Miele W5741 - Bearings getting bad?

[zach485]

Hello.
Today, while boilwashing a duvet, i noticed a grinding noise coming from the machine while spinning. The noise would only appear when the spin was out of balance. This is the first time i have heard anything like this coming from this machine. I don't know how old it is as i got it used, but it has only done 2300 operating hours, (1/4 of expected lifetime), so i was rather shocked to hear this sound this early in to the machines life, as my other machine, Miele W485, has only just begun making a similar noise after 19 years.
When rotating the drum by hand, the drum wobbles up and down and makes a slightly bit of noise. (Click link below to see video)
So if it turns out to be the bearings, it is most likely the bearing seal that is leaking. Then i would like to ask for some advice for what to do. Should i take action immediately, or should i wait for it to get so bad that i would have to fix it? If i did take action now, would it be enough to only change the seal, or is it too late and i would have to replace the whole bearing as well? Or is it just not the bearings and something else?
Please let me know!

 

[combo52]

Most Likley bad seal and bearings,

But you should take the belt off and see if the drum turns more smoothly ans see what just the motor sounds when you run it without the belt.

 

Was this machine pretty dirty and maybe stinky when you bought it, it may have very bad usage habits with the first owner.

 

John L.

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Zach.

How old is the machine? In AU Miele will generally repair a bearing failure up to the 10 year mark, even if you aren’t the first owner. My 3000 series was repaired at the 8 year mark for free, even though I wasn’t the first owner.

If it’s the drum bearings, just ring Miele to book a service call and just explain that you expected a longer service life from the machine, and if the bearings have failed, is it possible to come to an arrangement for repair. You may have to pay the initial service call, but I’ve always been able to negotiate either free or discounted repairs. Just be firm and polite.

Regards

Nathan