Solved
Whirlpool

Noisy Whirlpool washing machine

FAFatLaz
Asked almost 5 years ago 4,617 views
0

Hi all, please would you be able to offer some advice on my Whirlpool washing machine? It has started making a noisy 'clunking' sound during the spin cycle and is gradually getting worse each time it is used. There is also a leak coming from the back of the drum. I'm assuming it's the bearing which needs replacing but I'm no expert having only done a bit of research. The model number & serial number are: WWDC 8420/2 (859204215010). Please see attached photo and video.

20210926_092501_1_1_1_1_1.mp4

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.

Whirlpool WWDC 8420/2 noisy spin and leak likely due to failed drum bearings

The problem
Whirlpool washing machine WWDC 8420/2 (859204215010) was making an increasingly loud clunking noise during spin, with a leak reported from the back of the drum.
Likely cause
The accepted diagnosis was failed drum bearings. Further forum advice said that if no bearings are listed for this model on spares sites, it likely requires a complete outer drum assembly rather than separate bearing replacement. Rust/water from the rear was said to suggest possible shaft damage or collapse of the front bearing, but this was not confirmed by strip-down.
What fixed it
Accepted advice was that the fault is the drum bearings and that repair is often not economical because many machines need a complete new outer drum rather than separate bearings. The poster was advised that absence of listed bearings for this model on spares sites usually indicates that only a complete drum assembly is intended. No actual repair was carried out or confirmed in the discussion.
Checks to try
  • Model number provided: WWDC 8420/2
  • Serial/service number provided: 859204215010
  • Symptoms reported: clunking noise during spin
  • Leak reported from back of drum
  • Poster checked UK spares websites and could not find replacement bearings
Parts or tools mentioned
  • Drum bearings
  • Several seals
  • Complete outer drum

Safety: Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.

Cause identifiedGenerated 14 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes — read the full thread below.
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4 Answers

Accepted Answer
0
WH
WhitegoodshelpVerified Engineer
Answered almost 5 years ago

Yes it’s drum bearings. It’s often not worth repairing these days. Many washing machines can’t have drum bearings replaced and have to have an entire new outer drum fitted.

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.
0
FA
FatLaz
Answered almost 5 years ago

Thanks so much for your feedback. Unfortunately for me it's not quite as easy to replace the washing machine as I shipped it in a container to Zambia where I'm currently volunteering. I'm hoping to get a replacement bearing part for it & ship it here to fix it myself but I've looked on a few UK spare parts websites and they don't supply it. Can I assume for this specific model that it's not possible to get the part or should I keep looking? Is there any way of checking if my model can be fixed with this issue? Thanks again.

0
WH
WhitegoodshelpVerified Engineer
Answered almost 5 years ago

I think most can’t be repaired now. If you go to a spares site and there are no bearings listed for your model you can assume it needs a complete drum.

It’s possible to source similar bearings from a bearing company but you can’t replace bearings without replacing several seals. Even if you had the parts it’s a very big job and when rust is coming out of the back it often means there is damage to the drum shaft and or the front bearing has collapsed.

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.
1
FA
FatLaz
Answered almost 5 years ago

Ok, understood. Thanks so much for your advice & support!

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