How much play in bushings is OK?

[sudsmaster]

As some of you may know, I'm in the process of restoring a mid-60's turquoise RCA-Whirlpool washer/dryer set.

Right now I have the wash basket and drum out of the washer. I have a replacement set of spin/agitation bushings in hand. I'm just wondering if it's necessary to use them.

Both the agitator post and the spin tube seem to have about 1 mm (millimeter) or about 1/32" of play in them. Haven't measured it, this is just by eyeball. Is this enough to warrant replacement? If it is, I realize that this is as good a time as any to do it, since I've got the machine mostly apart. If I can avoid having to drop the tranny, I will, but if the bushings need to be renewed, so be it.

What say you?

 

[rickr]

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Hey Suds! I would replace the bearings, seals, and spin tube/clutch assembly. That is the way I do a belt drive if I am restoring it. They are like new when you do it that way. Quieter and they spin better also.

Here is a pix of the transmition from my 56 Kenmore. I also open the trans, clean it out, and replace the gasket and the oil with 90 weight gear oil.

I figure that it's done once and done right for good that way. And it should never have to come apart again. <:

 

[sudsmaster]

Thanks, Rick.

I hesitate to replace the bushings unless it's really needed, because as I understand it, you have to drop the tranny, and if you drop the tranny, then it may need to be re-aligned afterwards, and that this can be tricky (plus I've never done it before). The washer seemed to be quiet enough in agitation and spin when I did the test run before tearing it down...

From my work with bicycles, I know that some play in bearings is desirable (at least ball bearings). Tapereed roller bearings are another matter and require specific torque settings. Bushings are more or less set and forget, but I'm just now sure how much subsequent play in a washer bushing is considered acceptable. Somebody must have a factory service manual that stipulates the maximum amount of play, no?

Of course, I don't need to have the washer running to get my clothes clean, it's more an academic interest.

 

[rickr]

Hey Suds!

Transmition is easy to align. Do not tighten the bolts all the way, until the machine is upright again. Tighten the bolts all the way, via the access door at the rear of the machine. That is all there is to it.
I can understand if you do not want to do it. However if you already have the parts and all...... <:

 

[jetcone]

Rick knows his Whirlpools

Listen to him!

He was a great help with me when I got in a bind!!

Jon