Speed Queen died tonight!

[djmjlcst]

Hi Everyone,

Well, after 24 years of service, the SQ HA7001L died tonight. I was running a hot load of wash. It filled with no problem. However I heard this whining sound as it started to agitate, then smoke started coming out of the back of the machine. I turned it off immediately. I took the cover off and sure enough, the pump was frozen solid and the belt burned off the pulley. Now I know I can get a new pump for this washer and I can install it with no problem. I got the shop vac out and drained all the hot water out of the wash tub AFTER getting all the clothes out and throwing them into the other washer to finish the load. That was a somewhat messy job, but I got all the water out of the wash tub but there's still just a bit in the outer tub. I'll deal with that later when I purchase the replacement parts. I'm asking those in the know how difficult it will be to replace the brake pads on this machine. The wash tub has been indexing about 3 to 4 inches in a counter clockwise direction. You can spin the tub with your hand instead of the usual locked position. I did a Yahoo search and found a parts manual online from Alliance, but there was no technical "how to replace the parts" section. I know this will be a filthy, dirty job but for a little over $100.00, I can get this working again. I was entertaining the thought of replacing this washer, but I'm kind of strapped financially with a major remodel of our kitchen. Thanks in advance for your input! I appreciate it very much!

Mike

 

[andrewinorlando]

Anyone have any ideas on this one?

 

[brisnat81]

I dont know about the brake pads

But if its made it to 25 years, I would suspect you'll need to do the Lower Seal and Bearing on the wash tub before too much longer. The machines made in the early 90's here are now failing in droves. Its not a hard job to do, but if you have to pull it down to get to the brake pads, I'd do the seal also.

 

[laundryboy]

I was just in Bloomington IL, its a great little city.. was out near Funks grove too

 

[toggleswitch]

Mother's 1984 direct-drive 24" wide (60cm) Kenmore top-loader died unceremoniously the other day.

There will be no religious services or burial, but it will be kicked to the curb even after such long, dedicated and faithful service.........

 

[djmjlcst]

Parts arrived yesterday

Hey,

Well the parts arrived yesterday from Repair.com. Big box but everything was there - pump, belt for the pump, and the brake pad kit. There are instructions for replacing the brake pads - which is good! Only three screws, grommets, and what looks like 3 stone squares for the brakes, and a tube of silicone grease. The instructions say to coat the top and bottom of the square, but not the hole where the screw goes. Looks fairly simple and I'll tackle it tomorrow - hopefully!

Thanks for the input guys! - Mike

 

[djmjlcst]

Speed Queen Back In Service!

Hi All,

Today I tackled repairing the HA7001L. It was filthy dirty under the hood and I cleaned up areas where I was working. Those old tube socks and T-shirts come in handy! Anyway after taking off the cover, it was take apart the sides and back to get to the brakes. The pump came out rather easily, only 3 screws for the pump support bracket, the four hose clamps, and four screws that attach to the pump and it's off. No problem there. I got the new one mounted on the support bracket for the reinstall. The brakes were pretty easy to get to, but I'm glad I had a ratchet set. All the screws are 5/16", so I'm glad I only had to use one tool to disassemble and reassemble. That big screwdriver came in handy to pry apart the brake mechanism to get the brake pads out and new ones put in. Unfortunately I don't know my own strength and I broke one of the screws that holds the brake pad on the back of the machine. So instead of three, I have two working brake pads. It's such a tight fit I couldn't get a drill down there to drill out the broken screw. I'll live with that mistake. I reinstalled the pump and it works great. Made one mistake, I reversed the drain hose with the tub drain hose. You should've seen the look of wtf? I ran a test load and the tub started draining during the wash cycle! I discovered a new way to do laundry - start the wash and then it drains as it's washing making it totally energy efficient! NOT!

Anyway I reversed the hoses and all is well. It's back up and running and the tub is not indexing badly - maybe an inch - due to the missing brake pad - but at least I did it myself. If something else major happens to the machine I'll give it a goodbye kiss and out to the curb it goes! Maybe I've got a couple more years left....

Thanks again for your help!

Mike