On Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 11:30:18 AM UTC+1, T i m wrote:
On Thu, 23 May 2019 00:55:16 -0700 (PDT), sm_jamieson
wrote:

My Hotpoint WMUD 962 washing machine needs new bearings and it apparently has a welded outer drum (I've not checked).
Apparently the bearing can be changed with a little bit of skill if you drill holes around, split the seam (dremel / hacksaw etc. ?) and bolt back together with sealant.
OK (if SWMBO will let me try !), but anyone done this and has a list of gotchas ?


Yup (against the best advise). ;-)

https://preview.tinyurl.com/yy2s4ebd

1) Strip machine. (13 month old Zanussi off Freecycle)

2) Drill tub bolt-flanges out to take a suitable SS bolts, whilst they
are still perfectly aligned (we used M6 machine screws, rather than
the self-tappers it would have come with, had it not been welded).

3) Cut round tub flange using saber saw.

4) Remove drum from tub, replace bearings and seal, refit drum.

5) Offer the two tub parts together and see if there is still
clearance between open end of tub and drum. If not, find suitable
spacers (we used ss washers) for the gap.

6) If applicable, find some suitable diameter neoprene cord to form
mechanical seal in groove (scarf joint at the tip) designed for a seal
(but now cut though).

7) Apply CT1 sealant around both mating flanges and re-join tub
halves. Allow to cure overnight.

8) Re-assemble washing machine and enjoy for a further ~8 years. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

How thick is the flange? - I mean if you get the saw out of line and slice off to one side, you've had it !