Need advice on repairing Kenmore washer

[combo52]

BR REMOVAL

I would not remove the BR unless it is broken or the water is gone, used ones do not always go back on tightly. Test first by laying washer on side to see if it is about 1/2 full.

 

[atomranch]

Ordered new Balance Ring

I just ordered a new balance ring from appliancepartspros.com. I will check out the one on the washer when the new one arrives. If it is 1/2 full like combo52 mentioned then I will return the new one. I am tending to believe that this is the issue. I really do not hear any water moving when I push the tub from side to side and all of the springs were where they should be. I just do not want to take apart the washer again just to put it back together to do a load of wash before the part arrives.

 

[atomranch]

Could the springs be weak?

I checked out the balance ring and it was ok. I had to remove it to check since it was a solid color on the top side. It was 1/2 full so that's not it. Cut myself while removing it too which is always fun.

Anyway, when I push the tub to the front of the washer it returns to the center. When I push it to the rear it only returns about 7/8th's of the way. Could the springs just be weak? The pads look ok as far as I can tell. None are missing or worn excessively. The washer does seem a little better since I reseated the ring.

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>Cut myself while removing it too which is always fun.</blockquote>I always get a few finger nicks when doing a refurbish.

<blockquote>Anyway, when I push the tub to the front of the washer it returns to the center. When I push it to the rear it only returns about 7/8th's of the way.</blockquote>That's largely normal behavior.  My DD Kenmore lingers quite a bit toward whichever direction I push it if I simply move it and let go.  It remains centered when rocked/oscillated around the midpoint.  A broken spring would be indicated if there's a definite lean toward a particular direction at all times.

As suggested previously, posting a brief video of the spin on YouTube, if you can do so (maybe both with and without a load), would clarify what exactly is happening and perhaps lead to further suggestions/diagnosis.

 

[atomranch]

Basket turns off center

Well, I watched the basket startup from the neutral drain and it started up slowly out of round. It was not turning fast at all when this was apparent. It looked like the basket was warped? I am beginning to think it might be time to replace this washer. The problem looks like it might be major and cost more that the washer is worth. Or am I wrong and could it still be a cheap fix.

 

[DADoES]

 
Can you put a video of it on YouTube?

The basket can be replaced, not difficult, but it may not be cost-effective depending on what are your standards for cost effectiveness.  Could also be some other problem in that area, such as a broken drive block (which is much less cost than a basket).

 

[cfz2882]

possible rust

on my '93 24" DD,the top of the washbasket post was rusted and caused runout of
the basket-a replacement basket from a dump grab '97 roper 24"DD fixed the problem.
Possible there is rust between the top of basket post and the aluminum drive block
in that case removal of the corrosion should cure the problem-no new parts needed.
As long as you have access to salvage DD washers or parts or know someone who
does,there is no such thing as an expensive DD washer repair or a DD washer
"not worth repair"

 

[atomranch]

Posted Video

I posted the video of the off center spin on you tube as was suggested. The washer moved an inch from the dryer on the final spin. If this looks normal let me know.

 

[akronman]

It looks fine to me

I have washers that go lots crazier out of balance and off center than that, and I use them all the time. It does NOT look like any problem at all.

 

[DADoES]

 
That's far from excessive tub oscillation and nothing looks to be wrong with the basket.  The machine moved an inch toward the dryer on this spin?  You said above that it's on a concrete floor so I'm not understanding why it'd creep on that nice of a spin.

Compare to this:
Jeans Final Spin (spin starts at 1:54)

 

[atomranch]

Laminate on a concrete slab

The wash room is covered by sheet laminate. Probably from the 70's. Is it possible that the feet are dried out and causing the washer to move. The washer feels level. I'll have to recheck it.

 

[atomranch]

My Bad.....................

Thanks everyone for the advice.

After downloading a copy of the Whirlpool service training for DD washers I discovered that I had the washer feet adjusted incorrectly. They needed to be adjusted in towards the frame until the lock nut bottomed out. I had them out too far in my attempt to level the washer. Newbie mistake = learning opportunity.

Thanks Again