How to remove the tub/replace snubber on old 70s Speed Queen

[ActionClaw]

Speed Queen DA3211 top loading washing machine

I don't know the year but my guess is that it's probably from the 70s - no newer than '80s.. I've read that for some Amana or Speed Queens "Serial numbers have the year in the first two digits, then the month in the next two digits. A 9804xxxxxx will be an April 1998 build unit..." I doubt that this applies to this one as its serial is 23Y15917. It looks very, very similar to a washer on youtube described as a Speed Queen A36 solid-tub washer from the early 70's. () Based on the A32, A36.. I'd guess ours is older. I've had no more luck locating info about the A36 than I have the DA3211.

Based upon what I've read in forums and elsewhere it seems to indicate I need to replace the "snubber ring". (I did find reference to this machine having a "snubber plate".)

I've read multiple sets of instructions and watched several videos on how to accomplish this. Some provide useful info but none of the machines are similar enough to what I have here. The closest I've found thus far is http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=52

searspartsdirect.com has this model listed but it leads only to dead links. The only relevant info I located were diagrams at http://www.partselect.ca/Models/DA3211/
Does anyone know where a service/repair manual for an Amana/Speed Queen DA3211 might be available?

It seems the snubber ring (snubber plate or whatever) lies beneath the large/outer drain tub. It look as though, in addition to detaching the hoses and, I assume, loosening/removing the belt one needs to remove four large cross drive (Phillips or Frearson) screws. This seems simple enough except they are large; larger than my largest driver possibly requiring a Phillips #4 and they are down - about 20" or so - at the bottom of the tub and difficult to access due to the spin tub.

So.. just remove the inner spin tub to more easily access those screws. This is where I hit an impasse.

There are 8 Phillips head screws around the bottom and four hex head bolts on the center agitator area.
The four hex head bolts came off easily enough but I don't know what these are for. There's no change.

The top of the central shaft is topped with a sort of "nut". It turns freely but can't be tightened or loosened enough to remove. I don't know what this is, what its supposed to do or if this affects removal of the tub.

There are 8 Phillips head screws around the bottom. I can't get any of them to budge. (Any helpful hints on how to keep the basket stationary while trying to turn the screw?) I don't know if they are not intended to be removed, if this is being prevented by years of built up scale, calcification underneath or what.. (I currently have several cups of vinegar hoping it might dissolve and loosen.

So... How do I remove the tub? How does one replace the snubber ring/plate?
Is there something I'm overlooking? Am I on the right track?

Any help, documentation to which you might be able to direct me to, suggestions, etc. would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[gansky1]

What is the problem you are trying to fix? Spinning tub while agitating?

It's rare that you would need to do more than clean the snubber plates and adjust the snubber springs if you're having trouble with balancing issues or trying to center the spin tub.

You're on the right track to remove the tub, but you'll need to remove the agitator post before the spin tub will come out. There is a thrust collar below the spin pulley in the mechanism. Depending on the exact problem you're trying to fix, you may not need to remove the tub at all.