My same experiences (Hoover TV30 Reverse Action)

Member Name: malcolma

Product:	Hoover TV30 Reverse Action
Date:	18/12/02 (403 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: works ok for a little while, makes amusing noises, self dismantling drum

Disadvantages: costly consumables-(Drum), Cheap materials-Bearings, poor assembly

I bought this tumble dryer from a local outlet. We wanted a heavy duty load machine and it appeared to fulfill our requirements. After just 8 months, the drum bearings failed. The machine made awful noises and eventually seized up altogether.
On calling out a repairman under the guarantee, we had the drum replaced and were told that this subsequent drum was not under the original guarantee.
As I wasn't home at the time, I assumed it was an isolated fault.
However, on 14th december 2002, again, the drum ceased to revolve.
I enquired as to the price of a spares replacement and was told the cost would be in the region of £95.
Having paid £149 for the machine new, I thought this was a ridiculous price.
I dismantled the machine myself and inspected the source of the problem.( I am in the engineering trade).
What I found appalled me as an engineer. The supporting spindle for the rear of the drum is a round bar about 10mm in diameter pop riveted to the drum. It had worn down to 8mm diameter. The ''plate'', (if it could be called that) was a nylon/teflon affair in which the spindle ran and was screwed by two self tapping screws to the back ''dish''..
That is, until it wore through and cut its way through the bottom of the nylon plate!
To me, this seems to be good evidence of either a complete lack of proper product testing before release onto the market, OR a very poor understanding of basic engineering principles regarding friction.
However, I decided that I was not going to pay that ridiculous price for a replacement drum when I knew in about 6-10 months, another would be needed.
I measured the thickness of what remained of the plate, and taknig the figures already ascertained for the worn diameter of the spindle riveted to the drum; went a bought a small sealed bearing from a BSL bearing supplier. I ensured that the bearing was suitable for a hot humid environment and was sealed with r
ubber seals to give out less noise whilst rotating. The bearing cost just over six pounds and was perfect for my needs. I went to a nearby workshop and made a suitable plate with a recess to house the bearing and fitted it to the dish at the back of the machine. I also had to replace the drive belt-£8 from a local supplier.
After assembly the machine was run for 3 hours and gave no problems except for a very slight increase in noise. Which compared to the noises we have had was very minor.
With this bearing fitted, I do not expect to be patronising Hoover spares again for a new drum. In their desperation to to maximise profits in the short term, Hoover seems to have shot itself in the foot in the long term.

Summary: