25 replies to this topic

[drmechano]

My washer fills, agitates and drains fine. when the spin cycle starts i hear a loud "clicking / clacking" noise - not hammering or thumping, but clicking. and some clunking sounds as well.

the noise seems to come from the bottom front of the machine, from listening to it. haven't looked inside yet.

the basket spins - seems to get up to full speed, but can't be sure.

I replace the timer, trans, clutch and drive coupler about 1.5 years ago.

 

Update: it only makes this noise on the High spin setting. Low spin setting is normal.

 

What do you think the problem is?

 

link to youtube video: 

Edited by drmechano, 17 February 2013 - 07:40 PM.

[Strathy]

Start with simple stuff:  Is there anything caught in one of the tub holes? 

 

If not, the next thing I would probably check, depending on the noise, would be the drive block.  Pull the agitator and make sure the drive block has not been chewed apart by the spin tube .

 

Those would be my first 2 checks.

[Strathy]

Says video is private.  Can't view it.

[drmechano]

* sorry = had to remove the video link due to some screwiness going on with youtube.

Edited by drmechano, 17 February 2013 - 07:41 PM.

[Strathy]

Hmm. The sound is coming from inside the tub then?

[drmechano]

no, it sounds like it's coming from inside the cabinet, right side, down low. only happens on the High spin setting, not the low.

[nickfixit]

If it's a 3 speed motor, check the 2 wire harness connector near the motor. If it has a motor speed switch (wash speed, spin speed), try it in other settings. 

[nickfixit]

I would say either bad speed switch, loose harness connector to motor, or broken wire in harness going to motor.

[RegUS_PatOff]

... I would say either bad speed switch,

could be..
trying to run 2 speeds at once,
Motor not getting up to speed to completely dis-engage the Centrifugal Start Switch,
re-tries starting
http://www.repaircli...?R=154&N=777091

 

[drmechano]

ok, i'll open it up and take a look. is there an alternative diagnosis, in case none of the above seems to be the problem?

 

thanks!

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

* sorry = had to remove the video link due to some screwiness going on with youtube.

 

What kind a screwiness?  I post videos here all the time with no screwiness.  Posting a video of the machine operating and making that noise would help us help you and may let us point you right to the problem.  

[Joshua Scholar]

I had an interesting one the other day, maybe it's this.

 

You know those new metal lined couplers?

 

The coupler didn't break like a plastic coupler, it STRIPPED.

 

It would work some of the time, but under high load it would slip and make a clacking noise, and the basket wouldn't spin.

 

Replaced the coupler, everything was fine.

[drmechano]

youtube was showing "recommended for you" clips at the end of the washer video. and i didn't care for what they recommended.i'll try it again.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

youtube was showing "recommended for you" clips at the end of the washer video. and i didn't care for what they recommended.i'll try it again.

 

 

Don't hyperfocus on minutia.   Take a common sense risk-benefit approach.  There's a big upside to posting the video so we can hear the noise while watching the machine run.  What's the downside?  That it offends your delicate sensibilities?  Call the ball, Hopper.  

[Joshua Scholar]

I had another old direct drive where the lid switch was flaky so that during spin the switch was going on and off with the vibration.

 

It did a perfect imitation of a bad motor, down to the smell.

[drmechano]

back by popular demand:

 

Edited by drmechano, 18 February 2013 - 10:46 PM.

[drmechano]

so, what's the bottom line - bad speed switch / wiring to the motor?

[Strathy]

For me it is hard to pinpoint on the video.  If I was there, my ears would take me right to it.  It does sound like a motor problem to me - but the spin speeds seems OK with a load, so I'm not sure.  Wish I could be more help on this one.  

[RegUS_PatOff]

could be..
trying to run 2 speeds at once,
Motor not getting up to speed to completely dis-engage the Centrifugal Start Switch,
re-tries starting
http://www.repaircli...?R=154&N=777091

 

any part ordered from RepairClinic can be returned for a refund (less shipping)
including installed electrical parts

[Scottthewolf]

This same thing also happens when the wires are loose that plug into the motor connector