I have a Hotpoint Aquaris washing machine and its been working great for 5 years. Suddenly it has started making serious noises like banging only when in fast spin mode. Someone has mentioned that it may be the ball bearings, but I don't know how to replace them, can you help ?

Armi Kosonen, April 2004

I have encountered same problem on our Aquarius machine. I think it just requires the bearing to be replaced. I can't see why Hotpoint would say it would fail again. Mine has lasted 8 yrs and if I replace the bearing, whats to stop it from going another 4-5 yrs...????

Tom O'Sullivan, August 2004

Our Aquarius machine had the same problem after 2 years. We asked local repairers for the cost of replacing the bearings on the drum. Two dealers refused to repair the aqaruis as they said it would fail again in a very short period. A third dealer quoted me £160.00 for the repair but would not guarantee hus work.
We purchase a cheap machine with a two year waranty and would not go near aquarius again.

David Thomas, May 2004

Thanks Fiona, but I have already taken the lid off and found no springs to be worn out. It seems like the noise appears from the centre of the drum where the fan belt is attached too. Anymore advice people ?

Armi Kosonen, April 2004

I just took the back off my Aquarius Washer Dryer as I think the brushes needing replacing (going by some advice on this and other websites). While inspecting the insides of the machine, I noticed that the springs holding the drum in place/helping suspend it front and back are held in place by bolted on bits of metal, possibly aluminium. My machine is second hand, it must be quite old as the piece of metal at the back had been shorn through by the spring moving around on it. Someone had drilled another hole in the metal and reattached the spring. The front piece of metal is going as well. Perhaps you need to slide the top off and have a look (remember to unplug first!) and possibly reattach the springs (just a bit of a guess). Good luck!

Fiona, April 2004