a question for JasonL regarding my 1978 BD Whirlpool washer classic

[tbolt25]

My 1978 belt driven Whirlpool washer when it engages to agitate instead of going "Grind-click-clunk", it goes "Grind-click-clunk-CLACK", and during the "CLACK" part, it shakes the drain standpipe-it clacks with such force. Do you know what the problem is with my classic washer?

 

[bobofhollywood]

basket drive

I'll help...

The clutch pads have worn out on the basket drive assemebly, which is just like your brake pads being worn out on your car - only in reverse. Once you get down to a metal on metal condition, there will be slapping and grabbing. This is a serious repair is usually done in conjuntion with replacing the pump & belt, since the complexity of the job is such that you only want to do it once every 2 decades or so.

I have rebuilt a number of these machines and serviced dozens of them over the years. There's even one in my collection which I run about 2 times a year, and she behaves just like a lady.

Also...remember this is just a reading from my crystal ball, and the machine will have to be actually inspected to determine if this prediction is correct.

Holla from Hollywood.

Bob

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