Hotpoint WT960 - Scary loud sound while spinning

[joylove1978]

Hi,

My hotpoint WT960 Ultima has started making this really loud noise whilst spinning, like an aeroplane beginnning its take off (it is really really loud, I cannot emphasize this enough).
It seems to coincide with me washing 2 pairs of trainers in it a few weeks ago (my wife has already told me off for this - I'd done it before and didn't think there would be a problem).

I've read a few things as to what might be causing the problem.

These are:
1. The drum bearings are knackered.
2. The weights aren't secrured correctly.
3. The motor could be knackered?
4. Anything else?

1. I don't think it's the drum bearings, as there is no grinding sound or anything when the drum is spinning at low speeds.

2. I have checked the weight located at the top of the machine, and it seems to be held well in place by the fixings.
I can't check the bottom weights because I can't get the seal off the front panel - if anyone knows how to do this please let me know.

3. I've tested the motor running with the belt unattached and there doesn't seem to be any problem with it (ie no strange noises or anything)

4. What else could it be?

Thanks

 

[fidom]

You should be able to check the front weight from the bottom with the machine leaned over at an angle. If that is OK it could be a crack in the drum support spider. If a leg gets cracked on the spider the crack will open up due to centrifugal action during spin, causing the front of the drum to droop and rub on the heater or whatever.

 

[joylove1978]

Thanks, I'll try this later

 

[joylove1978]

fidom - Thanks for the advice. Got access from bottom, and indeed the bottom weight needed tightening. Was a bit tricky to tighten the nuts (because they are on the front side of the weight, which wasn't visible), but much easier that taking the entire front panel off.

So now it's spinning almost silently, cheers!