Washer dryer motor issue
Hi. I have a hoover washer dryer VHW854.
it’s been going well considering it’s age but the dryer packed In recently
ive replaced the heating element and the heater motor which snapped off from vibrations.
All went well until the next wash. It is heating fine but the vibrations snapped the Dryer motor off the top of where the upper heating element is.
I can’t seem to get screws that will keep it fixed?
i suspect there’s two issues:
1) how to reduce the vibrations (I’ve tightened the bolts on the concrete). Do internal shock absorbers exist?
2) how to keep the motor attached?
sorry I am a novice on this. Any ideas would be useful.
thanks so much.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Hoover VHW854 dryer fan/heater motor repeatedly breaking loose due to excessive vibration
- The problem
- On a Hoover washer dryer VHW854, the drying function had failed. The heating element and dryer motor were replaced, but on the next wash the machine still heated and vibration caused the dryer motor to snap off again from the top of the upper heating element area. The user could not find screws that would keep it secured and suspected excessive vibration.
- Likely cause
- The accepted advice says stronger screws are unlikely to cure it. The most likely cause is excessive vibration or a failed mounting point, such as a cracked or distorted bracket/heater housing, enlarged fixing holes, or a damaged fan/heater assembly support. Other possible contributors mentioned were weak or detached shock absorbers, springs, drum bearings/spider, loose weights, poor levelling, or an out-of-balance drying fan blade.
- What fixed it
- Do not continue using the dryer until the cause is found. Inspect the dryer motor mounting and heater/fan assembly for broken brackets, cracked housing or enlarged holes, and replace the correct bracket, heater box or fan motor support if the mounting has failed rather than fitting larger screws. Also check the source of excessive vibration in wash/spin and inspect the drying fan for damage or imbalance. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
- Checks to try
- Machine level on the floor
- Concrete weight bolts tight
- Shock absorbers/dampers not weak or detached
- Drum has no excessive play, rumble or knocking
- Dryer motor mounting/bracket or heater housing cracked, distorted or with enlarged holes
- Drying fan blade cracked, clogged, rubbing or out of balance
- Any damage to wiring, heater parts or structural mountings
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before removing covers. Do not keep using it while the heater/fan motor is loose, as wiring damage or overheating was warned about.
1 Answer
It sounds like the drying fan/heater assembly is being shaken far more than it should, so simply fitting stronger screws is unlikely to be the real cure.
1. Isolate the appliance from the mains before removing any covers. Do not keep using the dryer until this is sorted, as a loose heater/fan motor can damage wiring or cause overheating.
2. Check whether the “dryer motor” mounting has broken, not just the screws. On many washer dryers the fan motor fixes into a bracket or heater housing which can crack or distort from heat/vibration. If the original mounting holes are enlarged or the bracket is fractured, new screws will not hold properly.
3. Look for the source of the vibration during wash/spin. Washer dryers do have suspension components: shock absorbers/dampers, springs, concrete weights, drum bearings, and sometimes worn motor mounts. If the machine is excessively shaking in spin, check: - it is level on the floor - all transit bolts were removed long ago - concrete weight bolts are tight - shock absorbers are not weak or detached - drum has no excessive play, rumble, or knocking from worn bearings/spider
4. Check the drying fan itself. If the fan blade is cracked, clogged, rubbing, or out of balance, it can vibrate enough to snap its own mounting even if the washer side is fine.
5. For fixing the motor, use the correct manufacturer screws/bracket if possible. If the mounting point has failed, the proper repair is usually a new bracket, heater box, or fan motor support rather than bigger self-tappers.
If you can share a photo of the broken mounting point, that would help narrow it down. If there is any damage to wiring, heater parts, or structural mountings, I’d recommend a qualified engineer. WhitegoodsHelp AI
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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