Whirlpool drum bearing repair?

[dingus1964]

Hi

I have an old Whirlpool washing machine. Not sure of the model but it's about 12 years old.

I think the rear drum bearing has gone as it makes a loud squealing sound which increases/decreases in volume depending on the speed of the drum. Also, when you manually spin the drum you can hear a grinding/ticking sound at the rear centre of the drum.

My questions are:

1. Does my description sound like a bearing fault/failure?

2. - Is it worth my time/money repairing given it's age or should I splash out on a new machine?

3. If it is worth my time/money to repair is it a complicated/time consuming job to remove/replace the bearing?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[foxhole]

Does sound like it could be bearings , remove back panel and you should be able to see bearing behind spider [the big wheel the belt sits on] often signs of small dribbles of water from the bearing area when badly warn.
Removal can be a problem if rusted in and if you damage the seating the new bearings may leak so it depends on experience and how cheap you can get replacement bearings.I used to do my old hotpoint machines and got the bearings for about £12 a set but that was a few years ago and I knew the supplier and got them trade.

 

[dingus1964]

Thanks Foxhole

The model number is W100 (service 857086615050).

I've looked online and can get a bearing kit for about £60 incl. vat + delivery (not trade price) espares.co.uk seem to be the cheapest.

When I've got time I'll take a look to see if there's any corrosion etc but will probably buy a new machine, I think 12 years daily use for an appliance is a pretty good innings!!

Cheers