Hotpoint

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Hotpoint SWMD9637 UK noisy drum bearings; repair not confirmed

The problem

A Hotpoint Ultima S-Line 9kg washing machine, model SWMD9637 UK, was reported to have failing drum bearings. The owner wanted to know whether the bearings could be replaced separately or whether the whole drum assembly would need replacing.

Likely cause

The accepted reply said the likely issue was worn or collapsed drum bearings. If the bearings had been noisy for a long time, or if the drum could be lifted up and down on the shaft, there might also be drum spider wear or breakage. It was not confirmed whether this model uses separate bearings and seal or requires a complete drum assembly.

What fixed it

The accepted advice was to check a spares supplier to see whether this exact model is supported with separate bearings and seals or only a complete drum. It was also noted that bearing replacement is a major repair with possible complications, and that an older machine may not be economical to fix. The exact repair carried out was not confirmed.

Checks to try

• Checked whether spares listings for model SWMD9637 UK show separate bearings and seals or a complete drum
• Observed whether the bearings had been noisy for a long time
• Checked whether the drum could be lifted up and down on the shaft

Parts or tools mentioned

• Drum bearings
• Seal
• Complete drum