My washing machine has just died - is PigletJohn about??

[kippersmum]

My washing machine has made ominous rattling noises the last 2 times I used it.
It has just died :( water goes in & drains out as normal, the cycle runs as normal but the drum doesn't turn.

It is a 7 or 8 year old mid-range Bosch machine that has had a tough life with 2 small children, plus we live near a beach so despite my best efforts sand gets in it sometimes.

Do I attempt repairing it or am I best getting a new one? I would appreciate some advice.

Sods law it bloody dies when both DD's winter coats are in it & are full of soap!!!! Grrrrrr...

I'm neither PigletJohn or an expert but if the drum won't turn it sounds like the brushes might have gone.

If it's that, it's a quick, simple and fairly cheap job to fix it. Last time this happened to us our local friendly washing machine repair man showed us how to do it ourselves.

Rattling noise though?

Have you been getting black specks on your white washing?

The pump has its own motor, but churn and spin are driven by the main motor.

If you open the door (after unplugging the machine) can you rotate the drum by hand? Does it feel smooth?

My friend has just had her Bosch washing machine fixed. Apparently they are notorious for the brushes to need replacing if they break down. Cost her £70 to fix.

I can rotate the drum by hand, it feels smooth, easier than normal to turn tbh & makes a funny hissing noise. I have had a few black specks, but not loads. I checked with my mum (whose memory is way better than mine!) & the machine is approx 12 years old.

Silly question - I have never heard of a washing machine brush. What is it & how can I tell if it is those that have gone??

It has been making very loud, expensive sounding, rattling noises, is that something that happens when the brushes need doing?

no, when the brushes need changing the motor stops (it might start erratically for a short time). They are a part of the motor, and gradually wear away.

black specks indicate the drum bearings are worn out, can be expensive

if it turns freely and smoothly, it is also possible that the drive belt (rubber band) is broken, but in that case I would have expected you to hear the motor fruitlessly spinning when it tried to rotate the drum.

12 years is a fair age if you have been washing for a family, so look at the price of a new Bosch before you ask the price of a repair. Ask around for a recommended local repairman.

12 years??? This fills me with hope. I just bought a bosch after my old machine died! Was fed up with them breaking every 3/4 years!

I have looked around & decided it is time for a new Bosch machine. Thanks everyone for the tips.

Our Bosch stopped spinning, and I think turning, my dh changed the brushes and it works perfectly.
The brushes cost a tenner and he looked at a video on YouTube how to change them.