Diplomat Apm8542/2 - Bearings Gone

[VultureEssex]

Hi there,

Last night my washing machine (Diplomat 8542/2) starting making a really loud noise, almost as if it was about to blow up. I stopped the machine and took the clothes out which were all marked with the same pattern as the drum. When I spin the drum by hand it is turning but feels a bit stiff. I called a local washing machine repair company who have told me that this is definitely a bearings fault and that it would be uneconomical to fix and I'd be better purchasing a new machine.

Confirmation of this would be much appreciated before I pay out on a new one.

Also, the current machine is integrated (I believe it was from MFI) - would most electrical companies have machines that would fit the integrated slot easy enough and, as I'm not the best at these things, would most companies fit it for me (i.e. put existing cupboard door fixings on the new machine etc)?

Many thanks

VE

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

These days washing machines are commonly not worth repairing when drum bearings fail. They are designed in ways that prevent replacement of just the bearings and seals so the cost of spare parts is not far off what the original purchase price was. Some (such as some Hotpoint models) have totally sealed outer tubs meaning if a drum bearing fails you have to replace the entire outer and inner tub. Others require just an outer tub or occasionally just a rear half of a tub.

Integrated washing machines are more trouble to replace and usually more expensive so if you have a high quality one it could be worth repairing (though a high quality one shouldn't really have had drum bearings fail). You would need to do the maths. Integrated washing machines are far harder to find and most big retailers tend to favour selling the free standing ones.

As far as I know Diplomat ceased trading when MFI went bust several years ago.

John Lewis sell integrated appliances - <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?platform=dl&awinmid=1203&awinaffid=57395&clickref=WHF_Reply&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2FElectricals%2FIntegrated%2BAppliances%2FIntegrated%2BAppliances%2FIntegrated%2BWashing%2BMachines%2F10653%2FProductCategory.aspx" rel="nofollow">John Lewis built in washing machines</a>

[VultureEssex]

Many thanks for your prompt reply, Andy. Much appreciated.