Try to spin drum by hand, if the grating noise seems to be coming from the top-front of the drum (just inside the door) it is almost certainly the front bearing. This bearing is just made from a piece of felt which is stuck onto the housing that the drum revolves around. These felt bearings cost around £5 to buy. If you decide to fit a new bearing yourself let me know and I will give you step by step instructions on how to do it.
paul, December 2007
