How do you remove bearings on Servis Washing machine

[Charlie]

I've just taken the top and back off a Servis Caress 1100 M3011A washing machine. The bearings seem to have gone - ther is evidence of rust and drips and general movement of the drum. I can see the bearings looking at me when I remove the back but cannot see anyway of removeing the bearings without removing the drum and I cannot see anyway of removing the drum. I have searched and cannot see any screws that will enable me to remove the front sides or back? I can remove the front control panel.

The inner drum cannot come out of the outer drum, outer drum seems to be welded/folded to make one piece. In the past the outer drum has neatly split in 2 to enable access to the inner drum.

Can I do this job by remoing just the bearings? If so how? All I have access to is the smooth surface on the bearing which the spindle of the drum rotates on. Nothing to grip onto to pull them out.

Anyone able to help!!!!!!!!

Chas

[T i m]

[T] I'll try, you will probably have to push the spindle out through the cast iron spider (or pull the spider off the spindle in fact). You should be able to do this with some clever use of some lumps of angle iron and some threaded metal studding or, better, a two or three legged bearing / hub puller. These can be bought quite cheaply in most decent market tool stands or car spares shops or hired quite cheaply.

Once you have the spider off you may find the bearings come away in the spider or stay on the drum spindle (or a bit of both).

Once the bearings are off and everything is cleaned up (get the calcium off the spindle and the drun without damaging either) you might find you can't get a replacement seal (on my AEG it comes as a kit, cast iron spider with bearings and seal for +AKM-120!).

I bought the bearings locally for about a tenner and managed to find the seal by going through the book of aftermarket spares at the local appliance repair shop (now gone). ;-(

All the best ..

T i m

[Charlie]

Thanks Tim,

I've actually got a bit further than I said in the original post.

I've already removed the cast iron sindle - simply used socket to remove nut and washer and the cast iron spindle came off without any force.

I am now able to move the inner drum in and out by about 1 inch. I can see / touch the bearings but as I don't want to damage them thought I'd seek advice here.

Interuption whilst I have a brainwave - I'm off to the garage....

back done it...

It turns out there is a steel band around the whole rear of the drum held together by a nut and bolt. I've removed this, and the attached grommit, the electrical connectors at the bottom, and with only a little persuasion, removed the rear wall of the outer drum containing both sets of bearings and the heating element.

I've just punched out the outer set with relative ease, and the outer washer (I believe). However I am meeting some resistance removing the larger inner bearing, which has disintegrated, leaving only the outer ring, welded firmly to the drum. Will try a little heat in the morning...

Tim, Been quoted £30, where did you get them for a tenner?

Chas

[T i m]

[T] Well done for getting this far ;-) once the bearing is clean warm it, apply some 'Plus Gas' (or other 'penetrating oil .. not WD40 etc) and / or grind it away as close to the drum / shaft as you dare then give it a tap with a cold chisel to cause it break.

[T] It was a local bearing supplier who I have know for years does me favours for cash now and again .. and it depends on the sizes of your bearings and the seal type (shielded / sealed etc) Was the quote you got from a bearing stockist or an Apliance place cos I think they can sometimes do good prices on bearings through bulk buying?

If you pass me the details I'll get you a quote ..

All the best ..

T i m