I posted a question about this earlier under the title "calling Gorenje experts" but Gorenje experts seem to be in short supply and I have not had a response after posting photos.
So I'm asking again, more widely targeted this time.
I am replacing drum bearings on a Kleenmaid KFL800, which is the same as a Simpson Enviro 080 and is made by Gorenje about maybe 15 or 20 years ago. It has a number ps103.12P which might be a Gorenje model number.
The main seal runs on a bronze ring around the main drum shaft. The bronze ring has an odd groove across it, as if it has cracked but it looks very neat, more like it was made that way. I have never seen one like that.
I am seeking opinions as to whether this is a fault, or normal. Has anyone seen such a groove on any European front loader main shaft?
The bronze ring isn't available as a spare part. I may be able to get one from a friendly repairer who has a dead one of these machines in stock - the spider is broken but the bronze ring might be OK - he is checking for me.