Hi Everyone,
I am totally stumped regarding my Kenmore Series 90 Washing Machine. This is same direct drive machines made by Whirlpool like forever...
Before I start to explain, let me preface that I can disassemble, reassemble, a Direct Drive in my sleep and down to Frame Base in 4mins 22secs, that's my best time so far, lol... I have repaired many of the Direct Drive Machines and in addition I'm a Fabricator and Restorer for a living. So this is not beyond my abilities.
Quick Summary:
---Got tired of going through brand new machines every three years and clothes never being clean.
---Purchased used Kenmore Series 90, it was EXTREMELY WELL USED... Even though it was completely worn out, Inner Basket rusted out, etc... IT STILL CLEANED CLOTHES WAY WAY BETTER THAN ANY NEW MACHINES.
Current Status/Actions:
--- Machine finally gave out, many issues, so I rebuilt entire machine. And I mean EVERYTHING was either replaced or rebuilt.
--- I have the Service Manual for the Kenmore Version of the Direct Drive Washer.
THE PROBLEM:
--- Washer is out of balance when empty during spin cycle testing, vibrates, moves on floor during spin cycle. I have done typical troubleshooting steps. Items replaced are as follows:
-Machine Base and Tub Support Pads.
-Balance Springs.
-Motor Balance Spring.
-Rebuilt/Replaced Tub Support Bearings. ( Using correct original Bearing Installation Tool, and for good measure lapped in Bearings to Tub Spin Shaft so there are no clearance, stiffness or alignment issues when installing Tub Spin Shaft... I have seen people struggles with Tub Support Shaft Bearing/Seal installation).
-New Inner Tub. This is Second New Tub, First was damaged in Shipping. But still has same balance issues and second new tub.
-New Tub Spin Shaft.
-New Clutch(s).
-New Inner Tub Balance Ring.
-New Inner Tub Shaft Block.
Troubleshooting, Theories:
My concerns are this problem is related to Engineering changes and obsoleted parts that I cant find the Documentation on. If anyone has these engineering change documents and could share them I would be grateful.
--- I had to replace the Electric Motor so my thoughts are to try the different springs that support the motor weight. Maybe my current NEW motor is not the same weight as the old one? I still have all the old parts so I can compare and weigh if necessary.
--- I have verified the NEW Inner Tub Dimensions to the Old Original Inner Tub and they are exactly the same.
--- They do not make any new Inner Tubs for these washers. I have ordered two from whats left of new old stock and my concern at this point is there is something wrong with these Tubs? Maybe center shaft is bent? Maybe these are rejects?
--- My only thoughts at this point is to clean/repair my old original Inner Tub up enough to the point where I can swap it in place and see if it does this same out of balance condition.
--- I have also verified the Tub Support Shaft and suspension Plates are correctly installed, haven't shifted, are aligned correct and freely move during machine use. I have setup machine to run without covers on it.
If anyone has any further thoughts, or maybe something I have overlooked or missed? Please let me know.
lastly, a recent discovery, When these direct drive machines are working correctly, there is a rare weird spin condition that can affect these Washers. While washer is empty, and watching inner tub spin, you will notice that tub will spin perfect then start shaking, then back to perfect, and will cycle back and forth... That problem is due to the Drive Block NOT BEING TIGHT enough. The block needs to grip the Tub Spin Shaft tightly. If it doesn't, it creates this out of balance shudder/vibration that is weird.... Hopefully this helps somebody.
Thank you all in advance.
Best Regards
I am totally stumped regarding my Kenmore Series 90 Washing Machine. This is same direct drive machines made by Whirlpool like forever...
Before I start to explain, let me preface that I can disassemble, reassemble, a Direct Drive in my sleep and down to Frame Base in 4mins 22secs, that's my best time so far, lol... I have repaired many of the Direct Drive Machines and in addition I'm a Fabricator and Restorer for a living. So this is not beyond my abilities.
Quick Summary:
---Got tired of going through brand new machines every three years and clothes never being clean.
---Purchased used Kenmore Series 90, it was EXTREMELY WELL USED... Even though it was completely worn out, Inner Basket rusted out, etc... IT STILL CLEANED CLOTHES WAY WAY BETTER THAN ANY NEW MACHINES.
Current Status/Actions:
--- Machine finally gave out, many issues, so I rebuilt entire machine. And I mean EVERYTHING was either replaced or rebuilt.
--- I have the Service Manual for the Kenmore Version of the Direct Drive Washer.
THE PROBLEM:
--- Washer is out of balance when empty during spin cycle testing, vibrates, moves on floor during spin cycle. I have done typical troubleshooting steps. Items replaced are as follows:
-Machine Base and Tub Support Pads.
-Balance Springs.
-Motor Balance Spring.
-Rebuilt/Replaced Tub Support Bearings. ( Using correct original Bearing Installation Tool, and for good measure lapped in Bearings to Tub Spin Shaft so there are no clearance, stiffness or alignment issues when installing Tub Spin Shaft... I have seen people struggles with Tub Support Shaft Bearing/Seal installation).
-New Inner Tub. This is Second New Tub, First was damaged in Shipping. But still has same balance issues and second new tub.
-New Tub Spin Shaft.
-New Clutch(s).
-New Inner Tub Balance Ring.
-New Inner Tub Shaft Block.
Troubleshooting, Theories:
My concerns are this problem is related to Engineering changes and obsoleted parts that I cant find the Documentation on. If anyone has these engineering change documents and could share them I would be grateful.
--- I had to replace the Electric Motor so my thoughts are to try the different springs that support the motor weight. Maybe my current NEW motor is not the same weight as the old one? I still have all the old parts so I can compare and weigh if necessary.
--- I have verified the NEW Inner Tub Dimensions to the Old Original Inner Tub and they are exactly the same.
--- They do not make any new Inner Tubs for these washers. I have ordered two from whats left of new old stock and my concern at this point is there is something wrong with these Tubs? Maybe center shaft is bent? Maybe these are rejects?
--- My only thoughts at this point is to clean/repair my old original Inner Tub up enough to the point where I can swap it in place and see if it does this same out of balance condition.
--- I have also verified the Tub Support Shaft and suspension Plates are correctly installed, haven't shifted, are aligned correct and freely move during machine use. I have setup machine to run without covers on it.
If anyone has any further thoughts, or maybe something I have overlooked or missed? Please let me know.
lastly, a recent discovery, When these direct drive machines are working correctly, there is a rare weird spin condition that can affect these Washers. While washer is empty, and watching inner tub spin, you will notice that tub will spin perfect then start shaking, then back to perfect, and will cycle back and forth... That problem is due to the Drive Block NOT BEING TIGHT enough. The block needs to grip the Tub Spin Shaft tightly. If it doesn't, it creates this out of balance shudder/vibration that is weird.... Hopefully this helps somebody.
Thank you all in advance.
Best Regards