Washing Machine Service

[DenverCruiser]

I have a 3 year-old washing machine that has begun to have some issues. Shakes horribly during spin cycle before shutting itself off. Also is extremely loud now while water is on. Luckily no leakage issues at all.

Question is, it is out of warranty, are these things servicable? I assume there is now some play or is off of alignement now (probably took too heavy of a load). People check them out via service or am I SOL and should just wait till it dies and buy a new one?

 

[mattlock]

Are the little vibration tabs broken? Sounds like they might be. Take the front panel off and take a look. If they are busted, it's pretty simple to replace them. Just write down the serial number and the model number and hit the interwebz for the manufacture website. You should be able to get any parts direct from them. If that's not the problem, just check Craigslist. There are always tons of good used appliances on there. We just bought a hot rod washer for my brothers house for $75. The thing works great! And it's a super capacity model, which is great for two single guys that don't like doing laundry that much...

 

[dgangle]

$100 service call from Sears and you'll know what it will take to fix. If you don't want them find who sells parts locally and ask them for names.

If you are mechanically inclined, research it on the web and dig in. I did this on an electric dryer that was making loud noises/squeaks and found out it was a very common problem known as the 'maytag whine' and fixed with a $20 plastic impeller. Woulda cost me $100 min to have a service tech show up at my house.

 

[brwnj60]

Appliance Blog Repair Forums - Powered by vBulletin

I just fixed my washing machine with the info from that site

 

[IdahoDoug]

Agree check it out online. I joined ApplianceGuru.com: The Samurai Appliance Repair Forums and found it was the "Mud" of appliance forums. Saved me big bucks and then I also bought appliances with their recommendation that turned out to be really durable models. These machines are just a big bucket with a motor, a belt and a water pump and a timer. About 6 screws opens the entire thing up and you can see it all.

For excess movement don't underrate simply leveling the machine. The slightest angle and it will thump.

DougM

 

[mattlock]

Agree check it out online. I joined ApplianceGuru.com: The Samurai Appliance Repair Forums and found it was the "Mud" of appliance forums. Saved me big bucks and then I also bought appliances with their recommendation that turned out to be really durable models. These machines are just a big bucket with a motor, a belt and a water pump and a timer. About 6 screws opens the entire thing up and you can see it all.

For excess movement don't underrate simply leveling the machine. The slightest angle and it will thump.

DougM

Actually most of the newer models have a panel in the front that just needs to be popped off. Just stick a shim between the top panel and the front panel. It should break free from the little pins that hold it in place and you can have a look. It could be that it is out of level, but I am willing to bet that it's those vibration tabs or whatever they call them. They are like little bungee cords that keep the "bucket" from shaking the unit all over the house. You are right though that a washing machine is a really simple device. Unless the motor is shot, it's probably worth fixing if you can do it yourself. Calling a repair guy, will put him over the cost of a nice used unit from Craigslist. Most washers are built to last at least twenty years. Since this one is only three years old, I would try and fix it.

 

[hammer1]

Whatever parts you need, you can get them from parts for your needs
parts for every effin appliance, and them some. I bought stuff for a 20 year old big-ass rest. stove.

 

[DenverCruiser]

Actually most of the newer models have a panel in the front that just needs to be popped off. Just stick a shim between the top panel and the front panel. It should break free from the little pins that hold it in place and you can have a look. It could be that it is out of level, but I am willing to bet that it's those vibration tabs or whatever they call them. They are like little bungee cords that keep the "bucket" from shaking the unit all over the house. You are right though that a washing machine is a really simple device. Unless the motor is shot, it's probably worth fixing if you can do it yourself. Calling a repair guy, will put him over the cost of a nice used unit from Craigslist. Most washers are built to last at least twenty years. Since this one is only three years old, I would try and fix it.

Does it make any difference that it is a front-load machine?