I replaced the fan, the belt twice and the jockey wheel. I've checked the bearing which doesn't look oval. But still the belt ends up shredded. I have belt tension, and the machine does basically work.

One clue I have is that the belt rides back and forth over the raised area of the axle, when tumbling forward (mostly), but runs correctly in the "v-groove" area of the axle when tumbling backward(occasionally).

When running forward, it seems to make a "thump" noise about every second which is probably the time taken for a drum rotation. The belt is also running hard up against the edge of the jockey wheel, but returns to the centre when running backward.

Suggestions gratefully received.

BobG, May 2004

Thanks for the pic Bob. I had fitted the belt the wrong way but thanks to the pic it now seems to be working. Fingers crossed anyway.

Magicam, February 2005

Thank you for the photo - we were struggling with where to fit the belt, and it solved the problem.

Maria, October 2004

Mac,

You are welcome. I'm still regularly mending our TC-470, seems to be my latest hobby :-/
See also www.ezee-fix.co.uk for the latest news.

BobG, June 2004

Thanks for the photo Bob - It really helped with replacing a broken belt.

Mac, June 2004

After a suggestion from Phidom on www.ezee-fix.co.uk I decided to remove my homespun plastic spacer between the circlip and the jockey wheel, and I think this is going to be better as I noticed that at the motor direction changes - the jockey wheel moves in or out, whilst the belt stays fixed - which couldn't happen before.

BobG, May 2004

I replaced the bearing (straw clutching) and the shredded belt. I took out the drum, cleaned the fluff out of the machine particularly where the drum runs, cleaned the surfaces of the drum that rub, and applied a smidgeon of oil on them. I also sanded the surface of the drum where the belt contacts, being very careful not to get any oil on the drum at this point.

The thumping noise has gone, but the belt still rides off centre compared with the middle of the jockey wheel. It has done two or three cycles successfully.

If it fails within a few weeks again, it will be tumble dryer graveyard time.

BobG, May 2004

Sorry - I don't think that long URL I posted in the last append works.
Try this instead...
http://uk.f2.pg.briefcase.yahoo.com/bjgrain
then select My Documents and then tc470blt.jpg.

BobG, May 2004

Not an answer, but I've put a picture (472kB) of the trouble here...

http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/bc/4096ceb2_129a9/bc/My+Documents/tc470blt.jpg?bfAatlABJkWUr6Ub

First time I've tried using a picture upload, so hope it works.

BobG, May 2004