New washing machine recommendations needed

[briant73]

Hello new member here and in need of advice on a new washing machine purchase. My 9 year old 2008 SQ front loader has what appears to be major issues with the hub bearing and possibly the shaft. Spoke to the local servicer and the repair estimate is expensive. I’m disappointed that this washer only lasted less than ten years and needs a major repair but time to move on since this repair seems outside my expertise and who knows what else is wrong or will go wrong with this machine.

I’m looking for recommendations for replacement washing machines. I want something that cleans well can handle delicates and hopefully lasts a long time without need of major repairs. I could go with top load, he or front load. I see a lot of recommendations on review sites for Maytag,lg and Electrolux front loaders but I know those can be slanted by reviewers giving point for energy efficiency over performance.

Look forward to recommendations and glad to be here.

 

[briant73]

Also what other resources/sites are out there to check out for washing machine and dryers?

 

[combo52]

Hi Brian, The complete baring and seal assembly to fix your SQ is only $300, labor could cost you another $200 give or take $100, it is an easy repair.

I would get another SQ FL washer, if you give up on this one depending on where you are in Pennsylvania I will buy your old one to fix and resell.

John L.

 

[briant73]

I am being quoted much more than 200 for labor. I watched a video on a 2005 model and it seemed to be a lot of work and knowledge of the washer but are there other guides for this repair out there?

Also sq is discontinuing their home front loader line. I’m in the northwest part of the state.

 

[yogitunes]

John....definitely sounds like time for a weekend workshop on replacing one of these spiders.....

1. two screws, remove lower panel

2. release tension spring from door boot, unhook boot and fold into machine.....

3. 4 screws, remove front panel with door, disconnect wires from door lock and set aside...

4. remove clamp from door boot, slide off, and tuck in upper corner out of the way...

5. remove nut/bolt that holds front of tub on, remove strap....pull outter tub front cover off....set both aside....

6. remove two screws holding the top down, and lift the top up and secure....

7. reach down the back and slide the belt off the pulley.....

8. through hole in rear panel, unscrew bolt that holds the pulley, if I recall, its a left handed thread...pull off the pulley

9. back to the front, grab the inner drum, and pull forward and out.....

I did this in less than 20 minutes......ready for new spider to be replaced, and put everything back together....

definitely the simplest FLer I ever had to disassemble and work on....

 

[laundromat]

I recommend the LG line. They have a ten year motor warranty and the best repair record of all for their top load and front load washers as well as their gas or electric dryers seven years now. O have both top and front loading models AMD love them both. I bought my two aunts tier 2012 steam set. One in Stacked and one with risers. I got my cousin the top leafing set with the backslash. None of them have been serviced and performed flawlessly. Six years of family use. 4.7cu.ft washer and 7cu.ft dryer
Warily fits king size comforter and they now manufacture a new huge thirty inch wide washer and dryer. 5.7 cut.ft. Washer and 9.0 cut.ft. dryer. They also do huge loads with ease. Prices very but HD usually has the lowest prices. Burst Buy too.

 

[briant73]

Thanks for the recommendations. I am trying to keep an open mind about repair or replacement right now.

 

[stricklybojack]

.
Post pics of this machine if you can.
It is lore around here these last decades unless abused. Of course the model wasn't offered decades ago so I don't know where such opinions arise, but I suppose if the machine experienced many multiples of average use in a commercial setting one could get the yard stick that way.
How much did you use this machine?
Do you wash in hot water with bleach at least some of the time?
My SQ FL went through a number of motor control boards like so many washers which sport such gear. Apparently was some sort of design/manufacting snafu that was eventually rectified don't ya know.
Here you are with a bearing issue, just like so many other FL washers.
My take away, SQ's are just like all other FL washers; no better or worse all things considered.
Pick your poison. My SQ FL has been running for many happy months...I can finally report.
Must end discussion there. I need to run a load and, "Speedy" gets cranky and fritz prone when I post about him![this post was last edited: 3/24/2018-18:37]

 

[briant73]

Home laundry, regular use for a 3 person household and yes I did hot water bleach runs periodically. I’m disappointed to say the least. I don’t want to complain overly but I was wanting 15-20 years without a major failure. Alas why I’m here to get recommendations on repair or replace.

Something I noticed is my sq fl door swings towards the right side but it seems most other brands new fl swing to the left. Is that the case or haven’t I looked enough?

 

[wft2800]

If you're going down the replacement route, another brand to consider is Miele. They're one of the dominant players in the market this side of the Atlantic, with a reputation for robust quality. They're a much smaller concern in the US, though.

 

[combo52]

Miele FL Washers

Are much smaller machines, they only sell little 24" models in the US, they abandoned full sized models about 6 years ago in the US. And while they are big enough for some people I would not want one as my only machine.

 

John L.

 

[wft2800]

The latest Mieles hold an 8kg load, big enough for most families!

 

[briant73]

Just to update everyone on my search, back in April after looking at various stores checking out the brands they carry went with a Maytag FL and new gas dryer.