Help with washing machine noise

[MrSPV]

Hi

Can anyone suggest a diagnosis for the noise our Bosch Exxcel 1200 express is making? I'm thinking it must be either bearing or shock absorbers but not sure how to tell the difference. Drum seems to be rubbing and then spins off centre at certain speeds and starts knocking against the inside of the casing. I've uploaded an example here:

Fast forward to about 2 mins for the loudest knocking.

Thanks
Mike

 

[CBW]

Sounds like the drum might be loose as well. How old is the machine?

 

[MrSPV]

It's just over 10 years old. I replaced the motor brushes about 12 months ago. Been ok after that until a few days ago. The problem first occurred when spinning a single large\heavy sofa cover so I imagine it could have been a bit unbalanced when doing that.

The spin in the video was when empty in case that wasn't clear.

 

[CBW]

If you’re handy enough, you could always remove the top cover (usually gives access to view the drum) and see what’s happening?

 

[MrSPV]

I did have a brief look but will try again. Not knowing what's normal and what isn't makes it tricky but I'll persevere.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

If you’re handy enough, you could always remove the top cover (usually gives access to view the drum) and see what’s happening?

Only access to the outer drum.

OP - Try opening the door and lifting, lowering the inner drum. Is there any obvious playing in that?

Also try turning the drum via the drive pulley at the rear - any sign of rough bearings?

 

[assuhors]

One or possibly more of the three legged drum support arms has broken giving you that out of shape front of drum and squeaking on the door seal noise and heavy thumping.
Would need a new inner drum to rectify, at that age probably not worth doing.

 

[MrSPV]

If I move the drum back and forth using each paddle in turn a couple feel rough and make a noise and the third seems fine so I get the impression it may well be the drum supports....as suggested

It's definitely loose or off centre. Sounds expensive and time consuming to repair.

Thanks
Mike

 

[foxhole]

Worn dampers or broken weight cause those symptoms. Concrete weight on top and sometimes also on bottom can break up slowly and cause imbalance.

 

[MrSPV]

I've had a look and run a spin with the top off - it doesn't seem to be vibrating unduly. Weights are all solid. I've also compared how loose the drum feels with a neighbours machine and I'm now pretty certain that the drum is in some way detached from its mountings unfortunately. So we're going to look at replacing it. I do like fixing things but this time it's beyond me frankly and I suspect getting a professional in will cost a good proportion of the cost of a new machine. Thanks for your help though everyone

Mike

 

[foxhole]

I've had a look and run a spin with the top off - it doesn't seem to be vibrating unduly. Weights are all solid. I've also compared how loose the drum feels with a neighbours machine and I'm now pretty certain that the drum is in some way detached from its mountings unfortunately. So we're going to look at replacing it. I do like fixing things but this time it's beyond me frankly and I suspect getting a professional in will cost a good proportion of the cost of a new machine. Thanks for your help though everyone

Mike

Depends on the professional, our local repair guy strips down and fault finds for free only charging if repair is completed.