Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

[MickGeorge]

Hi folks

Had this twice now – been belt broken (rear bearing knackered as they do) – replaced belt and shaft kit – patten belt/gen shaft kit seals ect. – worked for about a month and belt broken again – cleaned front felt as that seems quite fluffed up and causing drum to drag – fitted new belt – worked for about a week again and belt broken again.

Just wondered if you folks had similar probs – fitted qualtex belts before and no probs – anyone else had probs with pattern belts? I know gen belt now wider but still come across broken ones of these. Always seems a binding drum that causes belts to break on these m/c (burnt and curled up at belt break)

Noticed both machines had later tear drop rear bearing on so left out shaft spacing washer second visit as thought this might be pushing drum to far forward and causing it to bind – even replaced whole shaft kit again on first one that did this. Havent heard from this one again but not sure if the cust got fed up and bought new m/c. – now got another one doing same thing. Both m/c were/are used a lot.

Any thoughts gratefully recieved.

Thanks

Mick

[timdowning]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

This range, as you know, can be a pain. If you”ve checked and double checked, then I would say its user error. Overloading or putting unspun washing in it. Not that the customer would admit to such a thing.

[gandh1]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

check screws at the lower front panel too. ive come across updated brackets on the is60vs which strengthen the join between base and front panel, to stop some of the flex.

not come across this yet on earlier vtds and tvrs, btu on every occasion i do a belt on a vtd i check these screws as they loosen out and allow the front to flex forward enough to allow a sock or something thin to jam the drum…

[Martin]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

MickGeorge wrote:Any thoughts gratefully recieved.

You can buy a new 7kg vented dryer on-line for £145 so fuffin’ about trying to fix these things can be costly. More often than not the rear shaft has to be replaced and so too the front nylon bearers as well as the wider belt. That all adds up to a far outlay for the customer to consider and one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

By the time first belt breaks on these heaps of tin can tat you know the rest will be well worn. Therefore it’s essential all these parts are fitted as a matter of course. Tell them the bad news and let them decide, then flog them a new Zanussi instead!!!! 😈

[timdowning]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

Its suprising how many I’ve repaired that only need a belt.

Even the ones that need a bearing / shaft kit & belt you can still earn a nice £50 for your trouble. I charge £69.33 for this. (Parts, Labour & VAT.)

:tup:

(I’ve never once fitted the front pads or seals, perhaps I’ve been lucky?)

Martin, just out of interest what profit do you make on the zanussi dryers?
(I think comet were doing a new zanussi for £199 this weekend, how do you compare with that?)

[MickGeorge]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

Thanks for the replys folks.

Aready fitted drum shaft/rear bearings, front bearings,front and rear seal when fitted the belt as these come with the kit. Must admit I feel that it is something to do with the front seal/bearings or something getting trapped.

Think in future i might not change the front seal unless really required as the new one seems slightly thinner than the original and might just allow stuff to get trapped. Just changed them cuz they are in the kit and would assume they are better than the orig. (but there again shouldn’t assume anything better where Hotpoint/Indesit are concerned these days ❗ just cheap n nasty)

It is interesting your comments on the front panel screws gand1 – would have thought i might have noticed them loose as you have to take kick trim off to access side panel screw but must admit to not checking them so will do on return visit.

Think will try new wider belt tho see if that makes difference.

If only manifacures would go back to jockey pulleys I am convinced it would save all these problems – but there again the m/c would last a lot longer as well ❗

Any other comments appreciated.

Mick

[Martin]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

timdowning wrote:Martin, just out of interest what profit do you make on the zanussi dryers?
(I think comet were doing a new zanussi for £199 this weekend, how do you compare with that?)

I don’t sell machines (no bl**dy fear of that matey) but the guy down the road does. I get commission on every referral and £34.50 – £49.50 on every washing machine/dishwasher install plus can get appliances from him at cost should I wish AND an invite every year for me and the missus to their free Xmas nosh & booze-up. This year down at a local golf & country club….. very slick place. 8)

[wilf]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

genuine belt every time and if you have to open the 1703080 bag for anything fit all the bits. nice little job

wilf

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

wilf wrote:genuine belt every time and if you have to open the 1703080 bag for anything fit all the bits. nice little job

wilf

What, both the square and teardrop rear bearings at the time. 😆

I once fitted three genuine belts in less than a year on a friends VTD dryer, every other part was in good order. The same day I fitted the last one to it I also fitted the first belt ever needed on a Hotpoint 1701 dryer, it was 27 years old. 8)

The 1701 is still working perfectly and the VTD has been scrapped. :rolls:

[gandh1]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

MickGeorge wrote:
If only manifacures would go back to jockey pulleys I am convinced it would save all these problems – but there again the m/c would last a lot longer as well

zanussis were, havent been inside a zde47100 yet, but asw currys are trying to flog them for a ridiculous £159, im guessing it something else given the chop…

interestingly am due some statesman driers soon, been assured they are jockey supported and at £125ish trade that puts them in hotpoint territory

[Micky 32]

Could be what they’re drying. Clothes that have strings hanging off them can get caught at the front of the drum and jam it breaking the belt. I went to one where they tried to dry runners and the laces got caught and jammed the drum.

[MickGeorge]

Re: Hotpoint VTD00 Tumble Drier – belt keeps breaking

Thanks for replies folks – goin back tomorrow – gen belt on – check front panel – drum out and check front seal not binding and the see whast happens.

Thanks for imput

Mick

[Author]

Posts