Replace or Repair Speed Queen Top Load Washer

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Jun 5, 2024
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15
Location
Wisconsin USA
I have a Speed Queen top load washing machine, model # AWNE92SP113TW01, that is approximately 10 years old. When it tries to spin, the tub is stationary and the washer makes a loud clicking sound. A technician told me the transmission is leaking and needs to be replaced. He recommended getting another machine. I had a 1996 Whirlpool (Kenmore) top loader to which I had made DIY repairs. Is replacing a transmission in a Speed Queen washer a DIY project, too?
 
The transmission is probably not the issue unless it is leaking oil. The bearing may have seized and caused the pulley cam/assembly to round off on the bottom making a loud popping sound. The transmission on this model has a 15 year part only warranty.
 
What is included in that repair estimate? Was the machine roaring in the spin cycle on previous loads before the machine started making the load popping noise?
 
Thanks, I will make a video and post it. The washer was making a knocking sound before it quit spinning altogether. The pump seems fine, it pumps out water no problem. But when it tries to spin, it makes the popping sound. I do not know if the agitator works.
 
Below is a link to a video of the washer in the spin cycle.



The estimate for repair was:
Alliance #203768 KIT, TRANSMISSION/ LIP SEAL KIT - $699.75
Speed Queen #766P3A Washer KIT HUB & LIP SEAL - $280.00
Seal kit hub - $89.95
 
It’s hard to tell from the video. By chance is the wash basket loose? I’m fixing to repair one where the hub that the wash basket mounts to has failed. Removing the agitator will reveal this failure. Was that done by the technician? The transmission does absolutely nothing during spin. Leaking oil would be the only reason to replace it unless something is wrong during agitation. The first part number includes the second part number listed and probably the third item mentioned without a number. Are the folks looking at your washer an authorized speed queen dealer? After I believe September 2013 this machine has 15 years on the transmission but no labor. Before this date it was 10. Do you still have the paperwork for this machine? All in all this is an involved repair and not one most technicians are willing to take on these days. Some of it is simply lack of knowledge. If you’re wanting to get the washer fixed and they insist the transmission is bad(I do not believe it is but I’m not there) do not pay for the part if you are the original owner and it is not used commercially. It is still under warranty.
 
$1070?

Good Lord!
That amount of money to repair your machine? I'd seriously look into replacing it with a TC5, it may not have the electronic control panel your machine has, but, IMHO it is the only SQ top loader worth considering.
For what it's worth I am in the process of overhauling a circa 2018 SQ top loader which I purchased used for $75 two years ago, mind you there is nothing mechanically wrong with the machine, however I am going through it to sanitize it, the machine features an uber reliable mechanical timer. the main reason why I bought it.
In my disassembly of the machine I discovered that it's quite easy and straightforward, however I was an automotive mechanic for 45 years.
Assuming you have some sort of mechanical skills and knowledge, I'd attempt the repairs, the extraordinary members of this forum are willing to offer help, there are several good YouTube videos available as well.
I don't mind throwing several hundreds into the machine, a washing machine is an ubiquitous appliance, much like a refrigerator which you expect it to do it's job reliably.
I absolutely refuse the buy the garbage Whirlpool,GE,Samsung and LG et all are heaping upon the uninformed and unsuspecting public as it is...
 
These machines should in fact have a 15 year warranty on the transmission, labour only.
You'll probably need a proof of purchase and have an authorised SQ technician do the work, but that's the same for any warranty work from any brand really.

A transmission replacement is a sizeable job on these since you have to pull out basically everything.
It includes pulling out the drum and probably tub as the transmission repair kit contains new seals for the shafts - implying that SQ service procedure requires new seals when replacing the transmission.

That sound in the video could be a lot - but if does not spin at all, with that noise level, I wouldn't be surprised if it is the transmission.

Given the transmission kit is almost 700$ from SQ directly 1000$ isn't an out there quote.
However, if SQ would cover the parts, getting a 500$ quote max is more realistic.

Which is still a very steep repair.
Many on here touted these as living 25 years without a repair - and I always doubted that.
10 years of heavy use seems reasonable to have to do a repair on the machine.

On some other comments:
There is no timer based SQ machine anymore - neither commercial nor for home use that I am aware off.
A bearing replacement would be probably the same level of skill needed.

I just read that they quoted you another lip seal kit - that is definitely redundant, the transmission kit includes everything you need for the transmission repair, even including the 3M sealant.
Run away from what ever tech quoted you that, if he can't look at a picture and google for 2min he's not worth a damn or trying to rip you off.
This is from SQs own website, page 40/41 clearly states the transmission kit already includes the hub and lip seal kit:
 
Regardless of weather it's a bearing or a transmission issue, this video shows you the steps to repair such a fault:



Just that you would remove the tub, and remove the transmission instead of the bearing.
Though, once you are in there, there's no real reason not to do the bearings.
 
Speed Queen transmission warranty

My SQ transmission failed just before the 10 year warranty expired. When the SQ authorized dealer came out, he diagnosed a bad transmission (correctly) but advised that the repair was uneconomical. I showed him the warranty card, sales receipt and all related warranty papers and he looked genuinely surprised at the warranty length. This was no young kid; I really think he should have known the warranty length. Add to this, the dealer is well known for doing a lot of the SQ laundromats around Chicago and is certainly not new to the scene in any way.
He asked for a copy of all paperwork and I gave it to him. He did call SQ from the home and, with the serial number, SQ said I was entitled to a new transmission. Easy-Peasy. Two days later, the transmission was replaced and I paid labor of $150.
I truly think that so few people actually know their warranties that I was the “odd duck” that called the shots as to what I was entitled.
 
The washer was purchased in March 2016. @repairguy was correct, this washer's transmission does have a 15 year warranty, excluding labor. The representative at Speed Queen I spoke with today about the warranty suggested I call around and get prices on having the transmission replaced.

I am waiting for the shop that diagnosed the transmission to give me a quote to replace the transmission. The are not a Speed Queen authorized shop. The tech thought he saw oil leaking from the transmission, and that seemed to be the main reason he said the transmission was shot. However the washing machine still agitates, and from what I read, the transmission only is involved with agitation.

I called a second shop to get a price on the transmission replacement. This one is a Speed Queen authorized outfit. He was skeptical that the transmission had failed, and wants to inspect the machine before proceeding with replacing the transmission. He feels the problem is most likely a piece of clothing between the two tubs or a problem with the brakes.

As I test I ran a small load. The agitator is still working on my washer. It will pump water, just won't spin.
 
Sounds like a healthy Frigidaire 1-18 washing away 😂

On a serious note, hopefully it gets fixed under warranty.
 
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