Kenmore front-load washer making loud noise and off balance during spin cycle. What's going on?

[muddy]

I have this model:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par.../Kenmore-Parts/Model-41740042990/0582/0153200

Wife let me know that this week when she did a load of laundry, she heard a loud noise, and then the spin cycle appeared to be occurring in an off balance fashion. We are able to manually advance the basket, but there is resistance at different points of the spin and I can hear what sounds like something moving around outside of the basket, but inside the basket housing. I assume it's a broken piece of something, which is what I assume is causing this issue.

I took off the top of the washer, and both springs are still in position. In looking at parts, it would seem that I might need to replace the spider piece that's on the back of the basket (for under $100) or just do the whole basket/spider assembly (for around $325). I've watched a video on replacing the basket, and it seems do-able, if just a little lengthy/involved. I guess the "right" thing to do would be to try and remove the basket assembly to check exactly what's broken, but I don't relish that process!

Any advice you folks could offer would be appreciated! Thanks.

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www.searspartsdirect.com

 

[combo52]

Broken Spider

The minimum you need is the basket and spider to fix this problem, and you really should replace the water seal on the shaft and maybe the bearings as well.

This job is doable if you are very handy with tools, it is about like changing the transmission in many cars.

John L.

 

[askolover]

I did one about 4 years ago, it's not too bad. Like he said, if you are handy with tools you can do it no problem.

 

[muddy]

thanks, folks. Just took it apart, and it is indeed the spider that is severely corroded, and 2 of the 3 prongs are broken. I'm just going to go ahead and replace the entire inner basket/spider, because I had to really pound some things to get it apart, and I'm guessing parts of it may have bent out of shape in the process. I'd rather not just get the spider, only to discover the basket is out of whack, too. Getting inside wasn't too bad, but not a process I'd like to repeat anytime soon!

 

[lamont]

I would replace the bearings and seals as well.