9 year old affinity front load making noises when tumbling- yikes :(

[after]

i have a 9ish year old frig affinity (2007-08?) that started making noises a few (?) months ago.

average 2-3 loads a week.

i tried a search but most issues seem related to noises during the spin cycle.

but my affinity makes a thump and squeaking sounds during its wash cycle when its just turning/tumbling. the thump/squeaking happens when its stopping to change direction (clockwise to counterclockwise and vise versa) of the tumbling.

i hear it when doing full loads, though a full load is 3/4 full, weighs about 9-12 pounds. i did wash a king size heavy linen sheet set and it was too heavy and didn't balance well during the spin.... i think thats when i first noticed the thump and squeaking.

do not hear it with small delicate loads, though read its better to run full loads with front washers?

i wish it would last forever because there are NO washers i can buy now that can wash 3.5 cubic with 23" depth.

my laundry space is very shallow, even the affinity sticks out a bit.

is this an easy repair or a slow but sure death of my affinity?

currently searching for replacements but seems i can only replace with compact models due to depth constraints and 120v.

looking at LG, Kenmore (LG), miele (dreaming unless used).

 

[rp2813]

I have an Affinity of the same vintage.  I got my machines for the same reason you did.  The washer's tub is the largest I could find that would fit the same footprint as a top loading machine.

 

For five or more years, my machine has been making a brief sort of raspy "scritch" sound when it starts tumbling counter-clockwise with a heavy load.  It's never gotten any worse.  Sometimes it will make a thud due to a heavy mass of laundry dropping just when the rotation stops -- in either direction.  That's just the suspension bottoming out.

 

I'm disappointed to learn that no new full size front loader will fit in my laundry room.  At nine years old, I feel like my Affinity is already living on borrowed time.

 

 

 

[henene4]

Depth Constraints

Check Whirlpools Closet-Depth machines. Maybe they'll fit.

But as long as it runs and the noise is not to annoying, just let it run. Don't think a new machine will make you verry happy.[this post was last edited: 5/29/2017-11:38]

 

[cfz2882]

probably nothing to worry about

sounds like you just have a little suspension creak and a belt that slips a little-my '98 Neptune 3000 makes the scritching noise of slight belt slippage when it switches direction-could try a new belt if the noise gets to be a bother.

 

[after]

whew! don't have to replace yet!

rp2813, yes! "scritch" and thud! i had a hard time describing it but thats exactly it! after reading how many FL washers die after 5 years, i've been holding my breath a bit ever since. but reassuring to read that its not going to die on me.

its been a great washer for my needs and i do love to drop by and read the posts here

thanks for the reassurance again!