Direct Drive Whirlpool Washer LXR9245EQ1 Banging Noise

[spike1]

Twenty five year old washer, original motor, transmission replaced about 4 years ago, new clutch early this year.  Started making banging noise when agitating.  Discovered that one of the 3 screws holding transmission in place had sheared off and another had fallen out and was lying on floor under washer.  Have replaced 2 of the 3 screws - that 3rd one is sheared off in the hole so have to work on getting it out.  In the meantime, is it ok to run with only 2 screws holding the transmission or am I just asking for another screw to snap?  And what made the screws fall out/break in the first place?  It does not seem unbalanced at all, although maybe the tub wiggles a little more than normal when you move it side to side.  Maybe.  And all the springs supporting the tub are attached and seem tight. 

Thanks in advance. 

[Quick]

You joking right? Go buy a washer.

Quick

[northeastappliance]

I wouldn't be to quick to replace this machine. They are great machines. 

I would say you would be better off with all 3 bolts installed. Your best bet is removing the bolt with an easy-out or replacing the support that the trans bolts to. 

[john63]

Two bolts will be fine. Can add threadlocker if needed.

Lowes/Home Depot sells broken bolt extractors---they are very effective.

Bolts can shear over time---if they're loose.

[smee123]

i have seen a washer work with only 2.

i was surprised, i mean who takes a bolt home with them 

[Quick]

3 hours ago, spike1 said:

And what made the screws fall out/break in the first place?

Probably something to do with being 25 years old. 

Good luck with all that.

Quick

[evaappliance]

11 hours ago, john63 said:

Two bolts will be fine. Can add threadlocker if needed.

Lowes/Home Depot sells broken bolt extractors---they are very effective.

Bolts can shear over time---if they're loose.

agreed

[Hiroshi]

Yep. You can't replace this washer with anything nearly as good... !  

It will not hurt the machine to flop it on its side to do the bolt extraction either, so don't struggle with it upright...

[Budget Appliance Repair]

In 30 yrs. I've only ran into 2 with a broken transmission bolt.  Both came out very easily with a reverse drill bit.

Once the head breaks off there isn't much tension/resistance on the threaded portion so they usually back right out if you catch even just a slight edge to turn against.