Kenmore Washing Machine 110.20902990 rub/squeaking noise on spin

[yohy]

Washing machine, on spin, makes a rubbing/squeaking noise on the spin cycle. If this were a belt drive, I would suspect that, but it's direct drive. Now as the machine spins up, the sound seems to start as the RPM's come up and then becomes constant.  Oh, I did pull the agitator and cleaned everything, including the "dogs", but it made no difference in the noise. Your thoughts/comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Regards.   I did attach a video of the noise in question, I hope it's in a format that will open.

20160102_112223.3gp

[AlboGator]

Sounds like the plastic is rubbing and your tub top looks crooked. That dimple should be in the middle in the back.

 

[yohy]

Walt,

Thank you for taking the time to respond.  First let me apologize for the quality of the video, it was the only way I could get the size down to an acceptable post level.  Now when you mention "plastic rubbing", which plastic would that be?  I thought that, hence my reason for pulling and cleaning the agitator.  Where else should I be looking, or what should I be looking for.  And when you mention "dimple", where would that be, you mention "In the back"

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

24 minutes ago, yohy said:

First let me apologize for the quality of the video, it was the only way I could get the size down to an acceptable post level.  

Entirely my fault. Grasshoppers did not have the ability to upload attachments prior to the software upgrade we just did because we found that it just confuses them. That permission got reset when we upgraded the software. Thank you for pointing out this erroneous setting which has now been corrected.

To show images or videos, use a free image or video hosting site and then post the links here.

Carry on. 

[yohy]

I will take some higher resolution video and then upload and post the link (I think that would be the process).  Can you suggest a destination?  Would it be YouTube?  Would it reveal my age it I admitted to NEVER posting a video to YouTube!  Thanks again for your time.

[AlboGator]

That top tub ring looks fine on a second look. I took a second look and listen and the lighting was throwing me off. It sounds like the inner tub is hitting either the outer tub or the ring that attaches to the top of the outer tub. So the inner basket could be loose or something could be stuck between the inner and outer tub, or you could have a large crud build up on one of the tubs causing the noise would be my first thoughts. Thinking it's time to pull the thing apart and take a look around. You can pull off the cabinet and then the top tub ring and may find your problem.

imgur is a good site to post pics, don't know if they do video. If not youtube is probably your best option.

[yohy]

OK, tried another video and uploaded to YouTube.  See if this gives you a better idea.  And yes, I think it's about time to pull the case and look around.  And again, thank you for your time and energy to help me solve this issue.  Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/BG-eoL3VEcs

[abaesemann]

Did you try the spin cycle when you had the agitator out, and if so did it still make the noise. Maybe something between basket and tub, need to isolate the noise area.

[yohy]

abaesemann,  No I didn't try that, thought about it, but was a bit nervous about running the machine with various parts missing.   Maybe after mama is done with the machine, I'll give it try.  Curious, what would be between the basket and tub that would be rubbing?

 

 

[abaesemann]

Clothing, if machine is overloaded can get between tub ring and top of basket, also check for screws and nails in wash basket holes, will cut plastic tub right in half after a few passes. Once you determine it is not agitator and then nothing is between tub and basket then you start to move under machine.

Edited January 3, 2016 by abaesemann

[yohy]

Roger that.  When I had the agitator out, I did a complete check of the interior basket along with a good cleaning of everything including the "dogs".  Nothing was apparent.  Again, mother in the Sunday laundry cycle, so I will wait till she is done, then I will pull the agitator and run it.  Will report back but again, thanks for your insight.

[yohy]

OK, removed agitator, ran on spin, no change to the noise.  While I was there I did a through visual of every nook and cranny and didn't see anything untoward.  Grrr.

[abaesemann]

So now you know it is not the agitator, next you need to get the tub ring off and verify nothing in between tub and basket. But first you need to take cabinet off machine. Up to you to try this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlAFQnkapLM

[abaesemann]

Are you able to isolate the noise coming from the top of the machine or the bottom of the machine.?

[evaappliance]

I believe this noise is coming from the transmission , have heard them making that noise several times over the years . Have seen them run for years while making this noise : )  when it does go down I would fix it at any cost unless I were going to buy a new speed queen! 

[yohy]

At first I thought it was coming from the agitator within the machine itself.  But then thought it was coming from lower on the machine, then decided it was pretty constant as I started at the top of the machine then lowered my ear along the front of the machine. Didn't sound louder as I was on the ground.  Now a few years ago I had the case off to replace the lid switch, so familiar with the process, but the link was great as I am more a visual learner.  Now, I remove the case, do I need to remove the tub or can I do a visual?

[yohy]

evaappliance,  urghhhh, I had a feeling someone would suggest the tranny as the cause.    You mention you have seen them go for a while, years?  Would the sound just get louder?  So just let her rip till it decides to grind to a halt?  Is it bearings, or some other internal and curious if the transmission rebuildable?   And yes, I would rather spend some money on a known commodity versus some of the stuff I currently see.   Is there anything I can do to extend the life of the tranny?

[abaesemann]

Still could be spin tube, brake/clutch or transmission. They are all worth repairing, that is a technician designed machine and was made to last and be repaired at an affordable price. That is one reason they are gone.

[evaappliance]

just let it rip , it is rebuildable , but  I would buy a new transmission when it quits if it were me. they can be tricky to rebuild. not anything you can do to extend the life ,  sorry !

[yohy]

evaappliance, 

Thanks for that bit of advice, kinda where I was leaning.  Now just curious, would it make sense to replace the brake/clutch just to eliminate that possibility?  It's a cheaper shot in the dark if you think that might eliminate the issue.  If not, I'll tell mama just to turn up the TV and not worry about the noise.

 

[evaappliance]

I think it would be very unlikely that would make a difference, sorry !

[yohy]

evaappliance, looks like I will just let it rip until it grinds to a halt or the wife can't stand the increasing noise.  Thanks again for your insight and your time.

[yohy]

OK guys, the update.  I replaced the clutch assembly and the motor coupling, and the result, no change in the sound.  Now the only things of note I found were this:  the brake cam locating pins were broken off of the old cam, not certain if that would matter;  then rubber portion of the coupler had a lot of wear around the circumference, enough that one of the oblong slots for the plastic pins had worn through.  Does this give any indication of the problem, or just something that happens.

With all of that, your thoughts/comments/suggestions are most welcome.

 

[evaappliance]

the only way to stop the noise is to replace the transmission . the other two things just happen. 

[certified tech group 51]

Have you remove the pump from the motor shaft and run the spin cycle???