Really Stuck Direct Drive Inner Tub

[drummerboy928]

I know there’s been discussions on this before, and I’ve read them all, and tried everything but I am at a complete loss. Multiple attempts to remove this inner tub from a 2010 Amana DD, and nothing has even gotten it to budge. I’ve tried boiling water between the drive block and tub, rust penetrant, CLR, everything, but nothing has worked. I don’t want to destroy this drive block, but this tub is just not coming out. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[maytag85]

Try tapping it with a rubber mallet a few times, Lorain Furniture did something similar back in 2018 with a belt drive he refurbished but just used a sledge hammer as opposed to a rubber mallet but got the tub off the drive block nevertheless.

 

[drummerboy928]

Hitting With Hammer

I tried that multiple times. I spent at least a half hour using a towel bunched up for protection against the top side of the wash basket, and hitting it with a hammer while going around to try and break it free, as well as using same methods directly against the part that goes on the drive block. Nothing has been able to break it free so far. I’ve tried standing in the tub and rocking side to side as well, and other similar methods. It is still just as stuck on as it was when I started.

 

[maytag85]

Interesting thing about my 1963 Whirlpool is when I began to disassemble the machine in November of 2020 I thought the tub was going to be stuck in place and to a degree it was but after rocking it back in forth similar to what John Lefever did when he rebuilt Paul’s 1956 Whirlpool Imperial 2 speed washer, it came right out.

John Lefever might be able to help since he’s worked on quite a few direct drive washers over the years some of which had the tub stuck to the drive bloke on the spin tube.

 

[DADoES]

 
My mother's DD KA sat on my porch for a few years until I decided to break it down for some parts, of which the outer tub was one.  It had had no repairs other than coupler, dogs, & pump (broken timer brought it down at 18yo).  The basket wouldn't budge.  I sprayed PB B'laster on it among other efforts.  I tried rocking it again after sitting a week or two or however long was the time and it loosened nicely.

 

[drummerboy928]

I will definitely have to try letting something sit there for a while and see if that is able to break it free. The machine is still used regularly, and nothing is wrong with it at the moment. I just wanted to pull the inner tub in order to really deep clean the outer tub, as it was filthy, and starting to smell. I will update when/if I am able to finally get the tub out.

 

[gizmo]

Just do a few really hot washes. You probably don't need to pull it apart if it is working OK.

Maybe ask here for suggestions on how to clean the tub without dismantling it. I would try a long, very hot wash with a big dose of dishwasher detergent - no regular clothes in the wash, but maybe some rags to help stir up the water?? (something you don't mind washing in this harsh solution.)

 

Washing machines shouldn't get buildup that needs to be scrubbed out - if that is happening, your laundry habits need to change. Hotter washes, more/better detergent, stop using fabric softener or only use it for specific loads.

 

[drummerboy928]

After assembling it and cleaning what I could, I did run two loads of hot water with washer cleaner, and scrubbed what I could reach. This machine is not mine, but rather my mothers, and she almost always washes on warm and never uses fabric softener. The machine was left by the previous homeowner, and was in very poor shape. there is quite a bit of buildup, and originally the agitator dogs were completely toast. I’ve fixed it up a lot for her, but this is really the last thing it needs, which is a really good hard deep cleaning. I’ll include a picture of the state it’s in, and if anybody has any recommendations, please let me know

 

[gizmo]

Is it possible to remove that plastic top ring, then clean between the inner and outer tubs by first spraying a cleaning product down the gap, then poking a rag down there with a fine stick like a ruler??

 

(Just trying to avoid the difficult task of removing the inner basket, if possible.)

 

I see why you would want to scrub that stuff out.

 

[DADoES]

 
That's *after* cleaning?  Or did you mistakenly post a before photo?  If not, surely you can do better than that!  Pull the tub ring off, clean it up.  Fill the tub with some hot water and some sort of cleaning agent, get a suitable brush and scrub down between the basket and outer tub if the basket won't come out.

 

[neptunebob]

Try one of those brushes you would use to clean the condenser of a refrigerator, I had success with using one of those.

Clothes Dryer Vent Brush Lint, Dirt & Dust Remover - 27-1/2 Inch Overall LengthDefault Title

REMOVES LINT: Designed to trap lint and fuzz from dryer vent slots. The flexible wire brush conforms to irregular shapes as it easily reaches all areas of the vent while the unique spiral design bristles grab and hold lint and fuzz. PREVENT FIRE: Helps prevent fires by removing the build-up of...

fuller.com

 

[drummerboy928]

Yes, that was intended to be a before picture of how bad it was. I scrubbed the entire tub cover, as much of the cabinet, and other plastics, and got what I could off of the outer tub. I will definitely try and get some form of scrub brush to stick down in there and clean what I can.

 

[stan]

Get in it !

I got one loose once by standing in it and doing a hula dance
Just don’t fall when it gives loose.
I hung on to a roof rafter so i wouldn’t fall out, but u got it out.

 

[combo52]

Getting a direct drive wash basket loose

Hi Henry, can you remove the lock nut ring spray plenty of penetrating oil on the basket, drive block, etc. then screw the lock nut ring halfway on while holding the basket up with one hand take a steel hammer and smack the lock nut ring a few times that will make the basket loose and from the basket drive block.

I do this several times a month in a customers home when the basket must be removed for service and you don’t have a week to wait for penetrating oil to work, etc.

As others mention you can clean this machine up pretty well without taking the basket out.

One thing to consider when you said that, your mom mostly uses warm water the warm on this machine and the hot are greatly reduced from what you would normally have for the most part. This machine should probably be used on hot water for good cleaning . Conversely, you can get a good cleaning in colder water by using a lot of really good detergent but that’s expensive.

I would not try standing in the basket on a direct drive machine. It really doesn’t loosen the tub that well because of the suspension system and it’s dangerous I do, however, recommend standing in the basket of a belt, drive whirlpool that works very well. You need to only stand in it and rock back-and-forth about twice in the basket always comes loose on the belt drive washer

John.

 

[stan]

Henry

Did you ever get the tub out and get it clean ?

 

[blockeight88]

I am in the same boat, but I notice there are holes in the bottom of the basket tube. Do these need to be pressed in to release the basket? I sure hope not because pressing 4 at the same time while pulling out would be very difficult. What purpose do these serve? Please help.

 

[combo52]

No pressing in the holes will not help

Follow the instructions in my earlier post. Number 13

John

 

[DADoES]

 
The under-basket lint filter has anchor tabs that fit into those holes in the basket neck.  There's also a lock spring-clip that fits up in there from beneath that must be removed before the filter will release.  You can see the filter through the four holes in the base of the basket.

 

[blockeight88]

I actually followed John's advice from post 13 and got it out. It took about 4 hours though. I swear that damn thing wouldn't budge. While cleaning the bottom, I ended up disregarding the plastic lint filter, as I know these aren't necessary. I'm quite proud of myself to be honest. I hope Henry is able to get his out.