I have just replaced the bearings on a hotpoint WMA53 which I would think is similar to the one you are talking about.
I too had a large spring left over - it turned out to be the spring holding the water inlet hose on after I racked my brain.
With regard to getting the bearings out, I used a metal drift and hammer. The metal drift (small diameter steel rod) was inserted through the rear of the drum bearing apperture and contacted the front bearing. Work the drift around the bearing in different places each time you hit with the hammer to give an even push. Mine was tight as it was slightly corroded in, but it gave eventually.
One tip though is to make sure you change the drum spindle (part of what they call a drum spider) as this may have become corroded/damaged and may not fit the new bearings as good as it should.
Hope this helps
Alan, January 2005
