I have a Tricity Bendix AW 1400 W washing machine which started making a ticking noise as the drum went round. This has stopped now, but there is a slight leak towards the end of the programme and some black spots on the clothes after washing. I have checked the pump for blockages and done a cleaning cycle to try and clear the spotting problem, but both problems remain. Has anybody got a solution?

Desperate Nick, January 2009

thanks for this. i'm having the same prob & told hubby it was the bearings, but he wouldnt listen. maybe now he will!

Ros B, October 2010

Sounds like early bearing failure...Black spots are probably fragments of the rubber seal covering the bearings or grease from the bearings themselves. The rubber seal is breaking up, allowing water to wash the grease out of the bearings and into the drum. Check for bearing failure by seeing if there is any vertical movement between the moving stainless drum and the fixed outer drum. There should be no vertical movement between them - if there is the bearings have failed and will soon collapse. Power off, drag machine out onto the floor, remove back cover. Check for rusty spray around where the pulley shaft exits the drum - another indication of seal and bearing failure. Another method of checking is to remove the drive belt and rotate the drum by hand - there should be no noise, roughness or resistance to rotation. Changing bearings is an involved job, only attempt if you are mechanically competent.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html

dannyboy, January 2009