Should I get my old Kenmore direct drive washer fixed?

[Zoey]

I have a used 2003 Kenmore 110.26652500 that had a strong burning smell last time I used it. It had gotten louder and there was an oily leak underneath for a couple of years so the transmission may be dry.

This is the 2nd used direct drive I've had in the last 10 years. They worked great and I love that they're cheap to buy and fix. There's a guy in town who fixes direct drives and also sells reconditioned ones.

Now that I'm not physically able to work on them anymore myself, I'm wondering if I get it fixed, will it still be affordable to keep it going. Also, how long will he be able to get parts?

I don't like the new top loaders with their crappy parts and control boards and fancy cycles. Plus, it sounds like I'll be lucky to get 5 years out of one. I don't know if front loaders are any more reliable but they don't interest me and Speed Queen is out of my price range.

 

[cfz2882]

yes,fix that washer-so many new and used parts,any intact DD is very repairable.

 

[Zoey]

I should've said, is it worth it if I have to start paying someone else to fix it? Say, for example, it needs an expensive repair like a new transmission. Would that be prohibitively expensive to pay for since I can't rebuild it myself?

 

[goatfarmer]

I don't know that I would replace a transmission. DD's are still plentiful.

 

[combo52]

It does sound like you may have a transmission problem. Best to talk to the repair guy you know and see what they think but I would not put several hundred dollars into the machine.

There’s still a lot of good used ones out there and a new whirlpool built top loader will easily last you a decade or more, like how many loads are you doing a week?

And don’t be afraid of a front loading washer, you’ll be amazed at how much nicer your clothing look coming out of one cleaner and better rinsed almost all the serious washer users today. Agree with this

We’re selling quite a few of the whirlpool full-size front loaders in the $750 range. They’re great machines you won’t be able to believe how easily you can wash even big blankets and comforters and how nice your clothing looks. Depending on your utility rates the machine may pay for itself long before it’s worn out.

John L