Whirlpool Duet from 2005!

[Matt Ferber]

Hi all, 

Well, I thought I had the bearing problem so ordered up a set for my washer:

GHW9150PW1

Unfortunately, when I got the washer apart, it turns out the bearings were in pretty good shape.  It was the spider on the stainless steel spin basket that were failing.  I called Whirlpool today and I couldn't reach anybody in warranty work (since the basket has a lifetime warranty).  When you get to warranty work, they ask you to leave a message or visit the website.  The website shows the part is discontinued and that if you call, they cannot help you.  Item #1515048 | Whirlpool OEM Part #WPW10250573.

Has anyone had any luck finding these anymore at a reasonable price?  I was really hoping it would be covered by the "lifetime" warranty!!!  Now it looks like any way you slice it, I'm out several hundred bucks.

Also, if I don't fix it, I have some bearings Ill sell cheap.

matt.

[Washer Repair]

Matt-

First, note that you can always return unused repair kits to us without question:-). That said, I would encourage you to replace them anyway.  It is common that you spin and feel the bearings by hand and they seem fine but when you put those bearings under load and high speed, they do make noise.

As for the tub, I have heard of many people that get a washtub assembly (including spider) sent from the manufacturer for free under warranty but it depends on the year.  They are not bound as auto manufacturers are to retain replacement parts for a certain number of years (for cars, I believe it is 7 years) so if they are out of inventory then I do not believe we have any recourse other than just finding a washtub somewhere on eBay or in a used machine.

Jerrod

[Matt Ferber]

Thanks Jerrod!  I did find a spider on ebay so will try to bolt a new spider assembly onto the old tub (which was fine).  I will also replace the bearings as you suggest!  Heres hoping I can get a few more years out of this baby!!!!!!!

It was remarkable to see all the collected sludge on the back of the spider/tub!  I imagine that contributes to the balance issue, putting excess stress on a failing "pot metal" spider.  Maybe a guy should get into remanufacturing the spider out of better material, like aluminum.  

[Matt Ferber]

100% Fixed!  I bought the used spider on ebay.  It was easy to take the old one out and put the new one in.  Much easier than the bearing fix, not that that piece was hard either.  I did replace the seal and bearings as long as I was in there.

Thank you for all of your help!  Matt.

[Washer Repair]

Great news!!!  Good work.

Jerrod