My tumble dryer, about 5 years old or so, makes a terrific vibration-type noise when the drum is turning under power, but it is significantly reduced when I push on the front of the machine just about anywhere above half way! Have you any idea what could be causing it and whether it would be economically viable to repair?

Mr D Spencer, January 2013

Thanks again kenjo, for your invaluable input. I think you may be closer to the mark with your latest diagnosis - something in there is travelling fast, and drum speed wouldn't fit the bill.
I don't believe this is juddering, and I'm thinking that the drum is simply amplifying the noise of a quieter source and logically, as you say, it is more likely something to do with the motor. Coupled with this is the fact that it's been getting steadily worse, which to me could indicate wear rather than breakage. The problem with that is if it is the motor it won't be worth repairing as I'm being quoted about £200 for a new one.
I'm going to get an engineer out to take a look. If it's not viably repairable they'll take their call-out charge off the price of a new one, which they say they'll price match, so it seems the sensible way to proceed.
May I thank you once again for the trouble you've taken in trying to sort out my problem. I'll be sure to let you know if I find out what the problem is, so as not to leave you wondering!

Dennis, January 2013

your last post about type of noise "hammer at high speed" was not what i envisaged, without hearing it it is difficult to advise. A juddering effect would be the front felt but a high speed hammering sounds more likely to be to do with the motor as its the only thing that revolves at high speed. Only probs I have had with mechanical noise are front felt and guides worn, blower blade broken or split, rear ball bearing worn and its aluminium housing distorted. Cheers

Kenjo, January 2013

By the way kenjo, the extremely loud 'vibrating' noise is like the drum is being tapped with a small hammer at very high speed!

Dennis, January 2013

Many thanks for your trouble kenjo. I too was wondering if it was something to do with the way the drum is housed at the front, so I tried lubricating the housing with a PTFE spray, front and back, but with no effect. Trouble is, it's not possible to tell whether the lubricant is reaching the parts it needs to - perhaps I should have tried Guinness!
I'm okay with mechanical things and managed to work out how to put a new drum belt on, which as you probably know needs a fair bit of dismantling and disconnection, so I'll take your advice and get the bits you suggest and give it a go. Thanks again.

Dennis, January 2013

probably worn front drum felt and guides, it causes a juddering effect usually. If you can do it definitely worth it if not it depends on labour charges of repairer. Bosch usually last 12 years plus Cheers

kenjo, January 2013