repair didn't work

[Lance Boyd]

I was 100% sure the problem with my Whirlpool Duet was the bearings after doing a little research on line.  The inner tub was wobbly, and there were shavings where it had rub up against the outer tub (in the front near the rubber boot).

I ordered the bearing replacement kit from you, and the install went exactly as planned, so I thought everything was going to be good.  My only concern was there was still some wobble or play in the inner tub.  

The repair did not work, and I am not sure why the inner tub has so much wobble with a brand new bearing installed.  I also did _not_ replace the outer tube, even though parts of the opening in the front half had been scraped off by the inner tube. 

What could be causing the inner tub to wobble?  do I need to replace the outer tub?  does that play a role in keep the inner tub stable?

thanks

[Lance Boyd]

one more thing, in doing some searching on youtube, I am seeing video that suggests my spider arm may be broken, at least my symptoms are consistent with the video.

the solution is replacing the inner tub, about $400.  sound right?

[Jerrod Sessler]

Lance,

Your spider could be broken or cracked but I assume you likely would have noticed that during the repair as it would be very obvious in most cases.  Sometime, only one of the three arms is cracked and it can be missed however so don't feel bad if that is the case.

The more likely issue is the shaft where the inner bearing sits is worn down and the bearing does not fit snug onto it. Did you happen to test fit the bearings on the shaft before you assembled it or did you notice any grinding sort of wearing on the shaft?

Regards,

Jerrod

[Lance Boyd]

I will check that out.  I need to disassemble the machine again to check so it may be a day before I respond.

thanks

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 12:11:39 PM UTC-4, Lance Boyd wrote:

[Frank Taylor]

Jerrod/Lance,

I am having this same problem with my four year old Whirlpool Duet but I did thoroughly check the spider when I did the bearing replacement so I know that it is not broken.  Unfortunately I did not check how snug the new bearing fit on the shaft before I put it back together.  Now, if I do take it apart and shaft is worn down where the inner bearing sits what can I do? This might be highly likely since it was almost fused to the old bearing :-)

And Jerrod thanks for the awesome video, advice and bearing replacement kit....it was an awesome experience for sure!

Thanks!

Frank

[Jerrod Sessler]

Frank-

I have answered this in more detail in a past post.  Here is the link: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!searchin/washer-repair/weld%7Csort:relevance/washer-repair/_HQd4PT_I14/uUfQe7eEegEJ

It isn't perfect but it would work and with a little patience in the process, you can get it to be just as good as new.

Let me know how it goes.

Jerrod

[Lance Boyd]

thanks for the reply.  So I would stand the metal inner tub shaft vertical, apply some JB Weld to the shaft, slide the rear outer tub and bearings down over the shaft, and then let dry?

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 12:11:39 PM UTC-4, Lance Boyd wrote:

[Lance Boyd]

got it disassembled and the spider arm was broken.  The machine is 9 years old and I think there is a lifetime warranty on this piece, based on readings I have seen elsewhere online.  I don't think the bearings were ever the issue, but I am glad I replaced them anyway while I had the thing open.  It has been fun and nice to know these repairs are not really that hard.

I'll report back on my efforts to get a free replacement inner tub.

Thanks

Lance

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 12:11:39 PM UTC-4, Lance Boyd wrote:

[Lance Boyd]

Here is the story online about the warranty and how to get a new tub  if the spider arm is broken

   http://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/threads/30568-Whirlpool-Duet-Broken-Spider-Arm

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 12:11:39 PM UTC-4, Lance Boyd wrote:

[Lance Boyd]

Well, I am happy to report that Whirlpool not only replaced the inner tub at no charge, but also sent me a brand new outer tub with it.  So I installed it all and I have a washing machine running perfectly now.

-Lance

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 12:11:39 PM UTC-4, Lance Boyd wrote:

[Jerrod Sessler]

Lance,
That is GREAT NEWS!

Jerrod