How to fix a broken GE Adora

volvoguy87 · Dec 13, 2020

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but this is worth it.

My parents bought a Chinese made GE Adora front loading washer and dryer set in 2006. The washer has been a disappointment since the day it was delivered. It’s cycle times ranged from very long to “You have GOT to be kidding me!” The Speed Wash cycle was supposed to take 30 minutes, but usually took about 50 because the thing couldn’t figure out hot to balance itself. Yes, it was level.

I came home for a small quarantined Thanksgiving and found this. Something had to be done.

volvoguy87 · Dec 13, 2020

I pulled out the washer and opened it up.

1, the aluminum basket drive pulley has some corrosion. This does not bode well.

2. There is evidence of a leak from the rear bearing. The telltale stain on the floor of the machine is a good indicator of an issue.

3. A closer view of the corrosion and rust on the threads onto which the the drive pulley nut screws down.

4. The rear bearing from the back. Not too bad looking, but there is a telltale drip mark.

5. The inside of the back half of the outer tub. What the heck is all that junk around the bearing? The two tubs are held together with about 27,000 screws. I removed them all without power tools. My hands are tired now.

6. The outer tub has been pulled! The aluminum spider doesn’t look too bad, but there is a lot more junk on it just like what was on the back of the outer tub. The shaft looks okay. There is some scoring, but it’s not too terrible.

7. The spider is attached with 2 Tory head screws per leg. I was able to remove 4 of them with difficulty. 1 head snapped off when I tried to remove it, and I had to drill out the last one. I understand why most manufacturers won’t just sell a spider separate from the inner tub. Removing it was a LOT of work and a lot of steps. The pile of crud on the tub is a delightful mixture of fabric softener residue, detergent residue, dirt, and corroded aluminum from the spider.

8. Let’s go back in time for a moment. This is one of 3 concrete counterweights screwed onto the outer tub, with the detergent dispenser in the background.

9. Do you know how many holes there are supposed to be in a GE Adora’s cast aluminum spider? If you answered 0, you would be correct. In this picture, there are 8. 8 holes is more than 0 holes. Houston, we have a problem!

volvoguy87 · Dec 13, 2020

All fixed!

I’d like to thank John Lefever for offering valuable insight and assistance on this repair project, especially regarding parts acquisition. My folks live in the Washington, DC area, so he was local. I put everything back together and now it’s working perfectly, dare I say, even better than before, thanks to a few tweaks and modifications. Here is the finished product.

DADoES · Dec 13, 2020

Oh my.

volvoguy87 · Dec 13, 2020

If anyone needs parts...

Let me know. The GE is completely taken apart for scrap metal. If anyone needs parts, like the pump, a control board, motor, etc. please let me know. I will also be selling the dryer.

Dave

gansky1 · Dec 13, 2020

Haier has really made some changes to the GE rebuild kits.

They should like this set a lot, for a long time.

combo52 · Dec 15, 2020

Nice Laundry Upgrade

Hi Dave, it was great meeting your Dad when you guys picked up these new appliances.

GEs Chinse sourced FL washers have never held up well since they came out, like other GE laundry appliances since 1995 they have some interesting engineering and features but don't count on having them for much more than a decade.

I just bought a new SS SQ FL Washer for the laundry out on the screened porch, even though it will not get installed till next spring I brought it in the basement and have been using it.

So far have been really impressed, I had though I might turn up the factory water level, but it is very adequate as it is. This one is about 25% larger and balances better than my 15YO SQ FLer, { I will be keeping the 15 YO one in the main laundry room }

John L.