TO REPLACE MAIN BEARINGS
you need an area where it can be done and not be in the way. Also you have to understand that it will dribble alot of water out.
You will need to remove most of the machine in order to gain access to the bearings.
The last time i did this it cost me £16 for a bearing kit, that comes with a seal and two bearings- these you can get off the web or a local appliance repair store. You need to know how to fit seals and bearings without damaging them(tapping in 'true' on the outer edge only).
Some things i needed to unplug i marked up or took note of, to make sure i rewired the machine correctly.
The drum is plastic so you have to be carful not to 'drive' the bearings in crooked or split the drum.The drum comes apart at the front of the machine.
If i remeber correctly,i tapped out the small bearing first and then the larger one.
You would also need to check for other damage, say if the spider and or shaft is damaged or too worn. If you need to replace the spider it can knock the cost up to aprox £40.( still cheaper than a technician!)
I would say this is a job for someone who is expierenced with workingon appliances or good at engine rebuilds and has a methodical approach.
I did this job, but i have mechanical skills in motorcycles and an NVQ3 in Refrigeration ...
Motorrobin, October 2007
