can somone tell me about snubbers for my GE filter fl

[spinspeed]

My GE Filter Flo from the mid 80s that I have restored to full working order is great apart from the timer seems to go a double speed and it rarely has a balanced spin. I darent leave it on its own as it ends up the other side of the laundry room when it spins. Not too worried as kind of like hanganing around it when it is doing its thing but unbalanced spin is anoying

I seem to recall an issue regarding "snubbers" and being worn out and leading to unbalanced spins. Does anyone know much about this? Any and all advice welcomed

Cheers guys

Simon

 

[kenmoreguy89]

Mine used to do that and was a snubber bolt that got loose, even just one that got loose is enough to get an unbalanced spin, they're a crucial cause of unbalanced spin, maybe and almost sure the only one you can find in a filter-flo.
I don't think the snubbers got loose as they're really strong pieces believe me but rather the bolts of them ...just try to put washer on it's side on a blanket and look if they're tighten enough, if screws got loose due to hole in metal of cabinet body that got larger (very unlikely case anyway) you may try to get a bolt of a measure bigger and try with it.
In the worst case:
If they've to be replaced fortunately is an easy job to do, more difficult will be find the parts though.....

 

[yogitunes]

are all of your snubbers in place?....should be two, one on each side of every corner........

 

[combo52]

GE FF Washer Supension

Hi Make sure all the snubbers are in place, if the tub moves to easily from side to side make sure that there is no oil on them [ clean with brake cleaner ] If the tub doesn't move too easily and you are having vibration problems, replace the rubber transmission boot as it has probably gotten to stiff.

 

[spinspeed]

Thanks Guys,

All great advice and has pointed me in the right direction. Will have a go at fixing the issue. How difficult is it to replace the rubber transmission boot?

Simon

 

[kenmoreguy89]

Replacing the boot is simple (even if I think in this case is not the thing that will solve your problem, my advice is you don't need to replace it but I may be wrong).
The boot haves just 2 clamps to remove one on the transmission and another on the tub, just be sure to replace the boot to join perfectly and clean well joining sides then, do a test for leaks.
From my past experience with it the hardest part you may meet here are the basket bolts that if it's awhile that they have not be taken off will be really hard to loose, happened to me while I was taking off my transmission to replace the lower oil seal.....I took 2 days just for them! Tried torching, lubricants WD 40, descaler etc...after 2 days of patience and much fatigue I managed to take them off.
Anyway i'm posting a link that I found time ago that explain step by step how to arrive to the boot (it explain how to remove transmission and replace the lower transmission oil seal) It is made about a Beaumark washer wich in ternal parts are same of GE filter-flo as it was made by GE, the only difference you might find is that probably your washer if it is like mine will have a bolt to remove into the agitator (not interlocking as some models are).
[this post was last edited: 3/10/2012-17:31]

http://www.lumuc.com/beaumarktoploadwasher/

 

[macboy91si]

Uneasy Filter-Flo

It is IMPERATIVE that the machine is level. Period. Once the machine is rock-solid leveled, tighten the jam nuts on the legs against the cabinet otherwise the machine will raise up and become unstable again. As for the snubbers, grab the agitator and move the tub around, there should be a distinct resistance to dislodge the tub initially and some resistance to move it, maybe even some creeking sounds. The tub should not move nilly willy. My experience with a machine that was perpetually out of balance was as John mentioned about the boot. My transmission boot had become hard like cement, and transmitted the tub vibrations into the outer tub and into the cabinet. It made for horrible vibrations. I ordered a new one from Larry @ Modern Parts and the difference was amazing. I don't know how common of an occurrence that is, but it was my issue and the new soft boot fixed the issue. I tore my whole machine apart trying to find the cause, and I didn't see the boot causing it until I went out on a limb and changed it. The boot not only allows for the transmission / inner tub to swing, but it also absorbs and isolates a lot of the mechanical vibrations like a big damper.

One thing to also know is that these machines are by no means smooth running in the spin cycle. They can be rather crude and even with and empty tub that can appear somewhat off-balance. Best of luck.

-Tim

 

[kenmoreguy89]

If your level feets are not leveled you will notice it as your washer will litterally walk, about the boot if you can't fold the basket with your hands you've an hard boot and yes it may cause some vibrations during spin but does not cause unbalances just big vibrations during spin, anyway if it become hard it should be changed (not just for spin vibrations but as it is a serious flood hazard), it may break off and crack at any moment.
Good luck

 

[spinspeed]

Many thanks guys. Great info. The DIY website for removing the transmission is really useful. Thanks for,heading me towards it kenmore guy.

Simon

 

[kenmoreguy89]

You're welcome!
Glad to have been useful at least once for someone!