Yet another Honey-Do: Growling washing machine, Pt 1

[DIYSwede]

Being at it again, as time is money and winners never quit - successfully sawed the previously "Sealed Unit" apart.
Drum and its axle spider intact from rust, but the insides carry app a pound of organic and non-organic yecchy compounds...

Reason for failure: Oil seal (ROLF 40,2x72x10/13,5mm) had cracked its inner lip,
ruining the balls in the first NSK 6207 DU sealed bearing, the Polish rear PPL 6206 Z still intact.



I had to provide a few quickly improvised tools for taking out the bearings, their housing being a tapered affair:



Heat from a hair dryer, application of homebrewed "Ed's Red" creep oil, yanking the wrenches and knocking from the rear,
finally got the bearings and the remains of the oil seal out. Real tight press fit taking its toll on the impromptu tools:



Cleaning & decalcification will commence, as orders have been placed for SKF 6206 & 6207 RSH "Explorer",
and another (non-Italian this time) oil seal.
50 bucks delivered by Schenker is the minimum "Learning Fee" for yours truly -
add another 10 for fasteners, sealant etc.

Then some DIY bearing-setting tools will be made, an expired but full CO2 extinguisher
brought home from work for freezing the bearings and drum axle before mounting.
I might also have to modify a borrowed Alfra hydraulic hand punch for the last shove of the bearings,
as the darned tub just won't fit into the hydraulic press at work...

Next: Refitting the drum and tub halves together: liberally seal up the gap with RTV silicone* and bolt together,
let sit for curing some 72-ish hours. Add concrete counterweights, drop down with drum opening to front.
Bolt up, add hoses, hook wires up, add covers - (check for "leftover" pieces) and test run!

At least - that's the "Plan A". Then the (formerly) sealed tub might leak, the electronics go AWOL
or other mishaps will happen through Providence or my own fault, that'll surely keep me alert!
I can always buy another sealed tub as a first emergency exit, or even a new machine if I get entirely bored.

* -Any HMT:ers knowledgeable about the >90 deg C heat-, acid- & alkali-resistance of run-of-the-mill cheap RTV?
Other suggestions and points of view welcome as well, as always!

Cheers
Johan