The washer is a bosch classix and is not draining& spinning effectively. We thought the ball was stuck and found its way from drum into hose so removed it

claire, August 2012

If none of the previous info works and you have slow drain check if you have an anti syphon box top back right of machine (you have not given model no on inside of door) if so could be blocked, if pump is noisy check if impellor is wobbly if so new pump req'd. If drain hose is connected to sink plumbing check spigot for blockage. (ball is supposed to be in the hose) Cheers

Kenjo, August 2012

if ball was in big bottom hose it is a detergent recovery ball.used to stop detergent falling in to low point on bottom hose.Removing it will have no ill effects on washing machine operation.hold drain hose over a bucket.Water should come out nice and fast full bore of pipe diameter

CK, August 2012

Not sure about yours, BUT.
If it had a ball inside the pipe work, it is probably to restrict return flow, from the outlet. But removing it, will allow the water from the pipe to flow back into m/c.
Slow outlet. check your outlet pipes, make sure all clear, NOT just on m/c. Then check your outlet pump filter, could be blocked. usually at lowest point of m/c. sometimes behind the kick plate. Water will come out when you open it. That is most likely problem. after that check outlet pump is not blocked, you will need to disconnect the pipe work to check. If still bad, could be outlet pump.

SD, August 2012