Hotpoint Aquarius WMA46 - Noisy on Spin?

Had the machine for 2 1/2 years and it has suddenly started to be incredibly noisy on spin. Sounds like a loud rumble and banging that makes the house vibrate. Although I haven't taken the back off to investigate, there doesn't seem to be excessive up and down movement in the drum when checking from the front. Is this likely to be drum bearings or shock absorbers?

Andy Woodcock
June 2005