky60]

I have two AEG Lavamt 981 washing machines which are still running.

One is in neeed of a drum bearing change but I am struggling to obtain a replacement seal.

I have tried Ransome Spares & a couple of other companies without luck.

They claim not to have the necessary machine data, plate below.

The twin lip seal is for a 35mm dia shaft & fits into a 78mm bore in the spider.

There is an outer lip of 87mm diameter which contacts the steel outer drum.

The original is Corteco 45-78/86-10.5/15 BAESLSFX7

It seems a shame not to repair this machine for the sake of an oil seal.

These machines are so well made, they still work & look great after 30+ years.

Please can anyone suggest a supplier or an alternative seal that would fit?

Thanks in advance.

[Sparky60]

Edit  The shaft diameter is actually 45mm!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello Sparky. The only reason I can think of that a big spares company would not be able to source spare parts is if the parts are obsolete (which if it is 30 years old is highly likely, very highly likely, in fact I'd be amazed if they are still available), or the model in question was originally only sold in a different country. In your case the best people to ask by far or AEG themselves.

At 30 years old, unless by any chance they continued to use the exact same part for decades after then no one will have one unless there is some old stock lying about somewhere which has not long since been thrown away.

My personal opinion is that no matter how well built a washing machine is it is unrealistic to expect it to last for much longer once it's reached 30 years, which is amazing by the way. If only because it's highly unlikely you will be to source any spare parts for it.

[Sparky60]

Problem Solved!

After considerable searching, I found a supplier in Germany via a well known auction site.

Replacement bearings & oilseal kit cost £23.35 including delivery, arrived in 8 days.

Now fitted & that machine runs a sweet as it ever has!

I think the only failure to be terminal would be the controller or electronic drive unit.

Other mechanical parts are still available.