My Speed Queen TL is getting noisy!

[rapunzel]

Over the last couple of weeks I've noticed a new sound that I find disturbing. During agitation it makes a noise that sounds like a chain constantly slipping off a gearwheel. Agitation is fine, it's not missing strokes and there is no problem with spinning. Is this some kind of transmission problem in the making?

Also the timer seems to be a little out of sync. At the end of the wash and deep rinse cycles my washer stops agitating for a split second, then resumes agitation for another two or three seconds before it stops completely. It doesn't happen all the time, but with some frequency. Is that something to worry about?

Your advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Olav

 

[cfz2882]

not sure what could be causing the noise,but one of my 1984
speed queens also shuts off for a split second towards the
end of the rinse-sometimes there will only be a slight grunt
as the motor has it's power cut for half a second or so,
sometimes long enough that the centrifugal switch releases
before motor power is restored-cannot be good for the timer
contacts....
is your machine a 1981 up perforated tub with belt drive pump
or is it a newer version with the pump under the motor?

 

[rapunzel]

Mine is only three years old.

So, if this portends something sinister I will be very unhappy. Never had this, or any issues, with my previous SQ.

Olav

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Olav,

Pull that agitator and check that there is nothing caught underneath. If its like the earlier ones, just grab the sides of the base and pull upwards.

Its easy enough to take the front off and have a look at whats happening.

Check that the belt isnt loose and that it doesnt appear worn or frayed.

Remove the front, run it through a cycle and see if you can hear anything or see anything wrong. Just remember to keep away from the gearbox when it goes into spin.

Failing that, disconnect the pump outlet hose and poke your fingers in and feel for any sort of obstruction.

There arent too many moving parts, so have a look at those and then go from there.

 

[queeny77]

there is no problem with your washer its only the tub brakes slipping.

 

[rapunzel]

It really doesn't sound like breaks slipping.

The tub stopped indexing over a year ago, as I was told it would. I will do what brisnat suggested and look under my Queen's skirt. There is nothing stuck under the agitator. A couple of weeks ago I pulled it out for a check and clean. I will try to borrow my sister's camera to record what's going on and post it on here.

Thanks for your input.

Olav

 

[danmantn]

Olav, how hard was it to remove the agitator? Since they sell a tool for this I imagined it would be quite difficult by hand.

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Dan,

The Agitator just pulls off, it's held onto the drive bell with plastic clips.

You just grab the edge of the base and full firmly upwards and off it comes.

 

[rapunzel]

It requires somewhat of a strong grip

but I manage to pull it out by holding on to the shaft. Just one strong upward tug (or two, maybe three) and you should feel it come loose.