Zanussi ZWF16581W – Sealed drum?

[renMike]

Hello,
I have a 3-4 year old(?) Zanussi ZWF16581W washing machine which is recently making a lot of noise when the drum is spun (by hand or during a wash). If spun by hand there is a bit of force required to get it going and then the noise starts immediately. The noise sounds like a grinding noise and so after a bit of research I’ve jumped to the conclusion that it must be the bearings (I don’t know what else it could be).
I’ve read on this site that there is a growing trend for manufacturers to seal their drums on the grounds of economy rather than allow them to be split for repair. Can anyone confirm if this model has a sealed drum or failing that how I can find out?
Also, any idea how long a machine can run in this state before it gives out?
Thanks,
Mike

[lee8]

Re: Zanussi ZWF16581W – Sealed drum?

Look at the drum via either head underneath or take lid off. The seem in the middle will be screwed or sealed like a plastic weld.

[iadom]

Re: Zanussi ZWF16581W – Sealed drum?

Take the mains plug out, pop the top off and you will soon see if it has a sealed drum or not. If there is no sign of any screws around the middle of the drum it’s sealed. Depends how much use it gets but it won’t last too long. 🙁

Beat me to it. 😀

[renMike]

Re: Zanussi ZWF16581W – Sealed drum?

Thanks for your replies. Sounds like the best bet is to pop the lid and take a look.

[renMike]

Re: Zanussi ZWF16581W – Sealed drum?

Finally checked, it’s sealed.
It’s also leaking now as well.
And the severity of play in the bearings seems to be affecting the cycle as the spin cycle stops rather than complete.
Time for a new machine I think. Are the ISE ones any good?

[cockney steve]

Re: Zanussi ZWF16581W – Sealed drum?

After ignoring me, my son bought a haier machine….it lasted almost 2 years. He got used to switching it off at the mains, to reset it’s brain and other foibles. When the drain- pump let out the magic smoke and retired, he bit on the bullet and bought the top-rangeISE
That was several years ago.
He is adamant that this has been his best investment other than his house. the drum is HUGE …and bears no relationship to the previous machines he had – Hoover, In de s*it and the dreaded Haier. all were supposedly 3/4 the capacity of the ISE, but the drum only half the size… It’s fast, ultra-quiet, economical, washes really well and his ECZEMA has virtually gone since the ISE washes and rinses so much better. He has had it several years now and it hasn’t missed a beat.
He’s convinced it will not need attention during it’s 10-year warranty.

He and wifey have now got their first child, so it will get a real workout now!
The ISE is the nearest thing you’ll get to a £2500 upwards launderette machine!.beautifully engineered to last and be easily repairable.

[renMike]

Re: Zanussi ZWF16581W – Sealed drum?

Thanks for the recommendation. Still considering options as the current machine violently destroys itself.

[Author]

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