Washing Machine Problem

[Eve]

My washing machine has started making a really foreboding noise when on the second spin cycle.

It seems not quite right but not as bad on the first spin cycle but on the second it gets really loud and bangs a lot more.

Could anyone tell me what would be likely to be wrong and how easy it is to fix and how much it might cost as seriously broke at the moment.

Thank you for any help!

[AlBags]

That sounds like the main drum bearing seal has leaked and bearing is failing. This will make a howling or screeching noise when spinning fast.
Shrieking or squealing is usually serious belt slip. Can tension up internally with (usually 17mm) spanner/socket.
Belts easy, main bearing is a stripdown, and a bearing or bearing/spider kit, depending on damage. If caught early, just bearing usually needed and available for £30-40.
What make and model?

[Eve]

Thanks Albags! It's an Indesit W1335. It's not squealing, just a really loud banging like it's instable.

It still washes things but the spin cycle is now more than a bit crazy and makes so much noise, sounds like it's about to take off!

Just hoping it's something easy and cheap to fix.

[Vagrant]

Sounds more like a broken spider arm than a bearing.

[Eve]

Is that really bad?

[AlBags]

Hiya
If it's JUST banging, and no bearing noise or squeal, it is maybe a broken drum support spring or concrete/conterbalance weight is loose.
Get the machine pulled out, take off lid and check the suspension springs and concrete (counterbalance) weights which are usually bolted on. Some tho only have special ring-shaped weight around door and on lower rear.
Usually bang about if load is very uneven or are washing a heavy single item.

[Eve]

Ahh I wonder if that could be it then as I have used it a few times since and it seemed ok on a lighter load!

Thought it was ok at first but then did it again.

I will have a look tomorrow, not going to try now as so tired and can hardly keep my eyes open for bed for me now the tumbledrier has finished.

Thank you so much for your help, it's very very much appreciated. Will let you know what I find.

[AlBags]

No problem! x Al.

[Vagrant]

The drum is bolted to a three fingered thing called a spider.
The spider has a spindle which goes into the main bearing.
If one of the spider arms breaks, the drum flaps around and bangs about while spinning, and makes a horrendous noise (but doesn't screech or squeal).
It's easy and relatively cheap to fix for someone who's mechanically competent - but it's fiddly and quite a lot of effort, so probably expensive to pay someone else to do. I'm not an expert, but have had this fault myself and fixed it myself.
Really, you need Chuckfickens to answer this - I believe he used to
service washing machines.

[AlBags]

From the symptoms we have covered it.
A spider breaking is pretty serious a failure .. What were you washing? Bricks?

[Hopkirk]

Is the machine old?

If so, give up now and buy a new one.

[AlBags]

2003-2006 ish.

[mrs_nordling]

Are you missing an underwire from a bra? They're notorious for causing washing machine problems.