Just found a post on Reddit about a Whirlpool washer EXPLODING

[whirlpool862]

I didn’t know VMWs exploded, when I saw that title i immediately assumed a Samsung, LG, or a GE but it was a Whirlpool WTW4800XQ4 according to the user, that has shook violently and eventually it just blew up. I’m guessing the suspension rods blew off. They said the machine bowed on the side and put a hole in the wall. Meaning the machine drum must’ve been violently shaking.

The particular model outlined in the Reddit is notorious for suspension rod issues and going off balance but I didn’t know they can explode.

I’ve heard this numerous times with Samsungs, LGs, and GEs but NEVER a Whirlpool product (except for their F&P-based Cabrio style machines) and some VMAX’s. But I’ve never seen this complaint on a basic VMW until now.

I rarely hear about explosions on any Whirlpool product.

I guess any washer with a hanging suspension can explode. But I think my VMW (WTW4900BW0) since I load it properly it won’t happen and I think when it does get unbalanced my washer will just stop spinning and fill with water to rebalance. The washplate VMWs like mine seem to have much better balance sensing than the agitator versions and they seem to have better quality suspension rods.

The post reads “My washing machine exploded

I have a Whirlpool WTW4800XQ4 washer that has started to shake violently on the spin cycle on every load. Heard an extremely loud bang that sounded like a car crashing into my house.

The tub is way off center and the whole side of the machine has completely bowed out and the tub is on it. The balance ring blew up, and it put a hole in my wall. The bleach dispenser also blew out.

One of the sides of the washer is destroyed and is all bowed out and dented out and the front of the washer also bowed out. I didn’t expect a washer to self destruct. Wow!

I’ll definitely need a new washer this cannot be repaired.”

I don’t mind Whirlpool washers tho and most don’t explode. I mainly see this on GE and Samsung washers. GE and Samsung washers have a huge explosion problem. The newer Whirlpools have control board issues and parts are a bit pricey.

I like direct drives more but Whirlpool VMW/VMAX is better than Samsung or Midea.

Here is the post.

 

[phillymatt53]

Indeed, it seems the new era of washers are not safe or reliable as the ones from decades ago.
And yes, I've heard about a Samsung (we call that brand Samsuck) literally exploded and parts broke through a wall.
Apparently Samsung has tons of complaints and class action lawsuits for their products.
Their tv sets are prone to problems for years.

My old 1984 Maytag washer/dryer set is still going strong and may outlast ME.

 

[whirlpool862]

The newer GE units also seem explosion-prone

 

[phillymatt53]

The newer GE units also seem explosion-prone

I tend to agree their sir.
Back in 2005, I installed a new GE 18,000BTU air conditioner in the dining room wall to replace an old 1970 Westinghouse unit that was hard on my electric bill.
Naturally, the GE was a lot more efficient, and I was pleased with the purchase.
However, last July, Philadelphia suffered a severe heatwave.
So one morning I put the GE on, and went upstairs on the computer to type as I am doing now.
About an hour later I went downstairs to wash out my morning coffee mug.
First thing I noticed was that the downstairs wasn't cooled as it should be.... Hmm!
The compressor wasn't running, just the fan.
Well, I realize that air conditioners do break down, even though that old Westinghouse still put out ice cold air for over 30+ years.

Well, I got a neighbor to help me pull it out of the wall and did my troubleshooting - and found out that everything was OK, except with how the 3-wire connector to the compressor didn't survive the outside elements and weather.
The connector terminals on top of the compressor must be sealed under it's weather cap.
Those were push-on cheap quality spade lugs, corrosion due to the elements caused weakening to the point that one of the lugs overheated and failed to kick the compressor on.
To detail, this was the wire from the Start capacitor, which tested good.
Well, I re-did the cables with new sturdy lugs, cleaned off all the corrosion, and made sure those wires were on tight as all hell,
Then proceeded to seal the top cover cap with heavy duty gasket sealer - so no weather gets inside.
Bingo!.... the AC runs like a champ now!
I should hopefully get decades more service from it.

By the way, it's labeled as a GE, but guess what?
The compressor, fan motor, and all the internal parts are labeled "LG"!
Made in China, or course, go figure.