Kenmore 70 Series Belt Drive Noise Problem

[drummerboy928]

I am the proud owner of a 1983(ish) Kenmore Belt Drive 70 Series washer that i bought about 4 years ago. Over the years i’ve replaced the Pump, Belt, and fixed some rust on the outer tub. Recently (the past four or five months) It’s begun to make a sort of grinding noise when the machine is cold. It only ever makes the noise when agitating, and never makes the noise in drain or spin. However, if the machine is warm, or once the transmission has spun for a minute or two to warm up the transmission, it no longer makes noise. this machine is currently stored in a garage and by “cold” i mean when the temperature is about 50 degrees which is the coldest i usually ever use it. if i put a heater pointed at the transmission or set it to spin for a couple minutes, the noise goes away and does not come back unless the machine sits for a while. I’ve included a link to a youtube video of it making the noise.

 

[combo52]

Noisey BD Washer

That sounds like a dry clutch pulley bearing, you need to oil it to prevent permeant damage 

 

The test is put it in spin and if the noise goes away it is the CPB, it should make this noise when draining as well.

 

John L.

 

[drummerboy928]

What’s the best way to go about piling the pulley? does anything need to come out/off or can i just get a little lubricant on it without needing to take anything apart?

 

[maytag85]

The only way to access the clutch bearing is to remove the transmission and while the transmission is out I’d look over everything just to be sure everything is working like it should.

 

[combo52]

Oiling the clutch pully bearing On a BD washer

It is easy to add the necessary oil with out taking anything apart.

 

Lay the washer over on the right side and drip a little oil on the bearing of the spin bearing, turn the belt a little as you do this, I have probably done this well over 100 times and solved the problem.

 

See picture, you oil where the pencil point is, don't use a spray lubricant because if you get oil on the top of the cast-iron clutch pulley it may start to slip and not spin well.

 

[vacerator]

Honestly

thats the first time I've ever heard one noisy. Looks like quite substantial bearing. My dad overhauled many of those washers yet I never saw one lying around his garage.

 

[drummerboy928]

Solved!

I got around to Oiling the bearing and now it runs good as ever! the noise is gone and ready for more use!