Hotpoint WD71 - has the bearing gone?

On Christmas Eve (typical!) I went to get my washing out and was faced with a room full of stinking smoke.

I looks like the drum had somehow got stuck and the motor spindle slipped on the belt. The belt was intact but noticeably thinner at one point so - although when I open it up the drum was moving freely. I've replaced the belt and there is now no smoke.

However, while testing it on a 1200 spin as the drum speeds up it makes a loud roaring sound which goes more a like a whirring noise once it hits top speed.

Everything appears to be running smoothly apart from the noise, but there must be something wrong somewhere. I still can't understand how the band got 'worn' in the first place, so I'm sure I've treated the symptom but not the cause.

Grateful for any help anyone can offer.

Ian Smyth
December 2006