OK, did it this a.m. I offer this as a recount of what I did, and should not be taken as expert advice on how to do the job on your own machine. As with anything electrical, it is best left to a competent or qualified person.
First I unplugged the machine from the electric mains. THIS WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP. I also turned off and disconnected the water supply, then drained as much water as I could from the outlet pipe. When I had removed it all (ha ha) I laid the machine carefully on its back. So far, 10 minutes, mostly draining.
On the front, below the door, there was a plastic footplate which was held in place by clips and came off fairly easily. This revealed screws which held the white side to the steel frame. I removed these, and the other screws at intervals, front and back which held the side in place. Once the side was loose enough (I didnt remove it completely) I propped it up with a piece of wood, and the fixing for the element was revealed.
Inside the workings, I pushed the rubber cones from the element (which are obviously there to deflect any drips which get in) onto the wires so they would not be lost, and disconnected the wires by simply pulling the spade terminals down. The centre screw serves two purposes - to secure the element in place, and to be the earth connection. By removing the first nut, I was able to take the earth wire off. The second nut loosens the element, and with it removed, the element comes loose. I was careful no to drop the washers which were part of the setup.
I stood the machine upright, and opened the door. The element lifted out easily. There are two brackets fitted inside, but by gently squeezing the element a fraction, the old one came out, and the new one went in. I guess it would not be wise to overdo this. The new element had a rubber washer fitted, and this forms a water seal when the element is fixed in place.
Now the machine was turned onto its side again, and the fitting bolt received its washer and nut. I made this as tight as possible so that the rubber washer would be as tightly compressed and water proof as possible. Next, I refitted the earth connection and nut / washer which secures it. The two spade terminals were pushed back, and the rubber cones pushed back onto the element to protect from drips. Finally, I screwed the side back in place and fitted the footplate.
After much mopping up, and cleaning the space behind where it lives, I plugged in and away it went. Works fine.
This procedure may not work for other models, but in total, it took me just over an hour. But I repeat, I am not an engineer, and I would advise anyone with this problem to ensure they get a competent person to do the job.
John Dolan
January 2008
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