should I get washing machine repaired or replaced?

[dangermouseisace]

I've got a 13 year old Bosch washing machine. It's been great- I have 3 kids, it's on every day. I've only ever had to have it repaired twice- the door seal once, and the motor once. Both were less than £60.

Now the drum isn't turning/washing machine isn't spinning. I've moved areas and call out/repairs seem to cost more. I'm being quoted nearly £70 just for the call out. I hate waste so would rather repair my machine…but does there come a point when they just die? I'm a bit worried that now it is so old it might be soon…or maybe other people have ancient Bosch's too? If I needed to replace the machine I'd be getting another Bosch as I definitely have had my money's worth but obviously they are not cheap…and it's getting near Christmas blah blah blah...

[mintthins]

We had an ancient Bosch and gave up on it when it was 17 years old. I too hate waste, and can't remember what it was that tipped me that time to just get a new one. However I did. I (of course) got another Bosch one, though the guy on the phone (I think it was "Next" so whoever supplies for them) insisted that I was making a huge mistake and that Bosch were no longer designed to last. We've had it about 4 years now, and had to replace the brushes a couple of months ago, but like yours it is on every day, often multiple times, so I can't complain, and I'm glad I stuck with Bosch.

Do you have any idea what is actually wrong with it? Is there an error code that would give you a hint? If it is something like the motor, I'd imagine that could be pricey to fix, but it might be simpler!

[e1y1]

If it is just a case of the drum not turning - everything else works (ie, it fills/heats/drains) it is very likely just to be the belt that has snapped.

Now, of course, it's never official advice to try and service the machine yourself, but if you/someone feels confident in doing it; it shouldn't be that hard to replace the belt (and you can buy the belt either from Bosch or somewhere like espares, for about £20).

It should just be a case of removing a panel on the back of the machine; as thankfully it being an older machine, they are designed to be more "repairable" than newer machines (which are designed to be replaced not repaired).

As you say, you could soon get to a stage where you will be throwing good money after bad, but if it were me, I would be seriously tempted to try the belt repair first.

One thing will say, PP is right, a new machine bought now, will not last anywhere near as long as older ones, be very surprised if a new machine would last 5 years.

[cozietoesie]

Or it could be a brush failure, e1.

[dangermouseisace]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up caving in and ordering a new machine (another Bosch) after speaking to a repair person who basically told me it wasn't worth it…John Lewis has an 8kg one £100 off I just wouldn't feel confident to repair it myself, as I'd rather avoid anything electrical. Fingers crossed this one lasts anywhere near as long...

[PickAChew]

i think the winner for me, with Bosch, is that their repair technicians take less than 2 weeks to show up after you book in a fault. Thei spare parts ordering is a bit of a farce, though. Stuff gets loaded onto the vans that's inadequately packaged and already stuffed (eg warped fans that don't spin straight) or the wrong part is sent, meaning that another slot has to be booked for another attempt. I have a 5 yo Siemens washer dryer (now out of extended warranty - wibble) and I'm beginning to know the servicing guys pretty well, as is typical with washer dryers! (Even though I have to sacrifice space I need for a dryer, I'm planning on buying a separate one, now because I definitely don't have room for the laundry mountain!)

[engineersthumb]

Hi
having ordered a new one anyway you could have a look at the old one. A belt us likley and dies not involve any electricsl work. Unplug from the socket. It's likely there will be a panel on the rear held on with 5or 6 screws. You will be looking at the drum. The motor will be at the bottom usually to one side. There should be a belt running around the big pulley on the back of the drum down to the motor shaft. If not it then this is the culprit. Take the replace ment band, slip it over the motor shaft and then feed it as far over the drum pulley as possible - it won't go all the way, now rotate the drum pulley toward the section not covered by the belt. The belt will climb on to the pulley and after about half a turn will be on. You have jyst repaired your first appliance. You could keep as a spare, pass on to a friend orcsncel your order!