Washing machine repair

[Mike Saunders]

I am just pondering whether to try and see if I can fix our washing machine or pay for a technician. The problem has been diagnosed as a failed pump. In addition we have been told that the bearings are on there way out as well. We have a Bosch machine around 6 - 7 years old. I have identified the parts needed on the internet for our model

Has any one attempted these jobs and if so could they offer any advice or experiences. I do not have any instructions for this so I presume I would need an instuction manual from somewhere

Many thanks

Mike Saunders

[Ian Stirling]

are good for parts. Generally it's not too hard, as long as you don't lose bits.

[Bob Eager]

A bosch manula may be hard to come by. The generic Haynes washing machine manual isn't bad, and gives reasonable guidance.

Bearings can be a sod on soem machines, but pumps are pretty straightforward; no idea on specific with the Bosch though.

(off to fix our Bosch dishwasher tomorrow morning!)

[geoff]

In message , Mike Saunders writes

It shouldn't be too difficult to do the pump (you might get a few cuts from sharp edges

Check out the price of bearing kits (You need the rubber seals too), sometimes they can cost more than it is worth to replace them

CPC are a good source for white goods parts

[Andrew Welham]

Mike I usually try to repair every thing, However every thing has a life span after which bits start to fail at a regular interval. With washing machines having a life or around 8 years(except the expensive ones), Is it worth spending the money for the repair? Or should a new one be considered ?

Even if you do it your self it still may cost more that it would cost to replace, especially if something else fails in the next year or so.

Andrew

Mike Saunders wrote:

[Lurch]

On Fri, 7 May 2004 21:21:12 +0100, in uk.d-i-y "Mike Saunders" strung together this:

The pump is straight forward enough, the bearings though are a bit more of a job. Some idea of what you're doing is good here, you could end up making it worse. If you're feeling fairly confident about then it can be done, depends how much you're being charged as to how worthwhile it is doing it yourself. You can save a bit by doing the pump though.

[Mike Saunders]

Thanks for all the replies

Mike

[Z]

In article , Mike Saunders writes

Changing the pump shouldn't be too difficult. To change the bearings you will need appropriate pullers in which case it may be cheaper getting someone it to do it or you could borrow a set of pullers. A sonoscope at GBP 15 or so is useful to listen to bearings or a stethoscope at about GBP40 if you are feeling flush. Careful with stethoscopes though as they are pretty efficient and you could deafen yourself.

[BigGuyUK]

What a load of tosh ! Bearing Pullers indeed once the drum is out just knock out the bearings with a drift. Sonoscope ? (Screwdriver to Ear) Just see if the drum lifts inside outer tub If there is ware on the bearings the seal will also leak and water will leak from the tel-tale at the back of the bearing housing.

BigGuyUK

[N. Thornton]

...

exactly

exactly - though a word of warning if you do that: the screwdriver needs to be long, and at 90deg to the direction of moving parts. Reason is that at other angles a slip could result in the screwdriver being slammed into your head.

But when bearings are creating sonic hell you'll need ear defenders, not a sonoscope!

Yup, but I wouldnt just take someones word for it about the bearings. Unless theres a specific problem with the baerings, like it makes a deafening racket when spinning, theyre probably more likely to be fine.

Changing a pump isnt difficult. Input hose, output hose, 2 mains wires, mounting screw/s. Certainly wont need an instruction manual for that. The pump is at the bottom of the machine, the outlet hose comes from it. Its obvious enough.

Regards, NT