Shopping for new washer

[repairguy]

So the agitator dogs definitely need to be replaced as the top of the agitator is not working properly. That is not the noise I think you are complaining about though. It sounds like the suspension is making the other noise that you are hearing. There are a few possibilities but it sounds to me like one of the springs is making noise possibly due to sticky suspension pads. Other than being annoying it’s not really hurting anything.

 

[suedenim]

Thank you folks!

DADoES it took me a while to understand what you were saying with the auger. Is this what you're saying I should get? See the link, please. It's about the same in price as the 80040 part. I rather have all the parts and just keep the spares if I don't need them.

Repairguy thanks for your help as well. I suspected it wasn't agitating correctly, but I wasn't sure. The noise is really annoying. It's right next to the living room. My house so small it's next to everything, it's almost in the middle of the property. The machine needs TLC. I YouTubed how to change the dogs, I think I can do it but may have a hard time reaching the bolt. The hardware store is almost next door though.

Can't hurt to try and I am unlikely to make my situation worst.

https://www.amazon.com/285811-Agitator-Whirlpool-Washers-PartsBroz/dp/B07VK72PTM/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=kitchenaid+superba+washer+parts+285811&qid=1627866437&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMUk5RlNBMkJYSlpPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPU

 

[repairguy]

I would have the trusted repair person out to see about isolating where the noise is coming from. Like the others I wouldn’t give up on this machine even if it costs some money from time to time to keep it going.

 

[DADoES]

 
The part-kit you linked on Amazon is an aftermarket substitution, not a Whirlpool FSP (Factory Specification Parts) item ... it may be OK or the quality may be a bit lacking.

Just the dogs may be sufficient instead of the full repair kit ... but depends on the condition of the other parts.  The thrust washer may be worn down by now.  I may be overly cautious but I advise replacing the seal on the agitator bolt, an air-tight seal is called-for there to form an air bubble under the agitator for warding water away from the drive shaft seals.  The large o-ring on the cap inside the agitator may break when pulling the cap out.

 

[suedenim]

Thank you everyone for all your help. I think I'm off the market now.

A repairman is coming tomorrow morning to take a look at my Kitchenaid. I guess as long as parts are available it doesn't make sense to replace it (when doing so is a downgrade).

I told him on the phone I needed new agitator dogs and said my machine was noisy. I will ask him if a mechanical rebuild is possible. I'm not sure if that's his cup of tea or not.

As a side note, I found a couple of beautiful-looking wringer washers on FB marketplace. One was a big, pink Kenmore ($400) and the other was a later model Maytag ($100), both in working order I believe. I know these old-style machines can clean clothes well. I honestly would prefer to buy one of these old units than a HE top load. But, an automatic washer is probably better for me and my lifestyle. Plus I have no space to start a collection. I do appreciate the simplicity of the design.

 

[DADoES]

 
A full rebuild that I do includes the base pedestal (includes centerpost spin bearings), basket drive (which includes agitate shaft bearings), neutral drain kit and agitator shaft and oil change on the transmission.  Treatment and painting of any rust on the cabinet/top/lid (painting is my weak area).  Incidentals if needed such as motor coupler, pump, dogs, pads on the skate plate.  It wasn't outrageously expensive several years ago, but surely is toward that range today.

 

[suedenim]

The repairman tested out my washer and acknowledged that it was loud but in working order. He did replace the agitator dogs and I think that alone has helped.

In asking about a rebuild, he said that a new transmission is $250 and he wasn't sure about finding a timer, but it could run $200. My machine wasn't worth it. He strongly discouraged me from getting a front loader when I asked if one could be turned so I could open the door. (The hoses would hang loose and be exposed.)

My expense for his time and the parts was less than $100. I don't know what I'm gonna do when this thing breaks permanently. I suppose I could pray that there are better options when it does.

 

[48bencix]

My recommendation

You will be very happy with the Speed Queen TC5 and matching dryer. These units will last for 25 years. I got my Speed Queen set in 2017, replacing a Maytag set. I enjoy having a matching set because it is in my kitchen and I see it all the time. The TC5 does have a transmission so the agitator moves separately from the tub. That is the problem with the TR machines it takes too much torque to move the tub and agitator back and forth so the agitation is not as effective. My set is not TC5 but is roughly the equivalent. One thing the TC5 has is only two water levels, not a big shortcoming. I recommend using the heavy duty cycle not the normal cycle.

 

[DADoES]

 
A new transmission at the online source I often use is $151.83.

But, there's no need to full-out replace it when the internal wear parts can be replaced instead.  The trick is that servicers don't want to do that, it's much easier to swap the whole transmission ... and true that less labor-time is involved that way than the servicer pulling the existing transmission, opening it, draining the oil, flushing the interior & individual components, replacing the wear items, fresh oil, reassembling, and putting it back into the machine.  A DIYer doesn't have to pay those costs.

Recent new transmissions are known to be noisy ... thus it's better to repair an old one when possible.

Agitator shaft:  $78.88
Neutral drain kit:  $19.74
Gear oil at the auto supply: $7.50
Permatex Ultra Black Gasket Maker:  $9.00
Basket Drive/Brake: $80.07 (found another source $34.75 but don't know if I'd trust it)
*Tub Support: $131.38 ($129.99 another source)

etc.

*I mentioned previously to replace the base pedestal.  Should have said the Tub Support, which is a different item.  The base pedestal depends on if it's severely rusted or deteriorated.

 

[pierreandreply4]

when buying a new washer question yourself on the following

when buying a new washer question yourself on the following

1 how many washload you do per day

2 what cycle you need and use offen

3 price your willing to pay

washers you could check but ask if your local store has it in stock and check to see if new washer will not break the power outlet where the washer is plug in maytag vmax maytag power agitator model 2 i would sugess looking at if you went maytag maytag centinial unknow if you went the matching dryer but pics of both models are with there matching dryers

 

[good-shepherd]

he wasn't sure about finding a timer, but it could run

Who said it needs a timer?

I wouldn't give up on this machine just yet but don't randomly throw parts at either.

 

[suedenim]

What kind of washer do I need? How do I do laundry? What price am I willing to pay?

I tend to wash one day a week but I do several loads in that one day. I use a variety of cycles depending on what I wash. I do use the delicate/handwash feature about once a week. And, I launder my winter coats and mattress pads, and other water-resistant bulky items. I know I should go to a laundromat but it's a pain in the rear. It's one reason why I keep wondering if there's a way to get an FL in my old hallway that is now a laundry room.

Additional needs: Quiet, as I mentioned upstream. And, I have pets, two long-haired cats. I like having a full tub when I have a full load and extra rinse to get as much of the soap out as possible. I do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets or other additives.

As far as price, I prefer to buy something more expensive to get what I want, but paying over $1500 would probably be my top amount for just the washer. I think though it's a threshold that can be met. There would have to be something very special about that machine for me to justify it. I don't have a lot of money but I know how to budget and I think I could swing an unexpected expense.

I think that the TC5 Classic Wash > TR7 Perfect Wash is for me now, but I really did like the options the TR7 had, especially with the soak cycle and the easy-to-understand display. One thing I disliked about many of the new machines is the internet connectivity. I don't understand why this is necessary when a mechanical option will work just fine!

I mentioned to the repairman this morning that I've lost a bit of confidence in the Speed Queen brand because of the bad unit that was installed. I was extremely lucky to get my old Kitchenaid back, it almost didn't happen.

I think I'm off the market now for at least a year, but I've put out $700 in repairs for both the washer and the dryer (mostly the dryer). Let's hope I can get another decade out of them.

 

[repairguy]

A washer and dryer is kind of like a house. A lot of times when a house gets to be 10 years old things start needing replacement such as appliances, water heaters, maybe hvac systems, and other maintenance type items. But usually once these things are taken care of you should be good for a period of time. On the laundry pair if you have to replace a heating element on the dryer it should last close to as long as the original if there are no reasons to help it fail prematurely. Same with say a motor, it’s pretty costly but shouldn’t have to make that repair again.

My daily driver is a 28 year old Chevy truck with 270,000 miles that I’ve owned for the past 19 years and yes it cost money to keep it going but everything works and I have the confidence to drive it any distance.

 

[petek]

Simply because a machine has wifi connectivity doesn't mean it has to be connected. It will still work fine. All wifi does is allow you to control the washer from your phone or voice (alexa etc) and may give you some frivolous added cycles such as I found on my LG. Never use them, machine is no longer connected.

 

[egress]

my lg WM3900 handles bulky items like comforters with ease. I've even put a large rubber backed area rug in it a few times and it did fine. I'd like to see a speed queen even begin to turn over a rug. our LG also rinses beautifully and I rarely have to add a second rinse, thought I do sometimes, mostly with towels. the WiFi features are pretty gimmicky, and absolutely not needed to use the washer. the only download cycle I use with any regularity is the blanket cycle, and I only use it about once every 2 weeks. It also sends notifications to my phone when either the washer or dryer finish a cycle, and will automatically set the dryer to the corresponding cycle once the washer finishes.

 

[suedenim]

The LG MW3900 is a front load, isn't it?

I probably need to stick to a top loader, but if my house was not as tight as it is, a sturdy, well-balanced front loader would be acceptable. As it is, unless the FL was turned and the hoses exposed, I would never be able to open the door to load it. I think it might be a bit of a hazard to not have those connections directly behind the unit. So, I'd feel better sticking to a top load if I can find the right one.

Even those apartment-sized laundry centers wouldn't work for me unless I got a carpenter to remove the storage cabinets that are in the old hallway/laundry room. I rather not do that. I use those cabinets. I considered this option for about two minutes before ruling it out.

I told my family that I had my washer fixed and that I was off the market for a while, but my mother thought I should go out and buy what I need anyway since I have the money saved and production is so backed up. Basically, get in line before there is a bigger issue. I hope by the time I actually must replace this machine the production issues at the manufacturers will be resolved and I'll have more options.

I appreciate the feedback, I really do. This is a very friendly crowd. I hope you all have a nice start to your week.

 

[aquarius1984]

Exposed hoses

Well actually this wouldn’t present any problems it would just be unsightly. But is there any reason you can’t have some kind of free standing |_| shaped (then inverted) cover made from laminated board or something? Would cost barely dollars to make. This would make a cover for the machine. You could even put a back panel on with holes for hoses to escape if needed.

 

[pierreandreply4]

maytag washer

I have a Maytag top load pic in reply #1 and reply #28 i can connect it to WIFI but have not

 

[lakewebsterkid]

Repair

I highly suggest keeping and fixing the KA set as others have mentioned.
Though, I will say, I am very impressed with the GE GTW460 (new GTW465) that I have been using in our new house. The dual action agitator makes the machine work well. Keep it in mind if you end up buying a new machine! Keep us updated!

 

[suedenim]

Aquarius1984, I went to Best Buy to look at an LG front loader, trying to decide if it is really an option or not. I got down low and I found it difficult to get my hands all the way back without discomfort. With my iffy back, I don't believe I have enough vertical space with the pedestal. I'm not sure if I have vertical space with the cabinets. An FL is an option for someone in this house, I don't think it's one for me. It is something to keep in mind though. Thank you for the feedback.

The Best Buy clerk was trying to sell someone on a washer that has a removable agitator without a floor model. (Boy, that sounds like a gimmicky, future repair to me). I guess there's a new model coming out after Labor Day, he was trying to tell the lady to wait it out because those will be in stock but he couldn't sell it before the release date. It sounds like inventory is very low from what I overheard.

Pierreandreply4, thanks for the pictures and video.

Lakewebsterkid, I did have a GE model written down about six months ago based on CR when I was researching. I think it was third on my list, first being the SQ, then Maytag Commercial, and then GE. I haven't really investigated GE further, but I've always liked the brand. I preferred a GE coil top range for cooking and canning. As a side note, I feel like my range should be replaced as well, it's an old Kenmore, coil top with a self-cleaning oven (but no oven window!). Such a strange combination of features.