Kenmore 417.40412700 front-load washer drum 'sticking' (not spinning freely full revolution).

[cutter]

We have a Kenmore model 417.40412700 front load washer with a problem. We've noticed for the past few weeks that clothes are coming out a lot wetter than they used to. And the noise it makes when in fast-spin mode confirms that it's not spinning freely. When empty and off I can spin the drum partially, but then it meets some resistance for part of the revolution, then spins freely again for a half turn. And so it continues. It's almost as if something is stuck, but I don't know how to get at it. There is no scraping or rattling noise when turning by hand.

I replaced the bad bearings in the unit a few years ago and that quieted the original racket we were hearing. And the drum doesn't rattle or make any noise when wiggling it fore and aft, so I don't think it's the bearings again or the spider mount.

We'd be fine getting a new machine, but nothing out there meets the dimensions of this old beast, unless we go to a really small capacity, which is impractical.

If this problem sounds like it would be a simple fix, I'd almost be willing to attempt it. But if it's anything like replacing those bearing, forget it. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on a fix or a replacement. Thanks.

[Vance R]

Remove the belt and spin the drum by hand then check for vertical play at several places in the rotation. Odds are it is a bearing issue, but could be something inbetween the basket and outer tub.

[Budget Appliance Repair]

@cutter Remove the lower front access panel and put a good light under the tub area - then open the door and look inside.   If there is something between the spin basket and outer tub you should be able to see it from the light shinning thru the outer tub.

[cutter]

Thank you very much for the replies.

I can deal with the access panel easily enough, so I'll shine that light and see what I can see. It would be great if it were something stuck that I could easily remove, but I don't relish the thought of taking apart that drum assembly if it's something bigger that i can't get to. Our gas dryer is mounted on top of the washer, so pulling the washer out to work on is a royal pain. A

[cutter]

Well, I did the light thing and I got a great view of the basket/tub area. Nothing there that I could see inhibiting the turning of the drum. I even went around the whole perimeter of the gasket where it sits against the tub and other than some grime, nothing was stuck in there, either. Looks like we might be biting the bullet on a new unit. 

 

Thanks again for your advice.