Washing Machine sounds like its exploding!

[plumbingit]

Hi all,
I am new to the Forum. As the woman of the house, I do the DIY and the husband does the domestic stuff. While I have attempted most things, plumbing is one area that eludes me - I leave it to the professionals!

However, now I am seeking a bit of advice before I call the professionals in. The washing machine sounds ferocious when it running. There is a range of sounds, quite scary, like it is going to explode.

The noise isn't continuous, but it is there. It is four years old.

The machine works, apart from this sound. The question is what is this sound about? Has it come to the end of its life, should I be getting a new one or is it worth repairing this one?

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Resolute]

Could be a number of things. First of all I'd check nothing was caught anywhere - wire from bras, coins buttons etc can get caught in amazing places!

If this doesn't help then it might be the bearings.

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

yes check for debris inside and if its clear you will need to pull it out and inspect filters etc

It helps to know what it is doing when it makes strange noises, ie is it filling with water? spinning, pumping to drain?

 

[herbert]

i once had one where the concrete balast had come loose on the top of the drum that was rocking and knocking! do a basic check on the bearings, open the door give the drum a good pull and see if it moves up and down left and right on the bearings,, give it a spin see if it makes any noise..

 

[pobsdad]

Candy have had problems with their Grand 'O' range actually exploding!The drum comes loose during a fast spin and goes right through the top,even through the worktop,demolishing the kitchen.It must be like having a Tazmanian Devil in the house!Scary pics on the net.

 

[Mikey456]

[video=youtube;N2ABAhIH_zY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2ABAhIH_zY[/video]

 

[tamz]

Phone a domestic appliance engineer (washing machine man)

 

[tonto33]

open the door, spin the drum by hand if it sounds loud or grinding then the bearings are shot, depending on make and model you mite be able to replace them..

 

[Nat]

Has it recently been moved? Some machines have transfer bolts that go in the back when you move it. One of those hasn't been left in, has it? Also, make sure the machine is dead level and all the feet are touching a solid base.

 

[gaspastemania]

Wouldnt even bother looking at it bin it and buy recon one for £70 thats what i have done , reconditioned ones are dirt cheap.

 

[tonto33]

true gaspastemania as we recon loads of machines and sell them from 50 - 120 each

 

[plumbingit]

Thank you all for your suggestions,
The machine is silent when it fills up and the moment it starts going round, the squelching starts. The thunderous sound begins when it is spinning fast.

I did push the drum in all directions and it seemed to be working fine. However, when I spin it around it does make a grating noise.

I wouldn't know how to open it out to inspect the filters or bearing. Where would I be able to find good quality recon machines?

Cheers!

 

[plumbingit]

Thank you all for your suggestions,The machine is silent when it fills up and the moment it starts going round, the squelching starts. The thunderous sound begins when it is spinning fast.

I did push the drum in all directions and it seemed to be working fine. However, when I spin it around it does make a grating noise.

I wouldn't know how to open it out to inspect the filters or bearing.  Where would I be able to find good quality recon machines?

Cheers!

 

[Paulus]

What part of the country are you in?

 

[tonto33]

make and model we be able to tell you if bearings can be replaced

 

[plumbingit]

What part of the country are you in?

Hi Paulus, I am in London or Barnet - between East Barnet and Cockfosters.

 

[Paulus]

Sorry I'm well out of your area but maybe one of the others can help you out with a recon machine.

 

[plumbingit]

Thank you. I can easily check out machines in this area.