Bearing and spider failures almost always appear to be a sign of neglect. For instance:
- All cold washes
- Excessive detergent
- Frequent overloading
are all factors which will act as a catalyst in bearing and spider failure. Sealed tub or not, both outcomes will be expensive, whether it's a new machine, new tub or spider and bearing replacement. On a repair this major, people almost ALWAYS chuck it and buy a new one. While I hate the fact that manufactures are locking people out of the tubs, to a degree it makes sense from their perspective. And to confirm, yes it does appear based off of part diagrams, the new LG front loaders from 2019 and up, all have sealed tubs. Samsung, GE, Electrolux will all soon follow.
I've owned two front loaders from 2014 up to now. The first one, a Whirlpool WFW72HEDW bought in 2014 to replace our failed 13 year old Inglis direct drive TL. This FL, has a sealed tub.
The second one bought at a new location in 2018, an LG WM4370 with a fully modular tub.
On both washers:
- Hot/Warm washes are frequented, with cold ones every now and then.
- 2-4 loads a week, powdered detergent, sometimes liquid.
- Excess detergent was rare.
- Tub clean cycle ran once or twice a year with a cup or two of bleach.
- Door and dispenser left open once the cycle was complete to dry out.
- Never overloaded.
WP WFW72HEDW 4 years old: bearing and spider issues not present.
LG WM4370 3 years old: bearing and spider issues not present.
But one of them DID have an issue. The LG, right? Nope. The LG has been performing strong since the day it got delivered.
The Whirlpool, after 1 year developed a spinning issue which was posted by numerous other users here as well. It would ramp up to about 200-300 RPM then immediately shut off and go into balancing even when it was empty.
Yet it's surprising to me how LG washers always gets the bashing. In my experience in the last near decade of owning modern WP appliances, they have almost ALL had parts replacement in a short time or had issues.
Previous Location:
Kenmore (Built by WP fridge) bought in 2012: Computer failed 3 years in.
Kenmore (Built by WP dishwasher) bought in 2014: Latch and computer replaced in 1.5 years.
Whirlpool WFW72HEDW bought in 2014: Developed that famous spin cycle problem after 1 year.
Kenmore (Built by Frigidaire range) bought in 2015: 0 issues.
Kenmore (Built by Samsung OTR Microwave) bought in 2015: 0 Issues.
New Location: All bought in 2018.
Maytag (built by Whirlpool Dishwasher): 0 issues as of yet.
Whirlpool range: Has preheating issues when rapid preheat is selected. Likely a computer issue.
Whirlpool Fridge (same one as the previous location but newer): condenser coil rattles, ice bucket lid stays open.
LG Washer and Dryer: 0 Issues.