Hi my tumble dryer has been very noisey for a few months and has now stopped working altogether the drum does not turn and doesnt do anything when i switch it on.
My partner thinks i have overloaded it and made the bearings go how do i check that it is the bearings that have gone and that it isnt something more serious.
Also i have read that you need to replace the belt at the same time is this true. ?
Thanks

charmaine, February 2008

Unhook the belt from the motor and turn the drum by hand with the machine loaded. If there is a bearing problem you will hear and feel it. Sometimes the noise is just at the front where the felt or nylon support has worn away. This can be fixed by replacing them. If the noise comes from the back then it is probably the bearings. No abnormal noise or movement means the drum is probably ok. It could be the belt tensioner dry and squeaking.
It may be worth fitting a new belt if you are going to do the bearings, but if the old one is in good condition it is not necessary.

Colin, February 2008