Hotpoint WM51 motor armature query

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

Hotpoint WM51A motor armature pulley-end bearing not considered repairable

The problem

The owner of a Hotpoint New Edition WM51A washing machine asked whether the pulley-end bearing on the motor armature could be replaced, and whether a pattern armature equivalent to part number 1603071 was suitable.

Likely cause

The discussion indicates the pulley-end bearing is obstructed by the unusual belt pulley arrangement on this older motor design, making bearing replacement impractical. The pattern armature shown was also considered likely to be for a much older motor and not confirmed as correct for the WM51A.

What fixed it

Advice given was that armature bearings are normally press-fitted and removed with a bearing puller, then refitted with a bearing press or suitable fitting tool. However, for this specific pulley-end bearing, the accepted view was that it cannot realistically be removed because of the pulley design. Historically these motors were repaired by replacing the armature complete with bearings, and later by replacing the complete motor. The pattern armature should only be considered after confirming compatibility with the seller.

Checks to try

• Model identified as Hotpoint WM51A
• Pattern replacement referenced as equivalent to part number 1603071
• Forum engineer noted the pictured armature appeared to be a very old, non-genuine type
• Pulley-end bearing access questioned due to the belt pulley arrangement

Parts or tools mentioned

• Bearing puller
• Bearing press
• Armature assembly equivalent to part number 1603071
• Complete motor