Washing machine spin cycle - rattling

GaseousAgley

My washing machine is a Hotpoint Electronic 1050 De luxe (toploader) and is about 25-30 years old. It has recently started making a rattling sound during the spin cycle, as if something is working loose. I've taken the back off the machine but cannot see anything obviously wrong, either when turned off or when working. Can anybody suggest what is most likely to be the cause of the problem or how I can find out what is happening? Thanks.

Browntoa

Bearings finally going , after 30 years that's probably expected

lesalanos

Maybe an under wire from a bra catching the drum when spinning.  They sometimes slip through the holes and catch when spinning 

EssexExile

If you're handy you can remove the top of the machine, power & water off of course. Take the cardboard back off, take the metal back off the top bit. There are a couple of screws either side to be undone then you can lift off the top & fold it back. I can't remember if you have to remove the whole cabinet, (it's been 20 years since I did it) but if you do that's pretty straight forward. Then you can get your hand down around the drum to feel for any debris. If you are really adventurous you can remove the drum, take off the white plastic covers over the bolt heads in the bottom of the drum & remove bolts. The you can have a good clean out & make sure the filter above the pump is clear & in place.

GaseousAgley

Thanks for all replies. I fear it is something mechanical rather than just loose material in the drum.

Browntoa said:

Bearings finally going , after 30 years that's probably expected

Is there anything more I can do to verify it is worn bearings, short of taking the machine apart?

basill

Is there anything more I can do to verify it is worn bearings, short of taking the machine apart?

If you put your hands in the drum from the front and gently lift, you might be able to detect some play in the bearing.  

EssexExile

basill said:

Is there anything more I can do to verify it is worn bearings, short of taking the machine apart?

If you put your hands in the drum from the front and gently lift, you might be able to detect some play in the bearing.  

It's a top loader, it doesn't have bearings as such, it has a big gearbox underneath.

If it's not something in the drum then just check around the motor & pump underneath. Also the counter weight, that lump of concrete. Also look at the four dampers that locate the power unit to the chassis, one each side, check the big springs are there too. Don't oil the dampers! Come to think of it, if the gearbox is leaking oil & spraying it about that will cause the drum to wobble about violently.
If it's something wrong with the gearbox then it's time for a new machine, that will save you a fortune on your energy bills.

GaseousAgley

EssexExile said:

If it's something wrong with the gearbox then it's time for a new machine

That's bad news. What are the chances of finding a new machine that would last as long as my existing machine?

EssexExile

You pays your money & you takes your choice! I found that customers were more important than machines, you've had this one a long time & you'll probably have the next one a long time. Some people go through machines very quickly, no matter what they buy.

Having said that, if you can afford it go for a Miele with a 10 year guarantee, not all Meiles have a long guarantee but I wouldn't pay their prices without it. If they are too dear then - well lots of people can make a Beko last a long time too!

GaseousAgley

I've had the water hoses taken off now so I could lay the machine on its front and get at the insides from underneath (as well as from the back). I cannot find anything loose or missing so I presume that indicates it's most likely to be a problem inside the gearbox??

Is there no chance of me putting a new gearbox assembly inside if I can find one (I'm prepared to go to extreme lengths to save money!!)?

EssexExile

I never changed just the gearbox, always the whole power unit. That's basically the gearbox & everything around it. I doubt you'd get one now, they haven't made them for over 20 years.