My LG-made Kenmore front loader's tub doesn't spin as smoothly by hand like it used to

[superocd]

I noticed something when I was taking out laundry out of my LG-made Kenmore front loader. I turned the tub and noticed that there is an otherwise very barely noticeable resistance when spinning it by hand. If I take my time, I can almost feel the points of something like the rotor making contact with the stator. Almost imperceptible.

The drum of my washer still turns freely, just not "light as a feather" freely when I took it home. There are no strange sounds or anything on the spin or wash cycles, which are usually an accurate indicator of bearing failure.

Don't laugh but kind of worried me enough to go to Sears to spin the drums of other LG and LG-made Kenmore units. In fact, my washer still turns a lot more smoother and more freer than a never-used-before floor model! The washers at Sears make a rumbling sound as if something is wrong with the bearings, this was on just about all of the units. There was a lot more resistance on those washers than mine, I kind of had to give it some effort. So I am confused...

Is this something to be concerned about? Most people wouldn't notice the very very slight difference and barely perceptible "resistance" when rotating the drum by hand.

Is my washer breaking in? I've been using it for a little over two months nonstop. Am I being too obnoxious?

 

[a440]

There will be some "tightness" right after your final spin.  Wait awhile and go turn the tub and you will notice that it turns freely again.

 

All of the direct drive front loaders that I have used do this after the final spin. 

 

 

 

[brucelucenta]

I too have an LG made Kenmore front loader. I am just watching and waiting to see how well it holds up. It has been close to 3 years now and still runs perfect, so time will tell I guess. If you listen to some on this site, you'll shudder in horror at the thought of an LG made front loader. But so far so good with mine. It is actually the best washing machine I have ever had for cleaning and rinsing my clothes to perfection and holds the most of any machine I have ever had too.

 

[vacerator]

Some models

of those have a complicated step variable agitation processor.

 

[combo52]

Signs Of Bearing Failure On FL Washers

On DD FL washers there is a sight bumpiness or resistance as you turn the tub by hand, this is the permanent magnets in the motor you feel as you turn from one to the next. This does not change as the machine ages or if it has just been run.

 

The usual sign of bearing is an increase in noise level when the washer is spinning at high speed [ believe me you will know it when and if it ever happens ] to test your washer run it empty on the fastest spin speed and if you can't hold a conversation near the washer as its spinning you have problems.

 

Most FL washers if properly used will never experience bearing failure in their lifetime.

 

[brucelucenta]

Whew!!! I am glad to know that! It is very encouraging! I have had older front loaders in the past that had bearing failure and that was my greatest fear.

 

[washerdude]

On our Whirlpool Duet (Now officially 2 years old), I've noticed that the drum is hard to move after a quick wash cycle after the final spin ends for a couple of seconds. I notice that with this particular cycle, as soon as the cycle ends and I quickly open the door the drum is actually hard to turn. But in a couple of seconds I hear a "pop" come from the stator motor and the drum turns freely again. I think this is to ensure the drum comes to a complete stop and not still rotating long after the cycle has ended and the door has unlocked.

 

[yogitunes]

that's the 'brake'.....since most of these stator motor machines have no brake, hence another reason for having a lid lock....

they are using the stator motor as a brake, to slow down, and bring to a stop quickly, and almost 'lock' in place....then the energy is released, and the tub will free spin....