Washing machine problem
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Elder User
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From: S.W. Oregon
Washing machine problem
Any appliance experts here at FTE? I'll bet there are!
Anyway - Our 1-1/2 year old Sears Kenmore washing machine (just out of warranty) has started making a loud noise when slowing down after the spin cycle. As the spin cuts off and the tub slows down, there is a loud sound. It is definitly tied to the rpm's of the drum because as it slows down the sound slows also.
I would describe it further as a loud, sort of vibration / rumbling noise. It is almost as if there is too much play in something?
Any ideas?
Anyway - Our 1-1/2 year old Sears Kenmore washing machine (just out of warranty) has started making a loud noise when slowing down after the spin cycle. As the spin cuts off and the tub slows down, there is a loud sound. It is definitly tied to the rpm's of the drum because as it slows down the sound slows also.
I would describe it further as a loud, sort of vibration / rumbling noise. It is almost as if there is too much play in something?
Any ideas?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Near Bloom, PA
Washing machine problem
Direct drive or belt drive?
Kenmore should have a direct drive, could be something wrong with the washer transmission. Or else something is hitting the drum, or the drum is out of balance.
Just some ideas. I just install them for Sears, try not to fix 'em unless it's my own.
Kenmore should have a direct drive, could be something wrong with the washer transmission. Or else something is hitting the drum, or the drum is out of balance.
Just some ideas. I just install them for Sears, try not to fix 'em unless it's my own.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Baileyton, TN
Washing machine problem
Dependent upon the chassis of the machine, there are two things I can think of. In one, the drum is mounted on an aluminum casting with a bearing. This bearing is not too well built and gives - I have met a couple like that.
The other thing I can think of is in another chassis, the whole thing is suspended on a bearing, but also has a braking system, to slow it all down quickly - this also can go south, giving much the same kind of symptom you describe.
I must state that I am not an appliance engineer, just a poor guy who has fixed more washing machines than he cares to remember.
Theo
The other thing I can think of is in another chassis, the whole thing is suspended on a bearing, but also has a braking system, to slow it all down quickly - this also can go south, giving much the same kind of symptom you describe.
I must state that I am not an appliance engineer, just a poor guy who has fixed more washing machines than he cares to remember.
Theo
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From: Southwestern Michigan
Washing machine problem
My expertise lies in commercial laundry equipment, however it does sound like you could have a bearing problem. before condeming it though, I would check to see that it is sitting level. When they are crooked the basket tends to bang around inside the drum.
Some models made by maytag (which yours could be) have 3 springs going from the floor of the machine up to the drum to stabilize it, If one breaks it can make the basket scrape the drum
Some models made by maytag (which yours could be) have 3 springs going from the floor of the machine up to the drum to stabilize it, If one breaks it can make the basket scrape the drum
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From: S.W. Oregon
Washing machine problem
The sound seems to be coming from underneath the agitator in the lower center of the drum. It sounds also like it could be the agitator itself vibrating????
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From: Colorado
Washing machine problem
I had a similar noise, turned out to be the automatic fabric softener dispenser mounted on top of the agitator. Try removing it and see if that quiets things down.
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Elder User
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From: S.W. Oregon
Washing machine problem
Originally posted by tellico racing
How about a bad belt? If there is a piece of the belt missing it will make noise.
How about a bad belt? If there is a piece of the belt missing it will make noise.
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Elder User
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From: S.W. Oregon
Washing machine problem
Originally posted by rikfish
I had a similar noise, turned out to be the automatic fabric softener dispenser mounted on top of the agitator. Try removing it and see if that quiets things down.
I had a similar noise, turned out to be the automatic fabric softener dispenser mounted on top of the agitator. Try removing it and see if that quiets things down.
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Elder User
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From: S.W. Oregon
Washing machine problem
Well the Sears Washing machine, (made by Whirlpool), is fixed.
Had a bad transmission. Also the block on spin/agitator had worn through. Maybe not fully tightened at factory. Parts were covered under warranty even though it is 2-1/2 years old. I had originally thought it was 1-1/2 years old.
Repair man told us a couple of interesting things. The inside of the tub, under basket was very dirty and had gummy build up on it. I cleaned it off with some effort. Was told never to use liquid fabric softener in washing machines. Also was told never to use the smallest water level setting. Always use more water than you think is needed for size of load. Otherwise it is very hard on the transmission.
Had a bad transmission. Also the block on spin/agitator had worn through. Maybe not fully tightened at factory. Parts were covered under warranty even though it is 2-1/2 years old. I had originally thought it was 1-1/2 years old.
Repair man told us a couple of interesting things. The inside of the tub, under basket was very dirty and had gummy build up on it. I cleaned it off with some effort. Was told never to use liquid fabric softener in washing machines. Also was told never to use the smallest water level setting. Always use more water than you think is needed for size of load. Otherwise it is very hard on the transmission.
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Post Fiend
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From: Black Hills of SD
We had a Whirlpool that washed 3-4 loads a day for 4 years with no problems. After we moved we got a used one and I have replaced the pump because the seal went out and also the plastic drive coupler, both of which I did myself. They are actually pretty easy to work on.
