Oasis/Fusion Oasis design washers - preventative maintenance advice

[murando531]

Hey all!

It's been almost three months since getting the new Bravos XL replacement, and man do I love this washer. Has had a few weird incidents with noises but what machine doesn't? It has been golden compared to the previous one I had so I am beyond happy.

That said, since this one seems to be built properly and is performing like a champ, I'd like to keep it that way for as long as humanly/machinely possible. The biggest issues I've heard when it comes to the Cabrio-Oasis washer family are bearing problems and issues with the shaft becoming corroded to the point where the tub cannot freely float up and down. I'm making sure to run the Clean Washer cycle everytime the light comes on, but honestly the machine keeps itself sparkling clean on its own, possibly because I don't overkill on the detergent use and I use microscopic amounts of fabric softener if I even use it at all. The clean cycle uses a pretty violent spin with water rushing around underneath the tub, so I'm hoping that also keeps the driveshaft and the seal clean of corrosives.

So, if anyone has advice on anything I can do to make sure it's always in top shape, please let me know! Things such as: does the tub need to be taken out every 6 or so months to oil the driveshaft, and what kind of lubricant should be used? I'd be eternally grateful! I've found something that is "new" and modern that I actually like, so I want to be good to it.

 

[yogitunes]

after doing a bearing/seal replacement on one I got, there is the concern of making it last longer with somewhat basic maintenance....

yeah, that shaft that allows the tub to float, that would be my biggest concern, as that what was stuck, and giving me a problem trying to get it loose......I used heavy duty bearing grease on it....but can't help but wonder, between the detergents and especially those tub cleaners wearing the lubricant away faster.....

yes, the machine seems to keep clean on its own......and I don't see myself running one of those 'cleaners' through it.....actually wanting to see over time how it reacts with scum build up, and if the clean washer cycle is necessary......granted it did need a major cleanout when I got it....we do take care of things like this compared to most, so we may be the exception to the rule...

but probably my main concern is that shaft, and lubricant.......don't know exactly when I should pull the tub and apply more grease.....right now in my head, thinking maybe every two years......hard to say as this isn't my daily driver...but I guess the best bet, is every so often, lift that basket, and see if there is any difficulty in lifting and lowering it......get used to how it feels now, and when that starts to diminish.....

the bearing job wasn't that bad actually, roughly about an hour, plus cleaning all the nooks and crannies.......but the kit is pricey, so hoping to find them cheaper as time goes on....

the most noise I hear is that loud 'thump', when the tub returns to its lowered position, sometimes it aligns right up, other times, once the shaft starts to spin, it slide/locks into place quick and hard....

seems most of these machines last only 3 to 5 years of use before needing bearings and shaft replacement......granted it is a unique setup and workings, but almost as if they are designed to fail at a given time, especially with an exposed shaft, knowing the lubricant will wear away from the water and detergents....

I also removed the flow restrictor from the HOT side of the valve.....seems to give a warmer wash when set on WARM.....granted my water heater is set high...

 

[DADoES]

 
I suppose it isn't relevant to newer or Whirlpool-produced models but my F&P GWL08 bought in 1999 (and IWL12 bought in 2004) are running as yet with the original bearings and have had no trouble with the basket sticking on the drive shaft.  The 08 had a pump replacement several years ago.

 

[murando531]

I myself have wondered about using the cleaners. I stopped using bleach because I'd rather play by their rules should it cause problems. Bleach can be used as per the manual, but with the stories I've heard of bleach corroding bearings and spiders, I'd rather not chance it. When I use it with laundry, it's no more than 1/4 cup, and it seems to do perfectly.

I wonder, because of my habits with detergent dosage and minimal fabric softener, if it would be just as well to run the clean cycle every 2 or 3 times the indicator comes on, hitting the reset button until I feel it actually needs to be cleaned. The Affresh is by no means cheap, and like you said, I'm sure the chemicals would strip the lubricant from the shaft more quickly than normal detergent use. I will heed your advice and keep an eye on it, and test the feeling of lifting the tub. Right now it slides without any scrubbing sensation, so I must be doing okay for now.

 

[joeypete]

I just bought some of the Tide washer cleaner. The main ingredients looks like sodium bi and sodium per…so basically it's just oxy cleaner. I don't' know what else they put in there. My owners manual actually says not to use any chemicals, just liquid chlorine bleach…though my machine came with a coupon for Affresh…go figure. LOL

Like I said Martin, I'll be calling on you for repairs! haha ;-)

 

[yogitunes]

I am curious as to 'IF' those cleaners actually work, or get to all the areas as claimed.....

of course by the time we get a machine so scummed up, its also broken, and can't see putting a filthy machine back together.......but would be curious almost to fix a machine, and put it back together....run it through a 'clean cycle' and open it back up, just to see the results....

and granted, these clean cycles and cleaners only take care of the tub, what about the dispensers, and hoses.....I found my own concoction that seems to work, use any sort of bathroom cleaner with bleach, and spray all areas of the dispenser and boot, even pouring some down the drain hose, and if you want a high concentration of bleach, granules for a swimming pool, or even powdered dishwasher detergent, add about a cup and run a long hot cycle.....most times, everything is clean the first time around, stubborn mold may need a second dose, and allow to soak for a while...

I have repaired a number of nasty Neptunes, but when it came time for my bearings to be done, the machine was really clean inside......never a clean cycle run, in fact, it doesn't have one.....mostly hot or warm washes, and a bleach wash about twice a week.....the machine was 14.....but as mentioned, we are the exception to the rule.....I really don't see ours failing as soon as others...

not like we haven't done repair workshops while having a wash-in.....

wasn't the premise of automatics when they came out, 'it cleans itself, automatically!'......can't help but think, we're going backwards!...