Kitchen Aid DD Washer clunking noise only during agitation
- Thread starter SQueenJJ
- Start date
"I have a relative with a 2003 TOL Kenmore DD that agitates at almost double the speed on "Fast" compared to this KA"
Actually, it's 1.5 times as fast. The KA in the video is going at 120spm which is low speed (middle speed) on the 3-speed motor. Whirlpool/KN with 3-speed motors will run the same speed as this KA on the regular setting. It will run 180spm on heavy duty. Whirlpool/KN will with 2-speed motors will run high speed (180spm) on regular setting. I think your comparing apples to oranges. You need to know exactly which model number washers to make an accurate comparison.
Eric
Actually, it's 1.5 times as fast. The KA in the video is going at 120spm which is low speed (middle speed) on the 3-speed motor. Whirlpool/KN with 3-speed motors will run the same speed as this KA on the regular setting. It will run 180spm on heavy duty. Whirlpool/KN will with 2-speed motors will run high speed (180spm) on regular setting. I think your comparing apples to oranges. You need to know exactly which model number washers to make an accurate comparison.
Eric
Direct-drive trannys (Whirlpool, KA, KM, Roper, Estate, Inglis ... and then MT, Amana, Admiral, and Crosley when relevant) typically run at:
180 SPM agitation on high motor (1725 RPM)
120 SPM at medium motor (1140 RPM) for a 3-speeder, which is low speed for a 2-speeder
90 SPM at low motor (850 RPM) on a 3-speeder, which is ex-low or low or handwash or whatever it may be called.
That's interesting
So I guess I have a washer with a 3 speed motor than only uses the Middle and slower speeds. It never washes any faster than in the video, even if you put it on Soak or Extra Wash. I assume that is normal for this machine (KAWS750LQ0). I had a 2007 Maytag Centennial (Whirltag) that had a 2 speed motor and on Regular agitation it was fast and rough. I got rid of it. It never tore any clothes, but it sure sounded like it was going to. It would wash at the fast speed and for the last few minutes of the cycle it would ramp down to the lower speed. (of course it had the smaller agitator fins) I wish Whirlpool had made their Maytags just like the KitchenAids, but i guess they were getting ready to quit making direct drives for consumers.
So I guess I have a washer with a 3 speed motor than only uses the Middle and slower speeds. It never washes any faster than in the video, even if you put it on Soak or Extra Wash. I assume that is normal for this machine (KAWS750LQ0). I had a 2007 Maytag Centennial (Whirltag) that had a 2 speed motor and on Regular agitation it was fast and rough. I got rid of it. It never tore any clothes, but it sure sounded like it was going to. It would wash at the fast speed and for the last few minutes of the cycle it would ramp down to the lower speed. (of course it had the smaller agitator fins) I wish Whirlpool had made their Maytags just like the KitchenAids, but i guess they were getting ready to quit making direct drives for consumers.
Although I'm not knowing all the models produced, KA toploaders with 3-speed motors and the large-base agitator usually ran on medium motor speed for high agitation and low motor for low agitation.
My KAWE760 follows that pattern. It always neutral-drains on high motor. Spin makes use of all three motor speeds depending on the cycle involved. The final spin on Perm Press, for example, runs 2 mins low motor, 2 mins medium, then 2 mins high ... a feature called Stepped Spin, which is said to help reduce wrinkling.
You are correct
DADoES. You are correct. That is exactly what this machine does. You can hear those different Spin Speeds when its on the appropriate cycle. I really like the machine and I hope it lasts me a long time. I plan on repairing it as long as I can.
DADoES. You are correct. That is exactly what this machine does. You can hear those different Spin Speeds when its on the appropriate cycle. I really like the machine and I hope it lasts me a long time. I plan on repairing it as long as I can.
Jeff,
I have an 11 year old Kenmore Washer, and it makes the same clunking sound as yours. I've never replaced the agitator dogs or the cam, and they look fine. Sometimes it seems louder than others, and I thought maybe it had to do with how high the water level was. In your video, it seems like you probably filled it on the high level. On mine, it seems when I use the low or medium water level it sounds louder.
I have an 11 year old Kenmore Washer, and it makes the same clunking sound as yours. I've never replaced the agitator dogs or the cam, and they look fine. Sometimes it seems louder than others, and I thought maybe it had to do with how high the water level was. In your video, it seems like you probably filled it on the high level. On mine, it seems when I use the low or medium water level it sounds louder.
jerrod6
Well-known member
I don't remember any third speed on my machine so perhaps it was only a 2 speed unit. Low agitation for delicates, regular agitation for everything else.
Stepped spin for all cycles except dedicates started at a lower speed, increased to a higher speed after a few minutes
Stepped spin for all cycles except dedicates started at a lower speed, increased to a higher speed after a few minutes
Clunking DD KA washer
Squeen did you make sure that the 3 transmission bolts are tight, if they are loose they will get looser and when one falls out it will cause a real problem with the washers operation.
Squeen did you make sure that the 3 transmission bolts are tight, if they are loose they will get looser and when one falls out it will cause a real problem with the washers operation.
not yet
Combo52-- I haven't looked at them yet. Is that something I can do without assistance? I was thinking I might need someone to hold the washer while I looked at the bolts or could I lean it back and hold it with my body. Of course I guess I could take all the hoses off and lay it on its back.
Combo52-- I haven't looked at them yet. Is that something I can do without assistance? I was thinking I might need someone to hold the washer while I looked at the bolts or could I lean it back and hold it with my body. Of course I guess I could take all the hoses off and lay it on its back.
Oil Drops
When I moved the washer to inspect the transmission bolts, I noticed several drops on oil on the floor-- I'm thinking that is a dead giveaway that the transmission needs replacing or will before long. Actually it was easy removing the hoses and laying the washer on it's back. The Transmission bolts were good and tight and you could see a bit of oil between it and the motor. [this post was last edited: 3/24/2013-13:58]
When I moved the washer to inspect the transmission bolts, I noticed several drops on oil on the floor-- I'm thinking that is a dead giveaway that the transmission needs replacing or will before long. Actually it was easy removing the hoses and laying the washer on it's back. The Transmission bolts were good and tight and you could see a bit of oil between it and the motor. [this post was last edited: 3/24/2013-13:58]
whirlcool
Well-known member
To me the noise sounds more like a chugging noise than a clunking noise. It also sounds like it could be resonance between the fabric softner dispenser and the agitator. If the fabric softner dispenser "clicked" into the agitator properly?
Our Whirlpool makes this same noise, but not as loud. To me a "clunk" is the noise a automatic transmission in a car sometimes makes when you put the car in gear.
Our Whirlpool makes this same noise, but not as loud. To me a "clunk" is the noise a automatic transmission in a car sometimes makes when you put the car in gear.
There is an oil seal at the tranny drive shaft that can wear and leak oil. A few transitory drops is not cause for alarm but continual / repeated dripping is of course an unwanted situation.
From what I saw and heard
On your video, the machine is working perfectly. As John said if the clunking is extremely loud you may want to check the transmission mounts. Otherwise that is a normal sound for any DD Whirlpool machine. I have never seen one that did not make it. Here is my 1986 Kenmore washing as it should. There is no abnormal sounds.
WK78
On your video, the machine is working perfectly. As John said if the clunking is extremely loud you may want to check the transmission mounts. Otherwise that is a normal sound for any DD Whirlpool machine. I have never seen one that did not make it. Here is my 1986 Kenmore washing as it should. There is no abnormal sounds.
WK78
Here is my 1986 Kenmore washing as it should.
Holy incredible short spray rinses....Batman. I counted a total of 23 seconds worth of spray rinsing during the first spin-out. I guess I'm just used to a solid 1 minute spray blasting away.
I'm surprised it spin drained. Normal for this year/model or bad neutral drain pack?
Holy incredible short spray rinses....Batman. I counted a total of 23 seconds worth of spray rinsing during the first spin-out. I guess I'm just used to a solid 1 minute spray blasting away.
I'm surprised it spin drained. Normal for this year/model or bad neutral drain pack?
RE: holy incredible short spray rinses
This washer does 5 pulse spray rinses with each spin at 5 seconds each. This would make a total of 50 seconds spray rinse per cycle. As far as the spin drain it does it sometimes and on some loads not at all. I hate to replace the neutral pak unless it completely goes bad as then this machine would not be 100% original. It is the only all original 1986 KM LTD DD I know of and I don't want to change it.
WK78
This washer does 5 pulse spray rinses with each spin at 5 seconds each. This would make a total of 50 seconds spray rinse per cycle. As far as the spin drain it does it sometimes and on some loads not at all. I hate to replace the neutral pak unless it completely goes bad as then this machine would not be 100% original. It is the only all original 1986 KM LTD DD I know of and I don't want to change it.
WK78
Hi WK78. I did check the bolts just to be sure and they are tight. I'm not worried about the washer anymore. I love it and plan on using it until it is completely worn out- and that shouldn't happen for a long time as long as parts are available.
txta11ent
New member
Similar problem to sqeenjj's - KA DD KAWS750LQ0
My KA washing machine began making an unusual clunking noise when agitating a few weeks ago. I checked the transmission bolts and can only hand turn the agitator one direction (CW). The noise is prevalent at the two higher speeds (HD & PP). And the clothes in the washer seem to circulate CCW at these higher speeds instead of traveling from top to bottom like they do with the two lower speeds.
Also mine had a small drop of oil under it as well, but a much larger puddle of oil after it had been on its back for a couple of hours.
Any insight and assistance would be very much appreciared.
http://https//youtu.be/MzqItMPwg5c
My KA washing machine began making an unusual clunking noise when agitating a few weeks ago. I checked the transmission bolts and can only hand turn the agitator one direction (CW). The noise is prevalent at the two higher speeds (HD & PP). And the clothes in the washer seem to circulate CCW at these higher speeds instead of traveling from top to bottom like they do with the two lower speeds.
Also mine had a small drop of oil under it as well, but a much larger puddle of oil after it had been on its back for a couple of hours.
Any insight and assistance would be very much appreciared.
http://https//youtu.be/MzqItMPwg5c
txta11ent
New member
Similar problem to sqeenjj's - KA DD KAWS750LQ0
Something broken in the transmission. Some internal parts are available (you'd have to diagnose what's needed), as are full replacement transmissions, if you're inclined to do the repair.
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