OT: Front Loader Washing Machine Problem

LonM · Nov 20, 2017

We have a Whirlpool front loader washing machine, and the rotating drum is out of balance. It ticks on the front frame as it rotates, and it appears to be sitting crooked in the housing. Looking in from the top (with the top panel removed), it sits fine side-to-side, but the back end of the rotating drum sits lower than the front by a couple of inches. The springs on each side near the top are in place. On the bottom sides, there are two gas shock struts that appear to be retracted some. Is the rotating drum supposed to sit lower in the back than it is in the front? In addition, there was a sliver of hard gray plastic (I assume a part of the front seal) that was in with the last load of clothes. It is clearly out of balance and ticks violently on the spin cycle. Has anyone successfully repaired this sort of malfunction?

Thank you for any help!

Lon

showcrop · Nov 20, 2017

I had that exact same problem including the sliver of plastic. Your drum is broken and the cost of repair exceeds the cost of a new machine. It happens when the drum assembly gets to jumping because of a light load. Front loaders have a hard time balancing a light load, so when it goes into extract it will bounce like an out of balance car tire. Having to replace the washer convinced my wife finally to stop washing light loads

Crazy Horse · Nov 20, 2017

No help with your problem, sorry about that.

But I am wondering, have I heard that the front load washers are on their way out, or at least are pi$$ing off a lot of people that have issues with them?

We still use an old Maytag top load "base model", 28 years old and from when a Maytag was really a Maytag (and not a re-branded piece of crap). Only problem we ever had was a water leak from somewhere that's been going on for 12 years or so. Got into a Google search this summer and found the problem, some sort of a "back wash" inline device near the fill valve which I replace with a 3" piece of PVC pipe and a couple of clamps. Not a leak since the fix, I took momma out for a burger that night in celebration ..... ha!

Smalltowner · Nov 20, 2017

Showcrop is right, dang frontloaders do not last. Parts about $400 plus $200 labor. I just scrapped my daughters $1000 Samsung front loader, pewter basket came apart, $500 part. 5 yrs old. Buy a top loader with extended warranty, we?ll worth cost. Speed queen is best on market but nearly double cost of a whirlpool. My whirlpool top loader is 25 yrs old, replaced drive coupler and timer once each.

Steve@Advance · Nov 20, 2017

Time to cut your losses and run!

The only way this will be repairable is to search the web for the best price on the parts and DIY.

Even then it may be cost prohibitive and possibility of getting substandard aftermarket parts.

Residential front loaders are not working out, across all brands.

plow hand · Nov 20, 2017

YouTube

jddrawbar · Nov 20, 2017

We have a front load Whilpool going on 15yrs. old and have never had the first problem. We consider it a best buy and will never have anything but a front loader......just our experience, buy what best suits you.

LonM · Nov 20, 2017

Thank you all for your help- your responses have made this decision easier. There appears to be a wobble between the tub housing and the tub itself, so I think this one will get set aside to mess with another day. Meanwhile, we will go washer shopping.

Thanks!
Lon

oldtanker · Nov 20, 2017

Funny our front loader is about 10 years old and has done a ton of laundry. We've had kids bring their stuff into wash when their machines were down. I had to replace the door lock and the rubber boot on the drain. About 30 bucks work of parts.

Rick

charlie n · Nov 20, 2017

Neighbor had the same problem. He bought it at Lowes.Called the mom and pop here in town to get it fixed. They sold him a Speed Queen for $100.00 more than the repair was going to cost.

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Nov 20, 2017

Cut your losses and buy a new machine. As old as it is, the chances of parts being available are about nil. We had a 10 year old Amana dryer quit working due to the buttons. Found a few places online that could fix controls boards, but by the time we paid for the repairs, we were 3/4 to the price of a new machine. Then there was no guarantee the machine was going to work when done. If you want a machine like the old Maytags that lasts 20-30 years, Speed Queen is the only one. A pair of S.Q. machines will run close to $3K though...

Skyhighballoon(MO) · Nov 20, 2017

Brian - a pair of Speed Queens with the rotary knobs (no electronic controls) will only set you back about $1600. We bought a pair for the new house in early 2016. Was in the same appliance store last week and they still sell them in that price range. They only make a single model of washer and dryer for the rotary knob units - been that way for several years. Mike

OT: Front Loader Washing Machine Problem

LonM

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showcrop

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Crazy Horse

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Smalltowner

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Steve@Advance

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plow hand

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jddrawbar

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LonM

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oldtanker

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charlie n

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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Skyhighballoon(MO)

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