I've got the same problem with the same machine.
Bearing have failed after only 2 years.
5 year parts guarantee means you can get a repair from Hotpoint with 'free' parts, but that costs £105 (I rang them this morning) and they only Guarantee the repair for 3 months - not much faith in their workmanship.
I've been buying Hotpoint's for 30 years, but this one may be my last.
BTW - I have changed the bearings myself on machines in the past with some success, but if the bearings have really given up they take the housing they sit in too, which is part of the drum - so if you machine is less than 5 years old and VERY noisy I wouldn't bother trying to fix it yourself. The bearings cost between £20-£30, and it's not an easy job. Up to you.
Ian
October 2009