Washing machine drums?

It's usually attached with a cast three-legged 'spider' that is integral with the shaft. Each arm of the spider is several inches long, and bolts to the back of the inner drum.

Yes.

Both; could be either. The spider could have cracked, the bolts could have come undone.

How do you know? You certainly can't see it without removing the drum.

Could well be the bearing. Get the inner drum out...

What's the attachment that's sent with your posting Bob ?

I had the spider casting crack on all 3 arms ... you can replace if you want to drill out the rivets and fit stainless screws instead.

Rick

Sounds like you'll fix it ok, but after unplugging, discharge the filter capacitors so you dont get bitten. Its normally the can the mains wire goes into.

You'll need to remove covers, open up the drum, undo the rear nut holding the bearing in, and remove the drum with its support spider. A broken spider is not repairable, and will set you back 20 notes at least. Then theres the cost of a tool to get the bearing nut undone - if youve got a day you can save yourself getting a new machine. As long as you make a note of where each bit goes :)

Regards, NT

If it all goes pear shaped you will end up with a beautiful and inexpensive stainless steel lampshade/coffee table base; a powerful electric motor and a decent bearing/pulley set up. (Use a mole grips on the inside of the pulley arms (spider?) for fear of damaging the spokes.) (And subtract any unserviceable parts from the above list.)

Or the world's largest cheese grater!

Regards, NT

Well I removed the drum today and yes, the spider was cracked on two of its arms. In fact it was completely eaten through!

I ordered a replacement from CPC for £11.

When I said the bearing looked fine, I was simply going on its appearance from the rear. :)

If you sharpened it right, and left the motor on, you'd have the worlds fastest cheese grater.