Amana LW8203W2 Noise/Pump

[nashman50]

Hi,

Could anyone give a recommendation as to what is making the noise in my Amana LW8203W2 washer in the video linked below? Also, the pump seems to be leaking a little on occasion. Is it difficult to replace? Thanks

 

[repairguy]

Is this in the spin cycle? The hardest part of changing a pump on these machines is if it is seized on the motor shaft. There are two screws at the bottom of the front cover. Remove these and swing the front panel out from the bottom to disengage the clips at the top. You have to remove the belt(it probably needs replacing), the two hoses on the pump, then remove the four bolts holding the motor on and remove the assembly so you can turn it upside down to get the pump off. I would run it with the front cover off to be sure the pump is leaking and not the main tub seal before doing anything.

 

[nashman50]

Yes, it's the spin cycle. It does seem to be the main tub seal as well. It's leaking right where the pump attaches.

 

[rp2813]

Amanas from this period are notorious for failed tub seals.

 

[repairguy]

If the main tub seal (on the bottom of the tub where the transmission goes through) is leaking this machine needs a major rebuild. Also need to pin down the noise before moving along with this project. It’s doable if you have some mechanical skills, time, and money to put into a machine that was built in the mid nineties. These machines were built like tanks but it’s probably impossible to find a service person who would be interested in a job like this.

You would need:

seal kit

the upper bearing

the belt

the pump

 

[nashman50]

I could probably do it if I could find all of the correct parts, but I've never taken a washer apart before. My dad is a mechanic so most of my experience is on that end of things.

 

[repairguy]

If you’re interested post a picture of the model/serial tag and I’ll get the part numbers for you.

 

[nashman50]

Thank you!

 

[repairguy]

I would be absolutely sure the main tub seal is leaking before tackling that job. I also recommend using only genuine RSPC or Whirlpool parts as they were designed for the proper operation of these machines.

Belt RSPC 28808 Whirlpool WP28808

Pump RSPC 201566P Whirlpool 27001233

Seal kit Whirlpool R9900552

Bearing RSPC 27182 Whirlpool WP40004201P

 

[nashman50]

Is it difficult to replace the main tub seal?

 

[repairguy]

It can be. The hub is made out of a pewter material and usually crumbles making it difficult to get it off. This is probably the hardest part of the job. Replacing the bearing requires completely disassembling the machine but it’s usually not too difficult if you are mechanically inclined. This machine was built in 1995 and if it’s in decent shape underneath and the outer tub isn’t rusted out it could still have some good years left in it.

 

[nashman50]

It is basically the same as a newer Speed Queen? I've found some videos online that would probably help.

 

[nashman50]

And do you need the drive bell puller? I have one for a car, but not specifically for a washing machine.

 

[repairguy]

It is the same as a speed queen of the same age. Speed Queen machines today have a different seal and bearing setup than these machines did. Crude as it may be I was always able to place 2 claw hammers opposite each other with the claw ends under the lip of the bell and when you pull up on the handles it would pry the bell right off. Some came off easily and others were a pain but the majority of the time the hammers worked. I’m sure if you have a puller handy it will work as well.

 

[nashman50]

Thanks for your help! I ordered the parts yesterday so we are going to give it a shot.

 

[nashman50]

Unfortunately no luck with the repair. My brother and I got it torn down easily enough, but the powdered detergent used by the previous owner rotted the tub out at the bottom under the agitator. Off to the junk pile it went.

We ended up with a GE GFW650SSNWW as a replacement. I am quite pleased with the machine and this is the first front loader I have had experience with.

 

[repairguy]

Well that’s too bad about the Amana but I’m glad you like your new washer.

 

[DADoES]

 
What's the evidence that powdered detergent is the cause?

 

[nashman50]

It looked like a bunch of it was lying under the agitator.