[QUOTE="Gyp"] Big end went in spectacular fashion, requiring replacement of full bearing assembly and outer plastic drum so basically it's beyond economic repair. [/QUOTE] Buy an Indesit. Indesit 1 - lasted 14 years. I left it in my first house for the newly married people. Indesit 2 - lasted 14 years before the bearings went. Indesit 3 - is 5 years old, so 9 years to go then. John