Washing machine repairs

[Baz]

Working on my direct drive top-loader Whirlpool by Estate.

Agitator not agitating.

Replaced dogs (two of four were broken) and still no agitating.

The spin cycle and everything else worked OK. No leaks or weird noises.

Today I tried holding the basket while on spin cycle and I could stop it from spinning with my hand - so I just ordered a new clutch.

The clutch kit I ordered also has a new motor coupler.

I had tilted it over previously and checked the coupler and that looked OK but when I change the clutch I will have it apart and can take a closer look.

My parts will get here Friday. I hope this fixes it because my laundry hasn't been getting as clean as I'd like lately....

[techman1]

All dogs went in mine. Wife washed a large blanket.
I guess the torque was too much.

Went into a supply house I had with a broken one in my hand. Before I said anything the old guy had 4 on the counter.

[LWJ]

Just swapped dogs myself. About 6-8 bucks I think.

[Baz]

Yeah guys.....I've done the dogs and they are woofing. This is something else.

[pete3799]

Had to put a new bearing in our front loader 2 years ago. Not a fun job.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by pete3799

Had to put a new bearing in our front loader 2 years ago. Not a fun job.

Mine shouldn't be that big of a deal. I've watched two different YT vids and they pretty much show the same procedure.

I'm just hoping this resolves my problem.

[bkreigsr]

If the failure happened in the middle of one of the basic functions, does the controller have to cycle through all the remaining functions to re-boot?
(Ask my why I would ask this.)

Bill K

[Chocaholic]

Planned obsolescence. You're postponing the inevitable. The PITA factor will win in the end and you'll ante up for a new one...that will reliably start to fail in about 5-8 years. Rinse and repeat.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

If the failure happened in the middle of one of the basic functions, does the controller have to cycle through all the remaining functions to re-boot?
(Ask me why I would ask this.)

Bill K

OK - why would you ask this?

To answer your question though.....everything works as normal except for the agitating.

See below for update......

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Planned obsolescence. You're postponing the inevitable. The PITA factor will win in the end and you'll ante up for a new one...that will reliably start to fail in about 5-8 years. Rinse and repeat.

Mike - you are 100% correct.

I just got off the phone with a local used appliance dealer and am meeting him tomorrow morning to buy the replacement.

Today, I took the parts out to replace the clutch and found that everything was in good condition and didn't need replacing. Motor-tranny coupler, clutch, etc.

Talking to the appliance guy and also from my personal research, we think it's probably a bad transmission.

But yeah - I'm at the point I've put enough time into it to justify getting a replacement that works. These Kenmore direct drive top-loaders are the shizzle so that's what I'm getting. This one has lasted well over 10 years and gets used practically every day. I think I only paid $150 for it off a CL ad.

Out of respect to my old unit for all it's loyalty and devotion - I will keep it and try to fix it - used trannys are under $100 on eBay so worth trying.

[john70t]

Parts and repair is still more expensive than cheapo new ones.
Manufacturers don't honor paid warranties.
What a hassle.

When that balance changes, the service industry will regain their employee pools.

[Chocaholic]

Our Jennaire oven died last night for the third time. I’ve replaced the controller board for my last time. Wife is shopping for replacement as I type.

[Scott Douglas]

My brother's front load washing machine quit. Extenuating circumstances which won't be discussed here, but, he found a controller board was $384. He bought a new washer for less and his new ex-wife actually likes it better.

[Baz]

I bought a new mower yesterday because after several routine repairs, my old one finally reached my "pain threshold".

I bought it in 2017 so got three years out of it. For $300, it paid for itself and it was time to get a new one. Reliability from something you need is worth quite a bit of value in itself.

While I was there at the local HD, a young lady was also buying a new mower. They had to get it down from an upper pallet rack level. Guess that's what you'd call a "top shelf" machine. Mine was stacked on the floor under the display so I dragged it out to the aisle before they closed off the aisle for the forklift. The young lady actually helped me lift mine onto my cart. She said she was getting a Honda "...because I want the best." she said. I told her mine is a 3 year machine. Not sure she understood the concept.

But hey, they did some updates on this model so that's nice. Larger fuel filler opening and no need for oil changes! I think they also improved the self propel components because this thing flies!

[Zeke]

When it comes to clothes washers, I don't fix them although I can and have in the past. I just roll onto CL and buy the one that looks the best and is closest to me. That way if they don't like my offer I haven't driven out of my way.

There's always someone moving and selling appliances. It's a buyer's market.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Zeke

When it comes to clothes washers, I don't fix them although I can and have in the past. I just roll onto CL and buy the one that looks the best and is closest to me. That way if they don't like my offer I haven't driven out of my way.

There's always someone moving and selling appliances. It's a buyer's market.

10-4, Milt.

I used to buy from a local Sears outlet here but little by little prices went up and quality went down and then selection became iffy. For a while there - it was the bee's knees.

So this morning I met the guy at his used appliance store. Just him and I. Nice guy - we talked a bit about repairs and mechanics of the machines. Gave me a deal on this one with the see through lid. I told him it looked like it was designed by NASA.

Brought it home, rolled it up my hill, and then inside & into place using my hand dolly. These things aren't light but I got it done and just finished the first load of clothes and so far so good. I have a 2 month warranty too.

My old one didn't have the dual rinse option.

[Scott Douglas]

That's cool that it has the see thru lid. I'd like to see/watch the action of our washer at times.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

That's cool that it has the see thru lid. I'd like to see/watch the action of our washer at times.

You're not the only one around here, Scott!

[Kraftwerk]

While we are on the subject my beloved Miele front-loader ( the only worthy type of washer imo) stopped working.. it's a few years old. Could the fact that my Wife put about five towels in there and I swear the earth wobbled on its axis, have anything to do with it. Yes! It can. One of the shocks had broken .. the drum is suspended on tiny shocks, almost like a car but smaller and with plastic-parts. one of the plastic parts broke from the off kilter-weight, the drum swung down enough to hit something which hit something else and made a slight cut in a wire, thus cutting power. fixed the shock. soldered the wire. Thing works fine. Cost zero to repair, which is good because i really need to be spending all my excess money on car parts!

[island911]

Thinking of ya Baz