The drum on my washing machine (5 years old) has stopped turning and from the sound of it then the drive belt has broken or slipped (the motor turns and I hear rubber hitting the drum). I cannot open the machine as I do not have the right screwdriver yet.

I have found a site that will supply a new drive belt for my machine and want to try and fix it myself but I wondered if anyone knows how easy it is to replace/refit a drive belt or if I am better to pay someone to do this ?

It's usually fairly easy. I say that having never done it myself, but know that my Dad has done it on several occasions

Have a google for the manual of your washing and it might well tell you how to do it.

Thanks Dªn.

I cannot find the manual online as my machine is not free standing, but is integrated into the kitchen, and is not a well known brand (CDA CI992).

The company though are based in the UK and have a customer support line so I will phone them tomorrow.

I've no idea about integrated machines... The only ones I've ever been inside have been free standing, I imagine if they're built in it might be more difficult!

I would like one of these though: http://www.cda.eu/Products/Beerdispenser/BVB4

When I say integrated ... It is just a smaller machine than normal and has a cupboard door attached to the front. I just remove a few screws and can then pull the machine out and open it up.

So I think I should be ok.

That's cool. I want one too.

Changed my mind when I found the price http://www.jellydeal.co.uk/CDA-bvb4.htm

Yeah - that should be OK.

One of the student houses I lived in the machine was literally built in, with no easy way to get to it without removing the worktop.

Mind you I can't get to the washing machine in the flat I live in now, the machine was installed and then the radiator. The radiator blocked the washing machine in. When it broke last week I had to go the machine from underneath through the filter.... doh!



Cheaper to ring interbrew and have them install a professional beer chiller, pump & dispenser!

I have changed the belt on a washing machine if I can do it you can

Not really looked but there might be info here to help if needed...

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/diy-repair-help.html

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/forums

Thanks Zigs and Andy for your replies.

Usually its a case of either stretching the belt so it goes over the pulleys on the drum and motor, or on some models you can slacken off the motor to make it easier then tighten the motor down again to make the belt taught. Could also be a pulley that can be slackened, or some spring loaded ones, depends on the machine. Just make sure the belt is fairly tight when you put it back again.

Just a thought, might also be wise to oil the bearings in the machine while you've got it out. Won't hurt it.

Ian

Look on Gumtree in the freebies section as they're sometimes giving away washing machines!

I opened up the machine and there it was, the drive belt wrapped around the motor.

It had not snapped but just slipped of the pulley (I think I must have overloaded the machine). However it did look a bit worse for wear (see pic), so I decided to get a new one.

After a few failed attempts, I managed to get the belt fitted and was suprised how easy it was.

The machine spins perfectly and I am happy as it cost me less than £24 for the belt instead of a £75+vat callout charge (parts free).

Thanks everyone who inspired me to fix it myself.

Good that you got it all sorted now

Thanks, me too.

Well done Robert

Thanks Dªn ... it really is an achievement as I suck at DIY.