Simpson Sirocco series, 350, 450, 455, 500

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Simpson Sirocco series, 350, 450, 455, 500

by Lance
(Brisbane, QLD, Australia)

This review comes from a repairer and serviceman of clothes dryers, 6 years experience.

The Simpson Sirocco range of dryers are generally fairly good products that will do the job. I do not rate them highly, for a couple of reasons. Some of the components are not built to last more than a few years of normal use. Most commonly, the plastic belt to run the fan will break after a couple of years use. Some people have actually thrown away their dryers when this happens, not knowing that they can fix it themselves for about $12. Another weak part is the plastic hinge cover on the front. An el-cheapo plastic part, when it breaks the door sags and almost falls off. Cost about $16 for a new one. Again, people have thrown away their dryers in disgust, when this happens.

What else goes wrong? I have seen many that have the horrible scraping noise during usage. Mostly this happens when some grit or foreign object (button, hair-pin, paperclip, etc) falls inside and is caught between the drum and the front friction pads. It's disappointing to see the usage of cheap, non-durable and quick wearing plastic parts in the Simpson dryers.

The earlier models of Simpson, going back 15 or 20 years, were much better built. Older Maxidry and Minimax dryers were generally very good and long-lasting, except that they also used the plastic fan belt.

I'm happy to answer your questions on dryers.

Comments for
Simpson Sirocco series, 350, 450, 455, 500

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Feb 21, 2010
Rating

Lee - door hinge, filter mount
by: Anonymous

Hi Lee,
You can buy the hinge cover, that will be what's broken. Available now on ebay, various sellers have them for Sirocco series and earlier models, about $15. Check with the seller first that their item will suit your model.
Is it a Sirocco series dryer that you have? You will need to take the back off and remove the drum to replace that plastic spigot assembly. Also available on ebay now, various sellers, I think about $20. If earlier than Sirocco, might be harder to find now.
Being Brisbane based, I'm not familiar with any appliance repairers in SA. The parts will also be available from them, perhaps more expensive.
Hope this helps,
regards Lance.

Feb 20, 2010
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Dryer Repair
by: lee

Hi Lance, my dryer is in need of repair. The clip that sits the dust collector onto has broken. Do you know where I can get a new one and a replacement hinge for the front door. I am in Adelaide 5014

Jan 19, 2010
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Drum Bearing
by: Charles

Hi Lance

Have read your comments and have found them extremely useful - thank you.

Our dryer started making a terrible scraping noise. I pulled the back of the dryer apart as I thought it was a collapsed bearing. The plastic bearing and the drum pin appear very worn but I couldn't work out how to remove the section in the fan housing?

I put everything back together and the noise seems to have gone but I think I will need to replace the bearing sooner or later.

Dec 29, 2009
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sirocco 500
by: Nick

Thanks Lance, I did actually pull off the timer knob and the front panel and cleaned off all the accumulated fluff, managed to jiggle the timer out and all appeared well so put it all back together again and it seems to be working ok now, even the timer knob is turning around so fingers crossed, thanks so much for your prompt reply,Cheers Nick

Dec 29, 2009
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Nick timer
by: Anonymous

Hi Nick,

The auto-reversing feature is controlled through the timer. If the timer has failed, then that would appear to be the cause of your problem.
You can keep using the dryer as is, without the auto-reversing, as long as you still have heat. Check that air coming out the back is warm/hot.
The timer is not repairable. Replacement item available on ebay for $80-$100, something like that. Pretty simple to replace, timer knob pulls off, then prize off the "sirrocco" badge on the fascia (hidden screw), undo screws at each end of fascia, pull fascia outwards and upwards to release. You can see what is needed from there on. While you are working on the dryer, its worth taking a look at the fan belt (easy acces by removing the long black oval-shaped cover on back of the dryer) It should be very tight and not easy to remove and NOT yellow. If it looks a bit old, replace it. (only $12 from your local appliance repair place, cheaper on ebay).
Hope this helps you, and anyone else who might read this. kind regards, Lance.

Dec 28, 2009
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Sirocco 500
by: Nick

My sirocco 500 auto-reversing dryer has decided it doesnt want to reverse anymore, at least it did it once this morning, the timer knob doesnt appear to be turning around either so not sure if this is connected to the problem? HELP

Nov 30, 2009
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Start capacitor
by: Anonymous

Hi Lance.

You were spot on. The capacitor has a very unusual bulge in it and is discoloured. I've found a replacement so will have it all up and running tomorrow.

Thanks for the diagnosis!

Cheers

Steve (in Melbourne)

Nov 29, 2009
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hi Steve 455 problem
by: Anonymous

Hi Steve, Yeah, I have found it before on other dryers, not so much with Simpsons.
From memory, I think the 455 uses a capacitor-start type motor. If it fails or begins to fail, then you have this problem of not having the guts to turn the drum at the beginning.
Check on the outside of the motor, if it has a capacitor mounted there. ( Small white cylindrical plastic thing)
Sometimes they fail internally, with no marks on the outside, sometimes they split open at the base or side. New one is about $20 on ebay.
Where u located? Brisbane here.
regards Lance.

Nov 29, 2009
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Drum needs a kick start....
by: SteveOno!

Hi. my Sirocco 455 stopped working so I checked all the ususal suspects. Drum belt tension ok, fan belt ok, has power, check, heater element working..ouch yes!.

I noticed that the motor was not spinning over when powered up. I gave it a spin by hand and it worked perfectly. So I put it all back together, shut the door and..nothing. Opened door, gave drum a spin, shut door and away she goes.

It seems that the motor just doesnt have enough power to get started but plenty once it is in motion.

Any ideas on this one?

Cheers

Steve

Nov 27, 2009
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Thanks
by: Anonymous

Hi Lance,
Thanks a lot for your help. I was able to take dryer completely apart and remove a lot of gunk from inside. I was even able to put it back together with not a lot of problems. I did take some digital photos of the workings before I removerd the drum and these were a great help when it came to replacing the belt.
By the way I am not from Brisbane but a proud Melbourne boy.
Thanks again.
Des

Nov 25, 2009
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Hi Pete
by: Anonymous

Sorry mate, only have the experience on dryers.

Nov 25, 2009
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thank lance
by: Pete H

thanks lance for all the help ... do you know how to fix washers too or are you just an expert in dryers?

Nov 20, 2009
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Des - taking the back off
by: Anonymous

Hi again Des, It sounds like you need to completely remove the back panel, using the method that I explained. Then, check the plastic drum bearing assembly. It is probably broken, by your description. You will see part of the assembly attached to the back of the drum, the other part is in line with the centre of the fan assembly, attached to the backing panel.
The replacement item is usually available on ebay for about $25.00.
It would be a good idea to remove the drum from the dryer at this stage, because its also important to have a look at the condition of the front drum bearings ( a series of plastic sleeves around the edge of the heater carrier)
Take careful note of the placement of the fan belt, before releasing it from the drum.
It is likely that some fluff and lint and maybe other odd bits and pieces have accumulated around there. Its very important to clean away all of the lint and fluff, away from the heating element. It can catch fire! Maybe you will already see signs of charring or scorching of this lint.
Are you in Brisbane? Hope this helps,
regards Lance.

Nov 20, 2009
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Why I want to remove back.
by: Des

G'day again,

Our machine has been making terrible noises like some foreign object rolling around inside. I was able to loosen the back enough to shake out a small piece of plastic which seemed to solve the problem. However when we returned ther dryer to the wall the drum was not moving freely and I feel that I need to remove the back to adjust the drums position. Please tell me if I am wrong.

Des

Nov 20, 2009
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Why I want back off.
by: Des

G'day again,

Our dryer has been making dreadful sounds for quite a while now as if there was something loose rattling around inside it. Took it down and tried to remove back to look for culprit and was able to pry it out far enough to dislodge a small piece of plastic which seemed to be cause. When put back on wall the drum is not moving freely and I feel that we have dislodged the drum and that we need back off to readjust it. please tell me if I am wrong.

Nov 19, 2009
Rating

Des - removal back 455
by: Anonymous

Hi Des, Thanks for your question. The pulley can't be removed from the rear, just leave it.
There is a nylon spigot and bush assembly inside the back of the dryer, which forms the rear bearing for the drum. This will tend to grab on, when you try to remove the metal back of the dryer.
To release it, sit the dryer up on its base, open the front door,and remove filter. You will see the central (plastic) mounting hub for the filter. This has a small "tongue" in the middle of it, at the innermost part of the central hub. You can use a pair of long-nose pliers to pull the tongue out towards you. It doesnt come right out, just half inch or so. This should release the rear drum bearing, allowing you to get the back plate off now.
Put the dryer face down, and try to pull the backing plate up abruptly from the bottom edge. As long as the tongue is released, it should come off now.
What is the problem with the dryer, that needs the back removed?
Hope this helps you.

Nov 19, 2009
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Remove back cover
by: Des

HI Lance,

how do I remove the back metal cover on a Sirocco 455? I took out all the screws but it is still being held in place by the plastic pulley. Is there a way that I can remove the pulley?

Regards,

Des

Nov 07, 2009
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Drum Belt
by: Anonymous

Thanks Lance, I'll give it a go. If it's too tricky I'll take it into the repair shop, Russ

Nov 07, 2009
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To Russ, replace belt on auto-reversing models
by: Anonymous

Hi Russ, Its a bit awkward replacing the drum drive belt on the auto-reversing models. It has a twin idler pulley/tensioner. The 2 levers are held together with a spring which holds them close to each other.
I've tried a couple of different ways to refit the belt. Try this - Fit the belt over the drum first, and stick the belt onto the drum with masking tape at one point (furtherest way from the pulleys) Then you can concentrate on fitting the belt onto the motor without the belt falling down under the drum. Now, loop the other end of the belt over the small motor pulley. Hold the belt onto this pulley with one hand, then feed the 2 sections of the belt in between the 2 idlers pulleys, one side at a time. Its awkward, but I have found it to be the best way to avoid many more attempts, and repeated failure and frustration. Hope it helps, if you find an easier way, please let me know!

Nov 07, 2009
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Drum Belt
by: Anonymous

Hi Lance
I have a Simpson Sirocco 500 (auto-reversing) and have just replaced the plastic spiggot. In a previous reply with instructions for putting the drum belt back on you said that the procedure was different for auto-reversing. Do you have any advice for this?
Thanks
Russ

Oct 02, 2009
Rating

to Liz
by: Anonymous

It sounds like you have a faulty heating element.
The part costs about $40 new. Its a bit of work to replace it. The metal back panel comes off, remove spring tensioner for belt, remove belt, remove drum. Then u will see the heating element, mounted in the steel surround. Disconnect the 2 power leads from it, then prize it out from all the retaining clips. Fit new element, and put back together.
If you are not confident to do this work, don't attempt it. I recommend that this work is done by a qualified person with electrical knowledge.
You can ring an appliance repair place, see what they quote for the job.
I would do it myself, but I'm in Brisbane.
Good luck with it.

Oct 02, 2009
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Can U diagnose the electrical problem with Sirocco 350
by: Liz

My Simpson Sirocco 350 Dryer is working well except that after approximately one minute of drying/heating it trips my circuit breaker and cuts of its supply of electricity. It will function perfectly when the heater is not used. The vents are clear and the fan belt is fine and there has not been any water in it. Can anyone advise me as to what the cause of the problem is and how I can repair it? I live near Townsville. Many Thanks, Liz.

Jun 30, 2009
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Thanks
by: Anonymous

Thanks for your previous advice, I fixed my fan belt easy and it is good as new!
Thanks, Karina

Jun 05, 2009
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Lint door?
by: Anonymous

Lint door? Do you mean the plastic round cover that fits over the lint filter, or the door that is used for loading the clothes? Check yellow pages for appliance spares or repairs, should be available in Sydney. (I am in Brisbane, no contacts in Syd).

Jun 04, 2009
Rating

simpson sirocca 500
by: Anonymous

dryer's lint door has broken, are we able to by a new one if so where . staying in sydney.

Jun 04, 2009
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drum belt?
by: Anonymous

Hi Geoff, We are talking about the drum belt, the black belt that is accessable when you take off the rear metal panel of the dryer? These do not stretch, so you have installed incorrectly.
Lie the dryer face down, then remove rear metal panel. Loop the belt over the metal pulley on the bottom of the motor, then loop other end of belt over the drum, while keeping the idler pulley (belt tensioner) on the right hand side of the belt. When you have the belt aroune the drum, keep belt tension with your left hand, while positioning the belt in the groove of the idler pully with right hand. While maintaining tension at all times, refit the belt-tensioning spring (between motor and body). Procedure is a bit different for auto-reversing models, with twin idler pulleys. Hope this helps, let me know pls.
regards Lance.

Jun 04, 2009
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simpson siricco 455 dryer
by: Geoff

Hi i have just replaced heating eliment and spiggit,now the internal tuble belt is very loose,i have looped it over the small spindle and under the larger one but still the belt is very loose and the barrel wont spin,would the belt be streched or do i have the belt on wrong,cheers thanx for any help,Geoff

May 30, 2009
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broken belt
by: Anonymous

Hi Karina, Sorry I don't know any tradesmen or handymen on the Coast.
I'm sure 2 blokes can remove the dryer from the wall, just a bit of lifting and wrangling.
You can easily replace the fanbelt yourself, just undo two screws to remove the long oval shaped plastic cover. Its shaped a bit like a fanbelt outline.
You will most likely find the clear plastic fanbelt broken inside there.
New belt is about $12.50. Check yellow pages for your nearest appliance parts place, or any appliance repairer can sell you one also.
The belt is quite stretchy, so you just fit one end over the lower pulley (motor) and stretch the belt to fit over the smaller pulley (fan). Replace cover, and thats it, pretty simple job.
*****Be careful when fitting the belt, that it doesnt fly off the lower pulley when you stretch the belt. Its like getting an elastic strap in the face! Good luck, and take care.
Lance.

May 30, 2009
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May 29, 2009
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From Karina
by: Anonymous

Hi lance
Thanks for that! I am on the gold coast, not melbourne though. Can you recommend anyone here?The guys I live with can probably take the dryer down, but a backup helps.
Thanks for the advice!
Karina

May 27, 2009
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to Karina
by: Anonymous

Hi Karina, Sounds like the fan belt is broken, if no air is coming out. Removal from the wall can be a bit tricky sometimes. Usually it is a job for 2 adults, one each side of the dryer.
The dryer hooks into the mounting brackets, and grabs on hard sometimes. So you lift the dryer, one side at a time, to release from the brackets.
May take a few tries to get it to release off the brackets.
Its worthwhile having a go at it yourself,but only if you have another person to help you. This is the hardest part of the job!
Replacing the fan belt is the easy bit.
What suburb are you in? If anywhere near Wantirna, I know a guy who can help.
I havent lived in Melbourne for 14 years, so a bit out of touch with other local repairers there.
Check yellow pages, get a quote for replacing a fanbelt plus remove/ refit dryer to the wall if you need that also?
Callout charges can be scarey, some charge $60-$80, just to show up, then $$ per hour.

May 26, 2009
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Dryer stop and re start
by: Anonymous

Hi Lance,
The dryer is wall mounted with the controls on the bottom. I turned it on this morning and couldn't feel any air coming out from anywhere on the dryer.
As it is mounted, I have no idea how I would go about safely getting it down. Do you know of a good repairman down this way I should contact? I would be more than happy to DIY- but I don't think it would be safe to attempt!

Thanks
Karina

May 24, 2009
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Dryer stop and re start
by: Anonymous

Hi Karina, Is the dryer mounted upside down on the wall, with controls at the bottom now?
If so, the air exhaust duct will be at the back low down, on same side as the timer knob. If the belt is broken, you will not be able to feel any air coming out at the back. Sometimes the duct is directed to the side, again at the back, same area. Check carefully if any air is blowing out the back. If its blowing out, the fan belt is fine, if not, broken. Hope we can find the answer to this problem!
kind regards, Lance.

May 24, 2009
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Sirocco 350 stopped
by: Karina

Hi Lance,

I am actually on the Gold Coast not Brisbane. But since I wrote that post I have noticed that it will start up again, and the issue seems to be consistent with a broken fan belt situation that someone else on the web page has. However as it is up on the wall above the washer it is hard to get behind it to check.
The door closes fine, and it will start up again, but pressing the red button doesn't make a difference. I clean the lint after every dry, and I don't know of any water leakage issues.

What would you recommend that I do?

Thanks,

Karina

May 23, 2009
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Christine - hinge cover
by: Anonymous

Hi Christine, My supplier Ray Campbell is selling them in his ebay store now. His ebay store is Allfix Electrical. His ebay ID is allfixelectrical
He is good and reliable to deal with, not a ripoff. I have been dealing w him for years.
Do an ebay search for "dryer door hinge cover", it will come up. The item number is 140305379717
His price is $13.00 plus $7.00 postage.
I'm sure there are appliance spare parts places, or appliance repairers who can supply this part in Melbourne. Check yeilow pages?
Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck.
regards Lance.

May 23, 2009
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Questions for Lance
by: Christine

Hi Lance

I wrote about my Sirocco 455 clothes dryer. The door is falling off and it needs a new hinge. I had a look on eBay as you suggested and couldn't find one.

you also mentioned a spare parts place near you in Brisbane.

I live in Melbourne but was wondering if I could order part from Brisbane and have it posted to Melbourne.

Are you able to provide me with the details of the spare parts place you recommended?

Thanks

May 23, 2009
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Sirrocco 350 stopped
by: Anonymous

Hi Karina, Usually, the dryer will stop only because of overheating. Will it restart after a period of time? If you press the red reset button, will it start again? Other possibilities - The door is closing properly, catch not broken? Door hinge not broken?
Has the dryer had any water got into it (floods, storm damage, I'm thinking of)?
Think I would need to see this one, to properly diagnose. Are you in Brisbane?
kind regards, Lance.

May 23, 2009
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Sirocco 350
by: Karina

Hi
My sirocco 350 has completely stopped working, but I can still hear the timer going. It stopped mid cycle but doesn't seem hot.
Do you have an idea what this could be from?
Thanks

May 19, 2009
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plastic hinge cover
by: Lance

Hi Christine, Thanks for your question. Are you in Brisbane? If so, I can recommend a spare parts place. Anyway, if not, you can buy on eBay for about $15 plus postage - do an eBay search for clothes dryer parts, or jus clothes dryers, it will come up in the list. The old hinge cover will slide off after you undo the 2 mounting screws and turn the hinge inside out.
Good Luck!

May 19, 2009
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Simpson Sirocco 455 Front Loader Dryer
by: Christine

Hi There

How do I replace the plastic hinge on the front door of my dryer. I read I can replace it for $16. Where do I find a replacement hinge? Can I get one from the local hardware store or do I have to ask Simpson?

Cheers
Christine

May 19, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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reply to Chris
by: Lance

Hi Chris, Obviously your dryer is overheating, and the thermostat is shutting it off. But why?
The usuual problem is a broken fan belt. Have you checked that there is air blowing out of the vent at rear? If no air, broken belt. Replace it your self by removing large black plastic cover at rear. Takes a few minutes, cost $12.00 for the belt. Another possibility is the lint filter is blocked up, causing overly hot running. Check and clear lint filter now. This must be done after every load.
Please get back to me, if this solves the problem or not. Thank you.

May 16, 2009
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Dryer stops after 10 mins
by: Chris

My Simpson cloth dryer getting very hot during drying prieod, then stopped after 10 mins commencing, then needs to cool down. Only a few clothes loads been put inside of dryer and the dryer already 8 years old.

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Simpson Sirocco series, 350, 450, 455, 500

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Simpson Sirocco series, 350, 450, 455, 500