Noisy Bosch WFK2801

[aris]

The machine is getting on, but has never given us any trouble. It is over 10 years old – maybe 12 (it has been that long).

Noticed some noise on the spin. When the machine is empty, and I spin the drum by hand, it sounds a little rough, but there is no play back and forth on the drum.

I’m guessing this is a bearing? I see a bearing kit is about 90 pounds on this website – but it’s a pig of a job to replace.

Could it be something else?

So my questions – what would an engineer charge me to replace this (including the part)?

If I decided to buy something new (the machine is old, so sods law says something else may soon go), what BOSCH machine should I go for? When we bought the 2801, it was top of the line I think – about 500 pounds. I see top of the line BOSCH’s are about 750 now. Will they last me just as long as this one? Are these top of the line ones still made in Germany?

Thanks,

[kwatt]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

Sounds like the bearings are shot, yes.

But a bearing kit isn’t that expensive: http://shop.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/bkt76-bo … g-seal-kit

I would think that a lot of the independents would probably do that for something like £50-80 depending on where you are and which repairers are around you.

New Bosch, not the same as old Bosch. 😉

Don would be better to advise on the new stuff as he knows it better.

K.

[aris]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

Many thanks for replying on a Sunday!

Thanks for the link to the bearing kit – I just realised I typed in the wrong model number before and got the 90 quid set 😆

I think i’d be happy to spend 100 odd pounds to have that replaced by a professional. I’m in the Watford area in Hertfordshire.

[kwatt]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

You should be able to find someone from here: http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/search/fi … ineer.html

K.

[aris]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

Does the bearing kit include the tub seal, or does it just include the front & back bearings – and the bearing seal? I don’t see a picture of the rub seal, nor can I find one listed separately.

[aris]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

I see the £25 Bearing kit is an aftermarket one and the £90 is a ‘genuine’ one though both say they are manufactured by Bosch on the online store. Is there any big disadvantage to using the £25 one over the £90 one?

Thanks,

[kwatt]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

Tub seal is separate but on those machines isn’t often asked for, if at all. So my guess would be it isn’t really needed.

The manufacturer is more a reference from way back as to what it fitted, as in, what brand owner rather than the actual manufacturer of the part as Bosch will not make those parts, it’ll be some third party company that Bosch will buy them from.

TBH, at the age, I’d take a punt on the cheap set but probably wouldn’t on the more expensive ones. But that’s just my personal opinion.

K.

[aris]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

I opened it up to have a look. It certainly sounds like the bearing inside which is grinding a bit. After failing to find an engineer who will give me a fixed price quote for changing a bearing (don’t ask) – I may well give this a go myself even though i do not have the spare yet.

I watched this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaFF2-Rl8Nc

And read here:

http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/fix- … rings.html

Opened it up, took some bolts out – mine looks a bit different – it has a stainless steel drum, not plastic. And the ‘spider’ appears to be on the outside of the drum – not the inside. I’m assuming that bit is the ‘spider.

Can anyone give me a rough guide on how to remove the spider? Do I need to remove the whole drum to do this job? It appears that the drum is held together using some clips like this:

Any hints gratefully received. As I see it, if I can’t get this right, i’m in for a new machine anyhow.

[aris]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

I’ve ordered the part from UKwhitegoods.

My father-in-law (a retired mechanic) suggested a bearing puller to get this off. I’m unsure though – what about getting it all back on?

[kwatt]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

That bit I don’t know as I haven’t worked on one but, the spider will usually release and come off allowing you to change out the bearings.

K.

[aris]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

I found a drum assembly:

Looks like there is a spider inside the drum, and this red bit isn’t the spider – but the mount for the spindle & bearings – which is attached to the spider which is attached to the basket/inner drum.

The spindle is married quite firmly with the bearings – so i’m thinking I require a fair bit of pressure to get it out.

If anyone else has any ideas – or if you could ask one of your mates who has done one of these, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Martin]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

Remove the motor, undo the bolts holding the spider arms and the 3 on the spider hub. Gently tap the drum shaft whilst lifting the spider clear. Bearings and seal knock out easily with a cold chisel. 15 minute job to remove, fit new bearing kit and refit.

[aris]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

Thanks. That is essentially what I did, except I used a bearing puller to help me.

Still waiting for the part to arrive from UKWG – any hints on getting the bearings back on? I’ve been advised to use te old bearings to help tap in the new ones, then use the pulley wheel to help set the spindle by screwing it in.

[Peter W]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

What would you now recommend to someone with a similar problem ? Does the experience suggest it is a DIY job in 15 mins ?

[aris]

Re: Noisy Bosch WFK2801

If it is the same model, it’s a DIY job if you are handy – no need to remove the drum. 15 mins, no. Coupe of hours fr someone who has not done one before. A bearing puller did help!

[Author]

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