WFW9550WW00 - first smell, then leaking at shaft

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Tim Hoefer

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Aug 16, 2013, 1:37:20 PM8/16/13
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Full bearings and seal replacement via HomeTask.com.  A few thousandths of an inch of play in seal so, per a HomeTask video's advice, I placed 100% silicon around the edges of the seal, set in place, placed the steel drum and shaft into place and let it set overnight to ensure proper alignment.  Waited at least 24 hours for silicone to cure.

Last night, during its first post-repair run, I smelled the burning rubber and hearing some rubbing.  Hopped on this forum and saw that it's not uncommon and should go away after a few cycles.  Indeed, it did decrease after running two more cycles.  The initial issue, though, of the knocking/rattling noise that prompted us to 1) call the service man who gave us the "bearings issue, it's going to cost $900" speech and subsequently 2) contact HomeTask.com to order our kit, was still happening.

Awoke this morning with the sad reminder that despite changing out the bearings (spider looked fine) and seal, we're back to square 1, I knew my wife wanted to start getting back at the laundry, so I ran the "Washer Cleaner with affresh" cycle after throwing in an affresh tablet to ensure all of the rubber stench was gone and wouldn't saturate the material of the first load.  10 or 15 minutes after starting the cycle, I came to check on the unit and there was water all over the floor and it was actively spilling out of the unit.  I still had the front and back panels off so I quickly inspected it before shutting it off and found that water was spurting out of the shaft itself, it would appear the brand new seal I received has been compromised.

I realize with the seal compromised, I'm going to need to take it apart again and will know more, but I'm pretty sure my wife is going to broach the subject of just sucking it up and buying a new machine.

Any clues on what's going on?

In summary --
 1) changed out bearings and seal, all seemed to fit just fine. 
 2) fired it up, smelled burning rubber and heard rubbing at low RPM, original pre-repair rattling banging at high RPM
 3) after 2 or 3 cycles, smell went away and pulley spun WAY more freely, no more rubbing sound
 4) same rattling/banging that we heard during high RPM spin was still occurring
 5) ran "washer cleaner" cycle that presumably fills up a lot of the tub cavity
 6) water was exiting the unit at the shaft

Video of rattling + 2 pictures including post-install bearings/seal cavity before reassembly.
https://vimeo.com/72466863

Thanks in advance,
Tim
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Tim Hoefer

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Aug 17, 2013, 1:37:33 PM8/17/13
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In addition to this, one more question, tear down is obviously in order so I've started before seeing an answer here.  The unit is stuck in Clean Washer mode and the door is locked (which means I can't get to the front boot spring retainer).  Any ideas on how to get the door unlocked without having to wait another 65 minutes and endure more water exiting the shaft?

Thanks,
Tim

Jerrod Sessler

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Aug 17, 2013, 3:05:07 PM8/17/13
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Tim,
Not sure what to do or how to deal with the lock issue.  I wonder if you rotate the knob without pulling it out if that will do the same thing as waiting.

For the seal issue, it sounds like there is definitely something wrong.  The first thing that comes to mind is if the bearings were fully seated.  If the seal was rubbing one something that bad then there could be a serious issue with the seal making contact with the drum as it rotates, not on the shaft but on the shoulders or back of the seal.  Such that it may have been broken or worn through.  That amount of water could not get through the seal/shaft connection without catastrophic failure of some sort whereby the seal is completely broken or cut through.

Please keep in contact.  Amy can get new parts out to you next day once you get it apart and see what is happening.
Jerrod

Tim Hoefer

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Aug 17, 2013, 3:56:24 PM8/17/13
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Jerrod,
Thanks for your reply...got the lock figured out...pulled a few harnesses on from the right side wall located behind the front button panel and was able to reset the mode selection switch and get it unlocked.

For the bearings, I used a 2x4 per your videos and listening for the deadening sound an even gave it a few taps after I heard it to be sure (rotating 180 degrees each time like your video).  I'm 99% confident they were fully seated but will find out here shortly now that I have the tub dropped.

Thanks again for your reply...I will contact you as soon as I gather more information.

-Tim

Tim Hoefer

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Aug 17, 2013, 7:55:51 PM8/17/13
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What I found...
  Video 1: https://vimeo.com/72560402
  Video 2: https://vimeo.com/72565212

Immediately post-install picture: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/9525711502_1b79139cf9_b.jpg

Incidentally, none of the rust was present pre-install...it is all the result of the replacement seal being compromised.

Seems like the only other option is something on the shaft or...more likely...the seal was too high?

The seal had a few thousandths of an inch play in it so, as one of your other videos suggested, I rounded it with 100% silicone (the white caulk you see in the pre image and post video), put the seal in place, then dropped the drum in to ensure proper alignment as it cured over night.

I noticed a very subtle lip on the inside where the seal sits. Since the core of the seal was thin metal, I didn't consider tapping it at all.

You can see the lip on this pre-install image I took: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/9455810166_035575530d_b.jpg

At your mercy and expertise Jerrod, lay it on me.

-Tim

Jerrod Sessler

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Aug 17, 2013, 8:26:47 PM8/17/13
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Tim,
Yes, I see what is happening here.
Jerrod

Jerrod Sessler

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Aug 17, 2013, 9:50:15 PM8/17/13
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TIm,
Can you post your model number?
Thanks,
Jerrod


On Saturday, August 17, 2013 4:55:51 PM UTC-7, Tim Hoefer wrote:

Tim Hoefer

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Aug 18, 2013, 1:02:32 AM8/18/13
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Sure.  WFW9550WW00

daka...@gmail.com

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Sep 25, 2013, 4:15:31 PM9/25/13
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Hey Tim. I really liked the detail you put into this forum. I am having the same issue with same model and am mentally preparing to do the same job. Swapping out the bearing. I wanted to ask you where you purchased your bearing kit? I am looking around the internet and am leary to purchase. Also, you mentioned some videos? Any chance you have the link to them?  Thanks!!


Chris

Jerrod Sessler

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Sep 25, 2013, 6:09:42 PM9/25/13
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Chris,
This is the page to order the kits:  http://www.yellowvanhandyman.com/washerrepair.aspx

There are a number of YouTube videos as well that I have made which you can surf through.  Here is a sample:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jf03vj1fbU

Regards,
Jerrod

Chris Diederichs

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Sep 26, 2013, 11:40:06 AM9/26/13
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Jerrod,

Thanks for the quick reply. I am nervous that I run into the same issue where I purchase the bearings and replace just to find out the basket shaft is worn and causes same issue Tim went thru. Ive seen on some models that are simular to mine (WFW9550WW00) that instead of buying the entire basket and shaft, you can purchase the spline and shaft only. Im wondering if this is something I should investigate.

Chris


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