Hotpoint Aquarius WMA31 Bearings gone ?

[G1nzo]

Our trusty Hotpoint WNA31 washing machine is making very loud rumbling sounds during any fast spin ( Metal on Metal grinding noise )
I can move the drum up and down about 20 mm
Looks like the bearings have gone ??
Is this something thats worth repairing ?
The Machine is i suppose 7 years old and has had a full and active life
Anyone any idea of the cost of the bearings and how much hassle they are to fit ?
or Should i just look for a new Machine ??

 

[rob wilsher]

Hi
I've recently dismantled my WMA 30 machine as the bearings had gone after 5 years!
It took me about a morning to strip it down-eventually got the outer drum through the front of the machine after been told I could lift it through the top.
Managed to buy a bearing set for about £20 on line but looking at the shaft I've ordered one of those for about £40.
I'm stuck at the moment because I've been able to knock out the outer bearing fom inside one drum half but the inner bearing and seal have not been so obliging-the inner seal metal work looks as if it is bonded/epoxed to the inner drum-is that likely other washing machine repairers out there??
I took lots of digital photos and wrote lots of notes during dismantling. I'm trying to repair it because its got a cream/caramel front which fits our kitchen colour scheme-only white, silver or black is available new at the moment.
Hope that helps
Cheers
Rob