Kenmore Front Loader

[countryguy]

A colleague here at work was just telling me about the hassle she is going through with Sears (in Canada). Two years ago she bought a new Kenmore front loader (not the He series but the smaller ones, made by Frigidaire). The washer just broke down, she had a repairman out and he said the bearings had seized (or something like that). The washer is no longer under warranty. He would supply the parts at no charge but the labour would be $300 to repair. She is in a dilema as to what to do as she has been told that these washers are prone to having problems. If she gets it fixed will it break down again within a few months...or should she buy a new washer. She decided she was going to get it repaired. She called Sears service department to let them know and now they want to charge her for another service call even though she already paid for the first service call. She called the store manager and he said he would look after it. That was 5 days ago and still no word back from them. Should she get it repaired or is she asking for more troubles?

 

[funguy10]

Tell her to just get a new washer. Fridgidaire is the most el-cheapo brand of washer and dryer in the USA. This obviously means they break down often. Tell her to make sure the new washer has not been Fridgidaire-made.

 

[panthera]

Gary,

There are a couple of points to be considered here. Funguy tends to shoot from the hip, to put it mildly.

This series is one of the oldest and most reliable of the FLs available in the United States.

It has frequently been given quite good ratings by various test organizations.

True, there have been several problems over the years. The most serious of them have all been addressed:
-Static discharge on controller boards led to program interruptions. Fixed.
-Door interlock fails right out of warranty. Fixed.
-Bearing seizure. Fixed and only a problem with a small number of machines, caused by an idiot-young-dynamic-manager-penny-pincher.

This series is well designed and had the teething problems worked out.

It is possible (check the serial number) that this machine's premature failure is, indeed, do to it having that lousy bearing (just because she bought it two years ago does not mean it was built two years ago, it could be a few years older). If that is the case, then there should still be a chance to get it repaired for free. I'd check with Sears headquarters and Electrolux on that.

A more likely cause of the failure is that she either used chlorine bleach frequently and or "normal" American detergents. The suds from these detergents gets into the bearing and destroys it. Chlorine bleach should not be used very often, if at all for the simple reason that the "spider" (the part which takes the load when the drum is turned) is made of aluminum and this metal is eaten by chlorine.

The real question is, does she otherwise like this machine? If so, and the repair is covered by that defective part, then yes!
Otherwise, I think a repair that is now approaching $400 for a machine which you can frequently buy new for less than $500 is too much.

Gosh, funguy, give it a rest, will you? We all know you don't like Europeans, front loaders or people who don't rush to do your bidding. You so very often have interesting, creative things to contribute, but sometimes you really act your age!
Just because a machine is not the most expensive on the market does not mean it is poorly made. Indeed, many of the most expensive American FLs of the last 10 years turned out to be pieces of shit.

 

[wiskybill]

Gary,

I purchased these same machines new from Sears in 1999. At that time Sears was phasing out the Frigidaire label in favor of the Kenmore labelled machines.

I used them until 2003 and then they went to live with my daughter. I just moved them 2 weeks ago for the fourth (and I hope last) time. Both machines are still running like new. Neither has had any repairs. My daughter doesn't always use HE detergent, but she doesn't overload, oversuds, and rarely if ever use chlorine bleach. The washer is still very clean inside with no odors or mold in the boot. Tub bearing is still very quiet. She likes the simplicity of the controls.

For myself, I would buy another Frigidaire product, but not necessarily from Sears.

I should mention that when I bought these, I really wanted the Neptune machines from Maytag, which were pretty new at the time. They just didn't fit the budget. I think I made a good choice.

I think your sister has to weigh the issues.

Cost to replace vs repair.
Do they have to fit in a tight space.
Does she really like these or are there some additonal features she would like.
What fits her budget.

Hope this helps.
Bill

 

[decodriveboy]

I have Frigidaire appliances including the FL 2140 set and am very pleased. I would recommend them for the OP's friend.

Just because a product is new and expensive (meaning: a piece of gimmicky, overpriced JUNK) does not make it better.

 

[jetcone]

My branded Gibson FL

was installed 10 years ago by J Lefever and it is still going strong with nary a repair in that time.

I love these machines, they clean very well and are quiet!
UNLIKE A STABER!

 

[funguy10]

Why? Did you use to have a Staber? They clean very well. But they are definitley not quiet! Staber also has no customer service. If the machine breaks, you fix it yourself exclusively. These Staber machines are starting to exibit motor control board problems, I heard.

 

[jons1077]

hmm...

There may be a third option too. I do see alot of these not-so-old front loaders for sale on Craigslist that appear to be just fine. Perhaps they could purchase a used one from someone for really cheap. Just check it out first to make sure it sounds ok. I've seen people selling them for under $100. Just a thought though.

Jon

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Fridgemore:

I've got a Family Friend who through my suggestion, bought 6-1/2 years ago one of the Fridgemore Washers and Dryers, in the Kenmore Name. She has never ever had any problems with either Machine and she loves them both. She has an Electric Dryer and it has the Stainless Steel Interior, as well as having the Drying Rack also. I've not really been visiting her very often when she has had the Machines operating, because she gets up way sooner that I'm ever even able to imagine {like 4:30am to 5:30am} and she does all of her Laundry in the real early time of the Day.

The times that I've been over there to visit and the Washer was operating, it is still as quite {basically as far as other then the Water entering, Draining and the High-Speed Spin} as the Day that the Machines were Delivered and Installed.

Good Luck with whichever your Colleague Co-Worker Friend decides to do, but I have to agree with Panthera, about the fact that for the most part, these particular Models of Front-Load Washers and their couterpart Dryers have been the most reliable Machines, over the whole bunch of other Brands/Models.

I think that I would take my chance and get the Washer Repaired, because it is at least approx 1/2 of what a new Washer would cost and especially if they can get the Sears Department Manager to work with them, about the thought of having to pay again for the Service Call, after a Tech had already been out there and said that they would do the Repair, at Labor only Charge to the Customer.

Peace, Great Laundry Days and Sunshine in Winter, Steve

 

[countryguy]

Thanks everyone for the information and the advice. I'll pass it on to my colleague but at the moment she is leaning towards getting a new washer from the Future Shop as she is getting no where with Sears.

Gary

 

[tomturbomatic]

The reason that the repair runs into money is that the new bearing comes in the new back half of the plastic outer tub. I would ask how much use the machine had seen in two years. If a lot, I would say get a new one. I would also get in touch with one of those television consumer reporters. While many of them are dumb as posts about technology, they can focus a very bright light on bad situations and a 2 year old washer with bad bearings and no warranty to cover the repair is pretty bad. This is a situation that would grab viewers' attention given the supposed age of the washer and Sears' lack of support. I know that new appliances have the equivalent of what in Maine is called the pine tree guarantee (I guarantee it up to that pine tree; pass it and you are on your own.) I am actually surprised that the customer was able to leave Sears without an extended service plan/warranty.

I would not be thrilled at having to sink almost $400 into a two year old washer, however, many people lose track of when they buy appliances so it might be older. If the machine is only 2 years old and sufered bearing failure that was supposed to have been resolved a couple of years ago, I would not buy the same brand of machine again. My thinking is that the manufacturer knew that they had a problem and said that they had fixed it. Now this problem crops up again. The retailer needs to talk to the manufacturer's representative and let that person know about the failure and see what can be done to make this situation right. The owner should start typing a letter to Sears and carbon copy it to customer relations at Frigidaire/Electrolux, every governmental agency dealing with consumer affairs, Consumer Reports and related publications, the aforementioned TV consumer advocates, the equipment editors of every shelter magazine, the editors of the Home or Living Sections of every major newspaper in the area and whoever else might be able to help. The owner should be sure to tell Sears and the manufacturer of the intent to post this problem in detail ANYPLACE on the internet where consumers can leave ratings and opinions including the Laundry Room Forum. There is a fine line between robbery and businesses that don't gave a damn about consumers. The second one is bad, but the first is illegal.

 

[panthera]

Actually,

Electrolux has serial numbers for the affected machines, since Sears has become such a shit-hole operation, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they had sold her one of the recalled models.
Definitely, definitely, she should make some noise about this. A polite letter to Electolux/Frigidaire and one to Sears management won't hurt.

Here in Europe, Electrolux instituted an extended warranty for the "drive train" parts on this series to restore their reputation, it is possible that they would help her out in the States if she asks nicely.

And let this be a lesson (yet another one) to all of us: Sears today has nothing to do with Sears of the past. Better to save the money and buy at the local no-service discount store - at least there you know what you are getting into.

 

[countryguy]

The washer is definitely only 2 years old. My colleague paid for it with Sears 24 no interest equal monthly payments and she just made the last payment a month or so ago. She is not thrilled about having to pay $300 for repairs nor is she too excited about having to spend another $1000-$1500 for another front loader. And because she has the dryer stacked on the washer, she is limited to the type of washer she can buy otherwise she is looking at having to buy another dryer also, which btw she purchased at the same time as the washer.

Gary

 

[frigilux]

Better yet, buy from an independent dealer. They treat you well and generally give great service.

One of the three indie dealers in my little burg has just added LG appliances to their store. Since they provide service for their other lines (KitchenAid/Whirlpool), I'm guessing they will also repair LG's.

The TOL front-loader with the steam option---in red, no less---is in the store window, screaming out my name every time I drive by. When I get some time I want to go in and check out the whole LG line.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Countryguy, all the more reason for her to raise some polite hell. What a bite in the butt, make the last payment and the bearing goes. I would have the internet wallpapered with the details of that story.

 

[countryguy]

I was just speaking with my colleague and she found out that although she purchased the washer new in 2005 from Sears it was actually manufactured in 1999 !

Gary

 

[estesguy]

I found this to be an interesting video on Kenmore front loaders

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[norgeman]

Re: Frigidaire washers

I was at sears this last weekend and guess what I saw? It was the new Frigidaire Affinity washers and dryers at Sears. Is now selling them. "Oh Happy day"! These washer are really nice and this is what I want when our Maytag Neptune goes out. Electrolux has done some really nice improvements to the Frigidaire and White-Westinghouse lines and all of the other ones that used to be wci, also they have kept the price down which is good for the buyer. Not always do you get what you pay for some times less expensive is better that the most expensive. Hope this helps? Keep us informed about what happens. bye for now. Danf.

 

[sudsman]

I have 2 Frigidaire washers

That were purchased about 5 years ago. Expected them to last about a year or so with the heavy use we give them.. They are both still running and doing a VERY GOOD job. have had VERY little problems with them . I also had 2 Stabers and nothing but problems with them.. From my veiw they are not bad machines at all... But you do find a lemon in ANY make.