Hi Folks, hope everyone is well. I'd like to ask a question of any home-appliance DIY'ers please.
My washing machine - it's a Zanussi, and is 9 years old. It started making a horrific noise on spin, and it became clear the bearings were knackered.
So, I watched a video online about how to remove the tub from the machine, split it, and get to / change the bearings. It looked simple enough, so I thought I'd have a go. I contacted a couple of parts places, to buy the bearings and seal, and was told "you can't repair that machine, sealed for life mate".
Being me, I thought (just like with "sealed for life" autoboxes), there must be a way to get to, and service the parts. I took the machine apart, and removed the tub. This is a plastic tub and the two halves have been glued / welded together, preventing easy separation (and therefore access to the bearings). So, I took a fine reciprocating saw, and slowly worked all around the seam. It has separated nicely, and I have found a good way to seal it using Vauxhall grey sealant, and a combination of nuts, bolts, and some "mezz clamps" around the flanges.
I have removed the bearings, and they are knackered.
The problem I have found, however, is that they seem to be a totally non-standard size! Measuring them, they are totally different dimensions to any other washing machine bearings out there. I also can't seem to find the bearings from a generic bearing supplier!
If anyone can help me on where to obtain some bearings, I'd be most grateful.
The dimensions are
Front bearing - 60mm external diameter, 26mm internal
Rear bearing - 50mm external diameter, 26mm internal.
I cannot find any bearings, anywhere, with these dimensions!
I have no doubt this, alongside the "sealed for life" tub, is simply a ploy from the manufacturer, to make me go and buy a new £400 machine, rather than repair my otherwise perfectly good washing machine for the sake of a beer token and a couple of hours work! As well as not wanting to shell out if I don't have to - I like to fix things - especially after I'm told they can't be fixed!
Seems criminal they can get away with it. So much for being "environmentally friendly"
If anyone knows where I can obtain such bearings, I'd be extremely grateful