Kenmore Washing Machine 110.20902990 rub/squeaking noise on spin

[yohy]

Ah, you think it could possibly be a pump issue?   Would that give a spooling up sound?  Again, as it goes into the spin mode, it sounds fine, then as the RPMs increase, the sound becomes apparent and increases in volume, then stays static till the RPMs wind down.   Now I just get a bit nervous running something with various components pulled, but this wouldn't take long and shouldn't be an issue, correct? (he asked nervously)

[evaappliance]

it will be fine to pop the clamps off and spin it without the pump on , you will have eliminated every possible problem except the transmission, which is what it will end up being   

[yohy]

evaappliance,, will give it a go.  And yes, I guess it's eliminate any possibility before coming up against the eventuality of a new tranny.   As always I am thankful for the time and energy  the folks on this forum take to provide advice and direction.

[yohy]

So the saga continues.  On Monday, the machine makes a final gasp and grinds to a halt.  Spending many hours debating on whether to buy new or repair, I decided on the repair path, ordering a new transmission on Tuesday.  UPS delivers the box, absolutely oil soaked, with the bag holding the tranny full of oil.   Vendor immediately reships, get #2 on Friday, this one  in great shape, no oil leakage.  I remove the old transmission (this is the second time as the first time was to replace the clutch and the motor coupling) replacing it with the new one.  All goes fairly well other than breaking off one of the plastic fasteners on the right hand trim end cap.  Get the water hooked up, run a few loads and all is well until I go to clean up the garage workbench and notice the old transmission.....I forgot to open the breather port.   Grrrrr.  So today, I pull the new transmission, open up the breather port and reinstall.

Now I have two questions.

The first is the victim of this repair.  There is something called the support, rear panel P/N 63290 that broke as I was laying the machine down.  First question, how critical is this part?

Second question: Under the agitator, there is a metal "U" shaped retaining clip with a plastic piece under it.  Now when you reassemble, should the PIN on the plastic piece go into the opening of the "U" or outside.  I have attached a picture to show what I am talking about.

So  now, the machine is operational, no noises, leaks or other concerning items.

Again, I truly appreciate all of the time and effort put into answering my multitude of questions.

[micabay]

This parts main purpose is to hold the back panel upright while the cabinet is removed for servicing.  When I work on a machine without it, you can hear me silently cursing under my breath.   Otherwise not needed for normal use.

Part number: 63290

[yohy]

micabay,  thanks for the response.  It did look "non-critical", but just wanted to make certain the machine didn't rattle or otherwise be a pain.  It never fails that when ever I take something apart there is a casualty.  It was the support this time, and one of the end cap clips the last time.  I guess I will wait till I have to take it apart again to replace it.  Thanks again for your advice, and I can imagine I will be "silently cursing" if I don't replace it.

 

 

[Budget Appliance Repair]

The upright post of the white piece can be outside of or inside the v-opening.  I put it on the outside, I'm pretty sure that is the way it is from the factory.

The purpose of those two pieces are to make sure the agitator positively spins good and fast with the spin basket so that the fabric softener can be ejected from the dispenser by the centrifugal force. 

Micabay, I feel the same way as you about the rear support.  I save them from any that I strip out and have them on my truck, if missing or broken I install one free of charge, (Just used my last one yesterday, it was on a 2004 model.  It wasn't even there).   I think Whirlpool stopped putting the support in the newer models but I thought it was much newer then 2004 when they stopped putting them in.

Might have been that far back when they stopped including the rear panel support.  Just looked up the one I worked on to see if it is showed in the parts breakdown and it isn't.

Edited February 21, 2016 by Budget Appliance Repair

[yohy]

Willie,

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the time you guys take answering questions from "duffs" like me. Your answer about the function of those two pieces was great, now I know.  And that rear support, hopefully I won't have to fool with the washer for a while, but I think I will order one to have on hand.

On another subject, why do I feel so nervous about working on something for the first time.  Right now my wife is doing a huge white load (washing machine has been out of service for almost a week) and I swear that machine is making more noises (or is nosier)  than it ever has.  I guess maybe I am paying more attention!   But I guess if I pulled it apart, put it back together with no parts left over, it can only go back one way.   Am I missing something?  I mean if the transmission slides in, settles onto the three studs and bolts up, that's about it, right.  I'll do a brake job with less agita!

Anyhow, thanks for letting me rant and thanks again for all of the time and energy you guys devote to the forum.