Kenmore 417.40412700 loud spin, but NOT spider mount?

[dgoonan]

We have a Kenmore front load washer (417.40412700) and it has recently become very loud during the spin cycle. I checked the "Secret Samurai Technique For Checking The Drum Bearings In A Front Load Washer" and based on that, I don't think mine has that problem. Link here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1386863/drum%20test.m4v

For reference, here's a link to the video of the noise during the spin cycle. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1386863/washer.m4v

If it's a relatively simple fix, I'm happy to try it, especially if I can access the problem from the front. There's a gas dryer stacked on top and it's in a fairly tight space so I can't easily access the back or top. If it is in fact the spider mount/bearing/drum, I realize it's probably not worth fixing, which brings up the problem of trying to find the same model or another model that will mount under the gas dryer.

Thanks for any help and suggestions.

 

[maytagman]

 Nothing simple about that one. Time to go shopping for a new machine.  That is a tub/bearing issue.

[dgoonan]

Ugh. Thanks...I think.

This one is only 8 yrs old. Big problem now (other than paying for a new washer) is finding one that our existing Kenmore dryer can mount on top of. Anyone know where I can find some kind of cross-reference for compatible washers using our existing mounting kit?

[dgoonan]

And here's another question. If we can put up with the noise, is it still safe to use for a little while? Weeks? Months? Nothing is leaking (yet). I'd hate to come home to a flood, but if we can take some time and think about options and use this in the meantime, that would help.

 

Thanks.

[maytagman]

Days or months, a year, It's hard to say how long it will last.  That one is a Kenmore that is made by Frigidaire and your old dryer may work with one of the new washers. Mounting kits are not as elaborate as you may think on most of these. Some are just a couple simple brackets on the back and double sided foam tape. Compare measurements of your old kenmore with some new frigidaire washers and they may be the same. 

[dgoonan]

Yeah, I guess that's a next logical step. I'm also thinking about building (or buying) some sort of a sturdy table type thing to rest the dryer on and slide the new washer beneath it. That way, if I ever have to work on the washer again, it won't require removing the dryer from the top. It's a gas dryer, and here in MA, every time we need to connect or disconnect it from the gas line, we need to hire a licensed plumber to do so.

[maytagman]

I have seen a few setups like that and I like the idea if you are limited to a stack set.  It gives you more flexibility, especially with many appliances only lasting  8 yrs or less. Many dryers outlive 2 front load washers.