Just a thought - we had same problem (caused by water leaking on bearing assly at back of drum over a period of time.) We were going to scrap same but were told that HP would repair if m/c less than 5 years old despite the fact that we weren't original purchasers (It was 4 years old.) HP replaced motor and bearings - parts free but we had to pay a fixed charge for callout and labour of about £85. We feel it was money well spent as the washer was otherwise in as new condition.
(Suspect you may have to remove the whole back of drum as well to get at the bearings ...)
Ian Clewes
June 2005