Hotpoint – Aquarius 800 WM12A, change bearings, difficulty?

[LeaUK]

Hi all

The drum moves vertically off its central axis by about 10mm at the drum edge so I suspect the bearings of my WM12A are rather warn (if not collapsed). Let alone the horrendous racket during spin!!

I note these are the replaceable bearing set but having read the very informative guide on this site I’m concerned how difficult this job maybe.

Therefore, has anyone here changed these and how long did the operation take (for a skilled person). i.e. does the whole machine need stripping, or due to it’s prehistoric age, was this machine relatively easy?

Many thanks for any advice.

Thanks
Lea

[Penguin45]

Re: Hotpoint – Aquarius 800 WM12A, change bearings, difficul

You’ll need THIS LITTLE LOT, as well as THIS. You may also need the heater if the drum has clipped it.

It’s an hour’s work to a professional. Front of the machine comes off, then the front of the tub. It’s really a question of whether or not you are confident wielding a lump hammer and steel bar – this is a physical job!

Penguin45.

[LeaUK]

Re: Hotpoint – Aquarius 800 WM12A, change bearings, difficul

Hi Penguin

Many thanks for your advice and such a prompt reply.

I see that you’re recommending a complete spider kit as opposed to just the bearings, is this because of the severe vertical movement I notice? Does this indicate complete bearing failure and more?

One other thing, there’s much mention of the brass bush which could also be damaged, is this included with the spider? Or perhaps it’s integral to the drum?

Thanks also for the tub seal link and tip 🙂

Total cost seems around £35 + delivery so I’m not sure it’s worth the physical torture (I’m assuming this is hammering the bearings off and on?)

Lea

[Penguin45]

Re: Hotpoint – Aquarius 800 WM12A, change bearings, difficul

At that price, it would be a false economy not to change the drum support. 10mm play suggests that the front bearing has, or is about to, collapse. It will almost certainly disintegrate when you drive the shaft back through the drum. This will leave you with the inner race seized onto the shaft.

The brass bush is integral with the drum support and is what the water seal runs against. It has to be immaculate to ensure a water-tight seal.

Penguin45.

[LeaUK]

Re: Hotpoint – Aquarius 800 WM12A, change bearings, difficul

Hi Penguin

Ah, the brass bush is integral with the spider/drum support! Makes sense to change it then 🙂

I guess the only concern I’m left with is how to remove and replace the bearings (get them on and off the shaft). Large hammer?

Lea

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint – Aquarius 800 WM12A, change bearings, difficul

Getting them on and off the shaft won’t be a problem. Getting whats left of the main, inner bearing out of the drum will be.

I would strongly advise you to try and strip it down first before you order anything, with that amount of play in the drum the main bearing is going to be seriously cream crackered.

If you do get them out and manage to replace them it is good practise to fit a new drum front seal, part number 168172, using the old one often leads to leaks.

[LeaUK]

Re: Hotpoint – Aquarius 800 WM12A, change bearings, difficul

I’m worried that if I strip it for investigation it won’t go back or will leak 🙁

But a vey many thanks to you both for your assistance, cheers.

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint – Aquarius 800 WM12A, change bearings, difficul

Someone is going to have to strip it down.

It will collapse completely in the very near future in any event if the drum is as loose as you say it is. If you let that happen then your chances of completing a satisfactory repair will be greatly reduced.

It will damage the heating element and possibly the outer drum as well.

If you order the drum shaft and bearings but are unable to remove whats left of the old bearings then you will have wasted your money.

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