How can I get the back casing off my Zanussi aquacycle 1000?

Hi, i have Zanussi Aquacycle 1050(in Eire btw).
I have a noisy drum on full spin & black oil or lubricant leaked into the drum ruining some baby vests & bibs, none of my good shirts though! :)
I'm an electrician by trade, so with some tools to hand i got it off no sweat about 5mins ago, then came to web to search similar probs.
Assuming u have plug out & water disconnected or isolated & drain hose in waste-pipe, sink or basin, open the 2 screws at the top around the back(pozi driver or 8mm socket).Then pop the top off.Open the 2 screws at back bottom(8mm socket).
Look on each side of machine near bottom, u should see 2 round plugs painted same colour as machine with small round hole in centre.Prize the plugs out using a small screwdriver or similar implement in the centre hole.Now u see 2 screws underneath(1 each side).Open both(8mm socket).Hope your remembering which screws went where?
Next look to the top back section where the hot/cold pipes enter into the machine, u should see a plastic mould all around them & the mains cable.There are 2 clips(part of same mould)holding the mould in on each side in 2 small holes.Again prize the clips out using small flat headed screwdriver to move the little flap of plastic.Assuming your standing behind the machine...on the left clip prize it to the right & pull mould up & vice versa for the right clip.Do 1, then the other.It was a bit tricky but take your time.Now u have the mould clear of the steel frame the whole back section should come away with a little tug here & there.This gives u adequate access to the drum, belt & motor.My guess,in my case, is that the seal has gone on the drum bearing, leaking it's lubricant into the drum & now the bearing is running dry, creating the noise.That'll mean new bearing if i can source 1.

Hope this helps u & others ;O)

George
February 2006