Duet Sport washer spider clamp source?

[Cloister]

Our 5-ish year old Duet Sport washer just started banging violently during the spin cycle (actually it started while we were out of town and the housesitters were using it).  I've watched your repair video and am ready to replace the seal/bearings.  the SS tub also moves when one of the baffles is in the 6 o'clock position so that seems to indicate a spider clamp failure. 

Here's my question: skimming through some of the other posts with similar problems, it seems like most people are saying that the spider is NOT available as a separate part but this seems to be just the spider clamp for my model (WFW8300SW03): http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-support-w10202464-ap4482328.html

Anything I'm missing here or should I be skeptical about trying to replace just the spider?

Also wondering if people have had much luck getting just the replacement parts from Whirlpool without an authorized tech.  My inclination is to just order the parts, eat the cost, and do it myself this weekend but if people are having any success getting the parts from Whirlpool but do the repairs themselves, I'd be willing to try that route too.

Thanks in advance for any help . . .

[big...@yahoo.com]

It checks out on the Appliance Parts Pros website and on the Sears Parts Direct (http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Whirlpool-Parts/Washer-Parts/Model-WFW8300SW03/1198/0153200/W0710089/00006?blt=06&prst=0&shdMod=WFW8300SW03) website, where it is cheaper, but watch for Sears 'add ons, shipping and taxes..
That is the first time I have seen a spider like the picture on Appliance Parts Pros, and it will be interesting to find out if the one it is replacing is similar.
Cloister - Should you go ahead with the bearing and seal renewal PLEASE do not put any pressure on any part of the new bearings except the outer race. Should you do so you will very likely 'bruise' the races and balls and this may well lead to premature bearing failure.
There is a Shop Manual for this series of washer's at https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/6545d78b3f479480852571650061b1ba/$FILE/8178558.pdf  but I do not believe it deals with the spider being separate from the tub. Whatever you decide to do

 

Good Luck and please let us know how it turns out.

 

 

[Jerrod Sessler]

I would at least make the call to see if the parts happen to be covered under warranty.  The best deal if they won't warranty the parts is to be the spider/drum assembly from appliance parts site and the bearing/seal kit from us and bring everything together on your own.  

Based on your description, I can't think of anything other than a broken spider that would create the problem that you have.  The other concern is that you want to look for rubbing inside the tub when you take it apart as I have seen some with some big groves in them from certain parts of the drum spinning after the spider is broken.  I have never seen one break from this but a consideration since you are taking it apart.

Regards,

Jerrod

[Cloister]

Thanks for the feedback, both of you.  Jerrod, do you think I need to get the whole drum assembly for $253 (http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-basket-8540451-ap3868479.html) or can I save $150+ and just get the spider clamp  for $87 (http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-support-w10202464-ap4482328.html)?

I'd like to keep this thing on the road for a while longer but am reluctant to spend much more than I need to (responsibly) in case some other part goes south (just replaced the door seal boot earlier this year).  Is there value in replacing the whole assembly or can I get away (and is it simple enough to do) to just do the spider arm itself?  Will order bearings and seal from you.

Thanks,

jc

[big...@yahoo.com]

[big...@yahoo.com]

On Tuesday, October 16, 2012 11:25:33 AM UTC-2:30, big...@yahoo.com wrote:

I too am wondering why Jerrod would reccomemnd renewing the entire basket assembly. I know it is sometimes difficult to remove the scres that secure spider to the inner tub but $150eems an awful lot for that inconvenience.

Regards

[Jerrod Sessler]

Wow! I am shocked and impressed. This is the first time I have see just the spider available for a US machine. Good research. You can in bolt the spider from the drum and order just the spider in this case. This is hopefully a trend that will continue with other models!

[Jerrod Sessler]

The spider isn't usually available to buy by itself which is my only reason for suggesting to replace the drum. If you have trouble with the screws the hit the hardware store and get new ones!

[big...@yahoo.com]

Jerrod,
I do not know how many 'US machines' now have a separately available spider but this Whirlpool built Kenmore does, 110.47511702 and, I presume,ub the Whirlpool variant would also. I believe this model is a "Duet" variant whereas the machine which is the subject of this thread is a "Duet Sport".
LG direct drive front loaders, and their Kenmore counterparts, also have separately available spiders (and bearings and seals). I am not sure but I believe the Samsung built Kenmores also have spiders that are available separately.

[Cloister]

So . . . repair update.  The spider clamp and the bearings/seal arrived and I spent a good chunk of the weekend doing the repair.  The Duet Sport is a bit different from the Duet so I had to cross-reference the Whirlpool Repair Manual .pdf that I found online.  Biggest challenges were getting the SS washer drum out of the enclosure (the spindle seemed to be frozen into the bearings but some penetrating oil and some good beating with a mallet and wood block finally disgorged it) and a sheared off screw while removing the spider clamp (but a run to the local True Value and $1.09 replaced it quickly).

Had to work my way through it as I'm a carpenter but probably not the most mechanically inclined fella but everything now seems to be working and leak-free after a test load on the lawn and two loads back in the house.

Thanks very much for the guidance Jerrod and Biguggy.  It was a challenge but ultimately fruitful.  Glad I didn't have to drop the money to buy the entire spider/basket assembly as I think that might have tipped the financial decision balance in favor of just getting a new machine.

[Jerrod Sessler]

sounds good!

Jerrod