8 replies to this topic

[widowbryant]

I've searched the archives and can't seem to find this particular problem.

First thing I noticed was a queer squeak/whine during final spin cycle. I went in to see what the hell that was. When I lifted the lid I noticed a slight burning rubber smell like when my vacuum cleaner belt breaks. I found that it had pumped and drained, but the clothes were not spun out. Load was comprised of a few pairs of heavy jeans and a heavy sweatshirt. Done on medium load. It was certainly a heavy load but not necessarily overloaded for the tub size nor the water level.

So. Machine agitates fine. It drains fine. Spin is a no go.

Things I've checked or done:

1. Took off the top tub ring and made sure nothing was stuck between the tubs, by looking all around with a flashlight.
2. Replaced both drive belts on the bottom , just because I had new ones and I was down there. But they weren't really worn.
3. Checked and adjusted the tension to the proper 1/4 inch gap on the drive belt when pinched.
4. Spun all pulleys beneath the machine by hand, and they all rotate fine.
5. Checked the lid switch fuse on the mid left side of the machine, which is good.
6. Took off the agitator inside the tub and made sure there was nothing beneath it.

When in spin cycle it makes all the right noises, except the spinning sound. I don't really smell the slight burning rubber smell anymore. But then my doors are open now with the spring weather. The lid switch clicks when I put the lid down, and the filling or agitation stops when I lift the lid.

Gosh, what now?

Thanks in advance for your sage advice...

rebecca

[RegUS_PatOff]

soo... in the Spin Cycle, id the Motor turning ?
Belts turning ?
Transmission Pulleys turning ?

[widowbryant]

Should I prop the machine back up slightly and look while it's in spin cycle?

Can't really see underneath without propping it up....

[BLTH15]

possible frozen brake, may need some tools the sensai's can offer

[widowbryant]

Is the inside basket/tub supposed to move if I reach inside and push it manually? I mean when the washer is off?

I imagine it's only the agitator that moves during a wash cycle. Is the spin the only time the actual basket moves?

How can I test the brake?

[widowbryant]

Ok, I've discovered that the transmission is not spinning freely. The belt will shift a few inches when I put the machine in spin cycle, but then it just stops. The transmission cannot be turned by hand.

What next?

Thank you!

rebecca

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

On this particular unit, with the newer orbital transmission, the most common failure of the nature you describe is the agitator shaft siezes up when the boot seal center seal lets drips run into the top of the trans over time. It's a teardown but one of those fun, mediative jobs; here's a page that explains it.

Can get you some teardown manuals if you're willing to go for it. Lemme know.

[widowbryant]

Would this be true even if there's no water or moisture or rust surrounding the transmission or below the tub?

I bought the manual from you first thing, thank you very much. *smile* I appreciate you having that to offer....

rebecca

Actually, after reading your linked page, the howling noise, the burning smell, and the reluctant spin are all my symptoms. Guess I better get some beer.

Are the two repair kits mentioned in the article the ones I need for my model?

thanks again!

rebecca

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Hi Rebecca,

Yep, the two parts linked on that how-to page are the ones for your washer.