Miele W1215 Balance/Suspension Issues

[corradokid]

Hello!

My parents have a W1215 + T1405 combo which they love, purchased together 2006. Both have been serviced about 2019 (washer for drain boot was cracked triggering the flood sensor and apparently the dampers replaced, dryer had new brushes installed as it was noisy.)

Last month the washer (8447hrs at the time) had a medium size load (1 thick terry bath towel, 1 thick hand towel, and 10 thin cotton kitchen towels) and heard a loud bang—the washer had moved forward off the stand so front feet were hanging off, never had done this before! Immediately after doing some research I ordered 2 new dampers and 4 new springs from Miele USA (https://www4.miele.de/msd?vg=VG-US&country=US&language=en)

Installed the new dampers and springs (the dampers seem to be cheaper than the all metal originals Miele used) and the new dampers seemed slightly sturdier then what was removed but I was expecting them to be blown. Reassembled everything no issues (the machine seems to be really well engineered for service) and the washer seems slightly better but still having an issue. It seems to always attempt a re-balance (starts draining, slow spin, stop, start draining, slow spin, stop) and occasionally loads don't come out as wrung out as expected.

The drum seems to be sitting further forward than I remember? The door seal gap is non-existent where debris would get trapped and the tub light hits the glass door for anything larger than a mid-sized load (see linked video.)

Parents would love to keep this washer as it's 240v, has hard buttons (easier for them to use than touch controls,) solidly built, and has faster cycles than the new W1 series but my fear is something major like bearings or rear cross brace which is expensive and labor intensive.

Any ideas on what else to check? Maybe something missed when reassembling?

-Alden

 

[me]

I'm no expert, but possibly one of the arms of the inner drum spider has cracked?

If it is, I think miele may only sell the drum and spider as one part.

There is a place in Ukraine that makes a stainless steel spider that supposedly fits it, although I'd imagine the shipping would be prohibitive.

https://usefulrare.com/products/miele-w2652-wps-washing-machine-stainless-steel-drum-spider

 

[brisnat81]

I second the above response, the 1xxx/3xxx had issues with the bearings and spider over time. I've had 8 3xxx series machines bought second hand where the inner tub rubs on the boot and its generally been a combination of the spider/bearing/seals at the rear have failed.

My W3933 which was new in 2008 failed in year 7 and Miele rebuilt it for free, but it took them two goes as the first time they only replaced the bearings and seals and it failed again within a fortnight, the second time they replaced the spider/drum and 8 years later its still washing away.

If you turn the drum by hand, is it rubbing on the boot? If it spins empty, is there a squeal/whistling sound and do you end up with rubber shards like from an eraser?

 

[richnz]

Check

The small hose running from the drain pump up to the y connector is clear.
The vent hoses need to be clear as it won’t go to full speed if it is not certain the water has not drained.

The drum turns in a circle when viewed from the front. If it has an odd shape be wary.

If the gap is wider at the top than at the bottom then see if lowering one spring one notch on the drum has an effect. In machines I have disassembled there was always one set differently to another….

Richard

 

[ozzie908]

Check the drum support springs

If memory serves I believe there are a series of holes that you can move the springs back and forth to compensate for various size drums. If as you say everything has moved forward when it made the banging sound its possible the spring moved forward thus making the drum tilt toward the door if you get a chance take the lid off and see if you see the top of the drum tilting.

 

[henene4]

I mean, you said the door seal was replaced, right?

Changing any suspension component will change the position of the tub slightly. Plus a new door seal with slightly different tolerance, materials and size.

A bearing or spider issue will cause WAY larger issues than just bad balancing.
Those noises are just way to specific.

Checking leveling (as much as it SUCKS) is always the first step with vibration and balancing issues.

The service manual is available online:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1051059/Miele-W1113.html#product-W 1215

It mentions a balance sensor.
Describing its function, that very much sounds like a part that could be worn.
The sensor is a suspended weight and pressure sensor. If that delivers incorrect values, it either might deliver bad data allowing to much play in OOB sensing or the control disregards it completely.
Relying just on motor data will be less precise.

Part number is 5400950, price is 65.11$, it's position 48+49 on the suds container parts diagram.

 

[ozzie908]

Is there adjustment holes in the ledge on the cabinet as I can see there is no forward or backward options on the drum?
The only other reason for making it lean forward would be the springs are shorter/tighter than the originals do have the ones you took off still? True putting them back on and see if it helps any.

 

[corradokid]

Great ideas from everyone

Wow thank you everyone for the ideas and suggestions - investigating replacement washers is equally as stressful (would prefer 240v, Little Giants are $$$$$$$ though would be great, Bosch would be the only other Miele equivalent in the USA?)

@me
“I’m no expert, but possibly one of the arms of the inner drum spider has cracked?”

Would a cracked spider arm would cause the inner drum to hang down towards the front or be loose/rock from the outer drum? The drum rotates without noises and drum does not move up/down by hand. Youtube video linked shows final spin speed sounding normal, and my pushing downward without movement, If it is the spider it would likely mean time for a new machine

@brisnat81
“If you turn the drum by hand, is it rubbing on the boot? If it spins empty, is there a squeal/whistling sound and do you end up with rubber shards like from an eraser?”

Turning the drum by hand there are no odd sounds, normal whirr from the motor. Inside the machine panels did have some fine rubber residue but figured that was from the lower drain boot wear/replacement by the tech in 2018. Might need to take it apart again and check.

@richnz
“If the gap is wider at the top than at the bottom then see if lowering one spring one notch on the drum has an effect. In machines I have disassembled there was always one set differently to another….”

I’ll check if changing the springs can fix it, the drum definitely feels closer to the door (front) after installing the new parts. Maybe the new springs are slightly different from previous. Will also check the pump vent hose.

@ozzie908
“If memory serves I believe there are a series of holes that you can move the springs back and forth to compensate for various size drums.”

Will re-check the spring holes. I installed the replacements in the same holes but could be variations in replacements. Old springs were thrown out sadly :-o I’ll see what I can do with the different mount holes.

@henene4
“I mean, you said the door seal was replaced, right?”

Door seal was not replaced, only the lower drain boot, and dampers by a tech previously. I’m not convinced it’s a bearing issue either, the drum spins freely by hand and no odd sounds, just motor whirr. Good call on the balance sensor, I’ll investigate.