Jimmy Vegas
New member
- Mar 9, 2016
- 293
- 0
A recent and frustrating experience..
We started noticing streaks on our clothes as they were coming out of the washing machine, it looked like grease to me, but the markings looked as though the clothes had scraped across something dirty. My first instinct was that there was something at the spout where the fabric softener, bleach and detergent was being inserted in to the tub. It's a small plastic piece at the front just about the door. And since we never use bleach or softener in the wash, I figured there was some kind of dirt, or mold, or something making its way out.
Well, running empty loads with bleach in all the feeds to clean everything out seemed to work. At first.
The streaks came back. But, I also noticed that the machine was sounding like the space shuttle taking off during the spin cycle, and that revealed the culprit. The bearings at the back of the tub. Hell, I can replace that, right?
I did some online research and bearing kits sell anywhere from $17 to $70 depending, and it would just take me a couple of hours to install. I've replaced bearings before, no biggie. Wheel bearing, axle bearing, drive shaft bearings, they're all similar. (Those are the round things, right?)
Here's the word of warning.. If you happen to be buying a front loading washer (and I don't recommend it just based on load capacity) avoid Kenmore. Of all the brands I found when I was looking for parts, Kenmore was the only one that didn't sell the bearings. They only offer the back half of the tub for $230. (Guess which brand I have.)
Since it's ten years old already, and new ones can be had for around $500 (high capacity top loader), I'll be putting the money toward a shiny new one. I may even wax it with my new DA just because I can. (No, I won't.)
Just sharing my experience, hope it helps someone. In the meantime, I'll be heading to the laundromat tonight to wash microfiber towels. And maybe some clothes (I have my priorities). I'm taking my time researching a new one.
Peace,
Jim
We started noticing streaks on our clothes as they were coming out of the washing machine, it looked like grease to me, but the markings looked as though the clothes had scraped across something dirty. My first instinct was that there was something at the spout where the fabric softener, bleach and detergent was being inserted in to the tub. It's a small plastic piece at the front just about the door. And since we never use bleach or softener in the wash, I figured there was some kind of dirt, or mold, or something making its way out.
Well, running empty loads with bleach in all the feeds to clean everything out seemed to work. At first.
The streaks came back. But, I also noticed that the machine was sounding like the space shuttle taking off during the spin cycle, and that revealed the culprit. The bearings at the back of the tub. Hell, I can replace that, right?
I did some online research and bearing kits sell anywhere from $17 to $70 depending, and it would just take me a couple of hours to install. I've replaced bearings before, no biggie. Wheel bearing, axle bearing, drive shaft bearings, they're all similar. (Those are the round things, right?)
Here's the word of warning.. If you happen to be buying a front loading washer (and I don't recommend it just based on load capacity) avoid Kenmore. Of all the brands I found when I was looking for parts, Kenmore was the only one that didn't sell the bearings. They only offer the back half of the tub for $230. (Guess which brand I have.)
Since it's ten years old already, and new ones can be had for around $500 (high capacity top loader), I'll be putting the money toward a shiny new one. I may even wax it with my new DA just because I can. (No, I won't.)
Just sharing my experience, hope it helps someone. In the meantime, I'll be heading to the laundromat tonight to wash microfiber towels. And maybe some clothes (I have my priorities). I'm taking my time researching a new one.
Peace,
Jim
