Kenmore direct drives

[norgechef]

Would everyone on here agree that getting a kenmore direct drive is a good idea? im not really looking for one that will last for 20 years because there are lots of parts left for them and i know how to work on them.....would it be better if i got a really old 90s kenmore or a newer 2000+ model? i just don't think the ones from the 2000s work as good as the older direct drives.....or thats what I think at least. I think i will get a direct drive machine because i always liked the loud rumbling sound they make when draining and they seem reliable for the most part, i do know that the ones with more features are likely to brake quicker than ones with less features.....what do you guys think about direct drives?

 

[searsbest]

Kenmore Direct Drive

As a service tech for Sears and a matter of personal opinion, the Direct drive is my favorite. I have a 2004 90 series as my daily driver and it is a trooper, I see them every day in many states of disrepair and they continue to run like champs, and you are right about the parts....I still carry just about every part for these machines on my truck I think ya should go for it

 

[joefuss1984]

break easier?

If you get the one with all of knobs rather than an electronic model I don't see where there would be an issue.  My parents had the Kenmore Elite from 2001-2008.  They only had a few problems. The timer went out.  The dog ears in the agitator needed replaced a couple of times, and then something broke in the transmission and they got rid of it.  I guess what I am trying to say is that what broke wasn't the features but critical parts to the machines operation that could go wrong in any machine.  

 

[DirectDriveDave]

I guess my name kinda says it all....

haha, but yeah, get one! You won't be disappointed. Very reliable machine with great cleaning results.

 

[norgechef]

Anyone notice

The roaring drain im talking about i usually only hear in kenmore direct drive machines...i notice whirlpool's don't make the same sort of loud roaring drain, you know what im talking about?

 

[DirectDriveDave]

Each machine will probably just a little different for that, but I have heard both make those noises.

you mean that "ruum ruum ruum ruum" sound?

 

[norgechef]

thats it

Yes the rum rum rum sound......i have no liking for direct drives that don't make that sound

 

[DirectDriveDave]

haha I hear ya, I loved that sound (and still do!) when I was a kid! That's just how the transmission sounds when in neutral.

 

[norgechef]

i thought it was something to do with the pump...

i guess it kinda makes more sense that that the transmission is what makes the sound.....i notice most of the machines from the 80s make different sounds when draining but the kenmore's from the early 2000s made the rum rum rum sound, maybe they switched the design around a bit? thats just what i think...from different machines that i have owned. I hate when the machines get old and no longer do a neutral drain, just kick directly into spin.....thats usually when i junk them or if they are newer machines i usually put a new transmission in......

 

[xraytech]

The Direct Drives are quite dependable, our household is on our second set.

We got our first set in 1988, it was a 70 series washer and matching soft heat dryer, they replaced a very aged 2nd hand GE coin-op set.

Our current set is a 2001 80 series washer and a 2004 70 series dryer.

 

The first washer was trouble free until the last year then the timer was replaced, then it was a constant battle to get it to spin and drain, then once it started leaking it was replaced

 

The current one has had no repairs, but has been only spinning out most of the water, it is due to be replaced within the next week.

 

Mind you we do easily a good 15 loads of laundry weekly so the washer is in constant use

 

[DirectDriveDave]

Wow, yeah that is a good amount of use, ours nowadays just get mainly 4 loads every two weeks or so.