Noisy Hotpoint Aquarius WDAL 8640 Washer Dryer?

Hi - my Hotpoint Aquarius WDAL 8640 Washer Dryer (about 5 yrs old) is making graunching noises BEFORE the spin cycles - its intermittent and has been going on for about 3 months but is very loud - during the spin cycle it is silent - grateful for any ideas what the noise could be, thanks