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?
Replace or Repair Speed Queen Top Load Washer
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repairguy
Well-known member
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.
pierreandreply4
Well-known member
i would have it repair would give you much more than today modern washers that are short live when it comes to he topload washer unless you can afford a good front load washer like this https://www.maytag.ca/en_ca/washers...t.mhw6630hw.html?originVariantsOrder=M1,WH,VA if you decide to op for replacement
The cost to repair is $1070. The sound is a as @repairguy described, a loud popping sound. How can I verify if it is a seized bearing?
repairguy
Well-known member
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?
repairguy
Well-known member
Part number 204486 is the kit to fix the popping noise. If you could upload a video of the noise to be sure of the issue it would be great.
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
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
Just so you're aware, the machine begins spinning immediately upon starting to pump out. Spin acceleration progresses as the water drains.
repairguy
Well-known member
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.
brisnat81
Well-known member
I thought the new SQs were supposed to be immune from this. So many of the Raytheon built
Ones here ended up like this at about the 10 year mark.
What causes this type of failure? Water seal failure?
Ones here ended up like this at about the 10 year mark.
What causes this type of failure? Water seal failure?
kalanikaau1
Well-known member
$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...
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:
https://parts.alliancelaundry.com/files/docs/alliance/ALPM-203417.pdf
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:
https://parts.alliancelaundry.com/files/docs/alliance/ALPM-203417.pdf
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.
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.
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.
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.
I took the cover off the washer and made a video of the source of the noise when the washer is attempting to spin.
Non-spinning, 2016 Speed Queen top load washer
It could certainly be clothing caught between the tubs, it could also be a bad transmission drive pulley or the cams right above it, when you took the front of the cabinet off, did you see any signs of water leaking from above the transmission or rusty stains inside the cabinet that might indicate a bad top bearing and bad seal ?
In any event, I would pay the authorized Speed Queen dealer to inspect the machine, it’s always best to use an authorized service or especially if you suspect it’s something serious.
If the first people were wrong, I would ask for the service call cost back.
John
It could certainly be clothing caught between the tubs, it could also be a bad transmission drive pulley or the cams right above it, when you took the front of the cabinet off, did you see any signs of water leaking from above the transmission or rusty stains inside the cabinet that might indicate a bad top bearing and bad seal ?
In any event, I would pay the authorized Speed Queen dealer to inspect the machine, it’s always best to use an authorized service or especially if you suspect it’s something serious.
If the first people were wrong, I would ask for the service call cost back.
John
The transmission comes with the seal and bearing if the transmission is actually needed, labor costs have gone up. I would expect to pay with the service call between 200 and $400 to have a transmission replaced in a Speed Queen top load washer today.
John
John
repairguy
Well-known member
Thanks for the second video. It’s now clear that you need the part referenced in my reply number 5. The next step will be to figure out what caused that to happen. Could be something between the tubs, could be the bearing. A trained speed queen tech will be able to solve that for you. On the one that I will repair next week the hub broke that the wash basket is secured to which means the bearing/seal assembly will have to be replaced. The speed queen I’m referencing is an AWN412 that is 15 years old and this is the first repair. Can’t wait to hear the end result of your machine. Thanks for sharing with us.
Again, the transmission kit does include a tub seal kit.
It explicitly states that in the description of the transmission kit AND shows it on SQs part website. Them claiming that's 280$ extra just is either blatant ignorance or trying to fraud you.
And 370$ in labour - as much as it is - sounds reasonable.
2h of work perhaps, plus way charges.
Your second video appears to show the lower part of the transmission to move around - which it clearly shouldn't.
That could be a lot of things having gone wrong there, but the transmission is most likely damaged aswell. Maybe a bearing just gave out entirely, or some mounting hardware said goodbye, but that's hard to say not having the machine right in front of you.
The transmission is indeed involved in both spin and agitation - it's just that most parts don't really do anything during spin.
The transmission splits power to the agitator shaft and the basket drive hub. If driven in one direction, the basket remains stationary and the actual "transmission" part makes the agitator move back amd forth.
In the other direction, all the parts causing agitation no longer do anything really - the basket drive hub and agitator just get driven at the same speed as the input does.
That means agitation might be just fine - but spinning isn't.
I wouldn't be surprised if the transmission was heavily involved in your situation, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't your only major issue.
If you think 380$ is worth it, go for the repair.
I wouldn't hesitate to guess that you'd get the same time you already did get out of it again after the repair.
Especially if you'd just get another TL anyway.
But 400$ is also like 40-50% of a really decent new FL - which is more efficient, cleans better in most cases, spins dryer, etc.[this post was last edited: 6/7/2024-16:17]
It explicitly states that in the description of the transmission kit AND shows it on SQs part website. Them claiming that's 280$ extra just is either blatant ignorance or trying to fraud you.
And 370$ in labour - as much as it is - sounds reasonable.
2h of work perhaps, plus way charges.
Your second video appears to show the lower part of the transmission to move around - which it clearly shouldn't.
That could be a lot of things having gone wrong there, but the transmission is most likely damaged aswell. Maybe a bearing just gave out entirely, or some mounting hardware said goodbye, but that's hard to say not having the machine right in front of you.
The transmission is indeed involved in both spin and agitation - it's just that most parts don't really do anything during spin.
The transmission splits power to the agitator shaft and the basket drive hub. If driven in one direction, the basket remains stationary and the actual "transmission" part makes the agitator move back amd forth.
In the other direction, all the parts causing agitation no longer do anything really - the basket drive hub and agitator just get driven at the same speed as the input does.
That means agitation might be just fine - but spinning isn't.
I wouldn't be surprised if the transmission was heavily involved in your situation, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't your only major issue.
If you think 380$ is worth it, go for the repair.
I wouldn't hesitate to guess that you'd get the same time you already did get out of it again after the repair.
Especially if you'd just get another TL anyway.
But 400$ is also like 40-50% of a really decent new FL - which is more efficient, cleans better in most cases, spins dryer, etc.[this post was last edited: 6/7/2024-16:17]
"...when you took the front of the cabinet off, did you see any signs of water leaking from above the transmission or rusty stains inside the cabinet that might indicate a bad top bearing and bad seal?"
Everything in the cabinet and bottom of the tub looked clean and dry, no signs of rust or water seepage. The white helix had a coating of oil residue (see photo).
A technician from an authorized Speed Queen shop will be looking at the machine next Thursday. I will update this thread with whatever he finds.
Everything in the cabinet and bottom of the tub looked clean and dry, no signs of rust or water seepage. The white helix had a coating of oil residue (see photo).
A technician from an authorized Speed Queen shop will be looking at the machine next Thursday. I will update this thread with whatever he finds.
@henene4 Thanks for your ideas on this. I am thinking at $500 the washer is still worth getting repaired. And if I knew for certain what went wrong, I would do the repair myself.
I did get a quote to replace the transmission from another authorized Speed Queen repair outfit. The $280 Washer Kit - Hub & Lip Seal, part #766P3A was NOT part of their quote. Their quote did include:
Trip Charge $160
Transmission Remove and Replace $300
That outfit said they only have one technician for my state, and he is currently booked 4 weeks out. I have another Speed Queen authorized technician coming next week. He sounded pretty knowledgeable, and would not commit to any service until he got to inspect the washer himself.
I did get a quote to replace the transmission from another authorized Speed Queen repair outfit. The $280 Washer Kit - Hub & Lip Seal, part #766P3A was NOT part of their quote. Their quote did include:
Trip Charge $160
Transmission Remove and Replace $300
That outfit said they only have one technician for my state, and he is currently booked 4 weeks out. I have another Speed Queen authorized technician coming next week. He sounded pretty knowledgeable, and would not commit to any service until he got to inspect the washer himself.
The Speed Queen authorized technician said the transmission is fine. I need a new drive pulley and helix. He said the water pump drive was somewhat worn, so he replaced the pump. He did not have the pulley, so he will be returning to complete the job. He said otherwise the machine was in great shape. When I spoke with him on the phone he seemed to know his stuff re: Speed Queen repair, and the same when I met him in person.
I appreciate the advice of getting an authorized technician to look at the washer. The first technician, who is a senior tech with local appliance repair firm that has very high online customer reviews, did not seem to be up-to-speed on Speed Queen repairs. His company lists Speed Queen as one of the brands they service. Maybe they are well versed in just light repairs with Speed Queen units.
I appreciate the advice of getting an authorized technician to look at the washer. The first technician, who is a senior tech with local appliance repair firm that has very high online customer reviews, did not seem to be up-to-speed on Speed Queen repairs. His company lists Speed Queen as one of the brands they service. Maybe they are well versed in just light repairs with Speed Queen units.
Here is a photo of the parts that were replaced in case it helps someone who might have a machine with the same symptom.
kalanikaau1
Well-known member
parts
The replacement and updated drive pulley is aluminum, however the helix mating piece is nylon, Alliance part # 204886.
Just installed mine yesterday in a machine I am presently overhauling.
The replacement and updated drive pulley is aluminum, however the helix mating piece is nylon, Alliance part # 204886.
Just installed mine yesterday in a machine I am presently overhauling.
A plastic pulley doesn't seem to fit the sturdy reputation of Speed Queen. Maybe it was designed to be a "break-away" part in order to prevent a more expensive part from being damaged?
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