Help needed 1999 (not quite vintage) Amana washer question

[crevicetool]

I am replacing the bearings, spin hub, seals and belt etc. on a (I think) 1999 Amana Automatic Washer. Could anyone PLEASE tell me which direction this 1 1/2" nut is supposed to turn to remove??? This would be looking from the top of the tub down. Does it turn counter-clockwise (lefty loosy) or what? I have soaked it for a week with penetrating oil and it won't budge...

Any help would be appreciated!

Rick

 

[thefixer]

Counterclockwise

 

[crevicetool]

Thank you!

The nut was removed in a counter-clockwise direction after clamping the transmission to the super structure, and putting a 3/4" iron pipe through said super structure onto which I placed my 189 lbs. of human being so that the entire assembly would not rotate. Then by using a 24", 1/2" drive breaker bar with three extensions attached, the nut finally loosned it's grip on the splined shaft. Quick use of an automotive gear puller demolished the spin hub and it was necessary to chisel/pnuematic grinder that off into about thirty pieces, of course supporting it against the outer tub with plywood to as to not cause undo stress on the two shafts. Other than that, it went quite well. Tomorrow, I will begin the task of cleaning everything so that I can bring the parts home Monday night and begin the reassembly. The motor is good and spins freely both directions at both speeds with no side-play so I am hoping to get another fifteen years out of this machine.

Thanks again,

Rick

 

[petek]

Barbara Hale would have had that off in 1/4 the time

 

[mrb627]

Please...

continue to post pictures of your restoration progress.

Malcolm

 

[crevicetool]

Well, if you're interested OK.......but, keep in mind...

this ain't a DD Hoover triplet-tub, or a Apex Duo-Matic. Nothin' special like that. It is in fact a 1999 Amana washing machine (I understand built by Speed Queen) and it's just a plain ole' washing machine. Nothing fancy.

I had to dig out some of the parts from the trash as I didn't think anyone would be interested in seeing any part of this...and it's not a restoration, just a repair.

So, here's what's left of the spin hub, (BTW, pardon me if my washer language isn't up to you guys' level)seals, and bushing.

Believe it or not, I only damaged one spline on the spin shaft, and was able to grind it sorta back in shape so I don't think it will impede the installation of the new hub.

 

[crevicetool]

This is the before shot of the centrifugal linterator (otherwise known as, I have no idea what this is known as).

 

[crevicetool]

Nasty upper bearing thingy....

 

[crevicetool]

Lower part of the upper bearing thingy...

 

[crevicetool]

Disintegrated panel separation anti-vibrate material which I will be replacing.

(this panel is resting against my new old electric range awaiting restoration)

 

[washman]

Yikes!

that looks ugly. You sure have your work cut out.

 

[crevicetool]

Here is the transmission, brake assembly, pulley, and associated hardware all cleaned up. I didn't take any pictures of them dirty, because I thought that surely no one would care to ever see this repair posted on here...

I'm surprised at how much the brake resembles an automotive clutch pressure plate.

 

[washman]

Wow,

that is one hefty tranny. Nowhere near the famous Arc-Cuate used for so many years, but still pretty hefty.

 

[crevicetool]

Super structure...

The lower bearing is still in place, I haven't decided if I am changing it out or not. I see/feel nothing wrong with it right now - but then again, if I've got the whole thing torn apart...

 

[crevicetool]

See? I knew my washer vernacular wasn't up to snuff....

Here is the Arc-Cuate all cleaned up. Quite a difference huh?

 

[crevicetool]

As are the other parts....

 

[crevicetool]

Here's a coffee pot....

 

[crevicetool]

And everything tucked away until the parts show up...I'll post the reassembly if you want.

 

[mrb627]

Just in Case...

You decided to throw in the towel, here is a brand new machine with a damaged cabinet. You could make a new machine combining it with your good cabinet.

Malcolm

http://r.ebay.com/By6WkL

 

[crevicetool]

No Amana Clothes Washers were thus far harmed in the making of this photoplay.

 

[washman]

Here's a pic

of an old ad that talks about the Arc-Cuate transmission.

 

[washman]

mrb627 I would be halfway

tempted to snag that just for parts but alas, too far away.

 

[whirlcool]

You would think that the seller of that damaged Speed Queen would at least have a photo of the damage in his auction. That single photo just doesn't cut it.

 

[mrb627]

Several Photos

attached to the auction.

Malcolm

 

[estesguy]

Surprised....

I'm surprised you got that many years out of it. My 2000 Amana started roaring at 5 years, but then I relegated it to the downstairs laundry. Then one night the kids came out saying the machine was smoking out the top. Out to the curb. It wasn't until we moved it out, I could see where it had been leaking water all along. Thank goodness it was on a concrete floor downstairs. One of the biggest pieces of junk I have ever owned with only a 6 year life span. So much for "commercial quality" on the console. The dryer was equally annoying with a "thump-thump" every time the drum seam went over the rollers until they warmed up. [this post was last edited: 2/3/2014-18:49]

 

[gansky1]

Looks good so far, Rick.  You're doing a very thorough job, all the way to the lower bearing, I would call that a restoration!

 

15 years from this washer is nothing to scoff at, pretty admirable really.  Amana got much worse in 2002 when Maytag acquired Goodman. I was seeing Maytag-Amana machines in the junk pile a few days out of warranty.

 

[crevicetool]

Well, heres where we're at so far.....(for now)!

The parts came in, and after sorting out what came in The "hub and seal kit", what didn't, and having to order additional parts - (returning others, then placing another order for still more parts....three days in as many trips....

The re-assembly begins.

 

[crevicetool]

BTW, a replacement machine was purchased. It was on clearance as it was a floor model. At the time considering the cost of the parts and the effort in repairing the Amana, it made sense to just put the Amana out on the curb - but,

turns out this thing (pictured below) is a GE made by the POS corporation. The only thing it is capable of doing is tying sheets into knotted balls of fabric the whole time deciding what it "feels" is hot water, warm, etc. And, the "super" water level stands at about six inches from the bottom of the tub.

The minute the Amana is returned to it's rightful place in the laundry room, it's going back!

 

[crevicetool]

Here's the transmission installed with new upper and lower bearings, and brake pads.

 

[crevicetool]

Better view of upper bearing. The picture is not upside down, even though it appears to be in a lower position, once the install is complete it will be in the upper position. For now, you will have to stand on your head while viewing this picture for the proper perspective.