Hotpoint VTD00P very noisy.

Hotpoint VTD00P drier.

Initial fault was a loud noise as the drum turned – bearings were worn out so I fitted a belt and complete OEM V4 bearing kit including the spacer washer, sponge and felt seals. Lovely and quiet.

A few days later, the noise started again; this time only at certain times during the cycle. I’ve done hundreds of these driers and never ever had anything go wrong before and considering all running gear was new, I looked at the position on the floor. Leveled it again; noise stops; and all seemed OK.

Noisy again a week later…… the noise is louder than it was before I repaired it! Pulled it in the workshop; noise stops!! Ran the machine for a couple of cycles without moving it and eventually the noise started again – traced it to the sponge rear drum seal vibrating on the rear of the drum rather than sliding as it should. Stripped the machine again and replaced the seal with the thinner one in the V4 kit. Noticed the drum shaft was slightly twisting in the bearing – rectified that. Noticed the outer back panel was pulling in and out – straightened it and rebuilt the drier. Ran it for 6 hours continuously both loaded and empty and all OK!

Now it’s doing it again and it’s doing it from cold; so not even a heat / panel warp issue. I’m completely at a loss for an answer that doesn’t involve a large axe.

Any suggestions?

Steve.