Speed Queen washer tub tilt

[queenspeed91]

I just recently purchased this 2014 Speed Queen and I notice that the wash tub tilts when it full and washing.
Im wondering if the springs need to be replaced or is it something else?
My friend has a similar Speed Queeb washer and he said his has done it since new.
Does any one else with a Speed Queen does this?

 

[infusor]

My 2018 tilts to the right also, not as bad, maybe an inch. Mine is also PERFECTLY level.

 

[johnb300m]

Every SpeedQueen POS in every rental I’ve lived in with SQs of various age have always done this.
It’s a crappy design flaw.
Nevertheless it does not impact performance from what I’ve seen.
Just sloppy engineering.

 

[gusherb]

I’ve never seen one tilt that much. I’m inclined to believe something is wrong.

 

[spinmon]

My 2012 542 leans straight forward about an inch. I would be upset/concerned if mine leaned like yours.

They're not great,but far from POS johnb300m.

 

[Chetlaham]

I think Johnb300m is jealous. Really jealous. Same for those who liked his post. Lots of SQ bashing when the opportunity presents itself.

Anyway- yes the tub does lean, sometimes by a lot. There are a few YouTube vids of the tub leaning even more then the one pictured here. This does not harm the machine or effect performance. On the contrary its done to help with heavy loads from what I've been told.

 

[combo52]

Leaning tub on a SQ TL Washer

Many do this to a degree more or less than yours, it does not hurt anything [ It was not designed to do this to help performance with large loads ]

 

This machine has a lid switch to stop agitation [ you are not supposed to be watching it agitate, LOL ]

 

If you want to correct make sure your machine is level.

 

If so and it still leans you can adjust the springs by clamping together several loops of one or two springs on the opposite side from the way the tub consistently leans.

 

John

 

[rp2813]

"I'm inclined to believe something is wrong."

Rim shot!

 

[yogitunes]

the torque of the motor sort of pulls it forward....

but centers during spin.....

some of us added some padding inside to keep it centered, and reduce noise...

 

[syllahosiris]

Bob mine did this too. the front leg is to low on the right of the picture.Raise the leg on the right and only the right leg. This should level out the basket. Hope this helps.
Stefan

 

[queenspeed91]

SQ springs

combo52 I have the switch rigged so I can watch it while it runs lol.
I thought about just getting new springs. There are 6 springs that hold the tub in place.

The last model I had was a low grade commcerial model and it never did lean at all!!

 

[combo52]

Leaning tub on a SQ TL Washer

Hi Bob, it may not do any good to replace the springs as they usually do not get weak.

 

It is more likley that the base pan of the washer or the milk-stool is slightly bent, I have found it much easier to adjust the springs, if you want to prove whether it is the springs or not try reversing some of the springs from side to side, then if it leans the other way you could assume it is the springs.

 

John L.

 

[queenspeed91]

Not the springs

combo52

I switched some of the springs around and it still does the same exact thing it was doing before.

 

[combo52]

Hi Bob, that's often been our experience, you might have to replace the base pan or milk-stool and even then it might not solve the situation.

 

We sold over 800 of these washers and never had a complaint about the tub leaning, but I dough that many of our customers ever watched it work.

 

These are very good rugged washers, BUT if you are into washers it is not going to be the best TL washer experience you are ever going to have. I have said several times that I will never have a SQ TL washer in my personal laundry room.

 

The best TL washer experience that most of us are ever going to be able to own and use on a regular is a WP built DD washer between roughly 1988-2006.

 

John L.

 

[Chetlaham]

And the parade of envy driven angst marches on lol. You guys can have any DD washer I find. You know, the ones with the poorly engineered neutral drain thats intermittent from day one. OP, you have one of the best over-all machines ever made. The best made suspension hands down of any washer made by man when it comes to minimal vibration and mild to moderate off balance conditions. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Regarding the lean, I wouldn't worry about it. My machine now has 5-6 years on it, and the lean has actually gone away with use. Put a panel top cover in place and enjoy the ultimate washer experience!

 

[spinmon]

The sounds and smoothness of the SQ alone compared to the DD are worth it to me. We had a '96 90 series KM. Ran good over 18 years. 3 speeds good.
Neutral drain not consistent esp w/cold trans. BIG clunk to spin. Spin vibes more noticeable. Dumb spray rinse on 2nd spin,not 1st. More shreading than SQ.

I understand DD's are near bulletproof,but I enjoy the 542's 'classic-ness' on washday. Wash Happy!

 

[queenspeed91]

No Thanks , Ill Stick to Speed Queen

combo52
I had a early 2000's Kenmore 80 Series. It was ok washer but the suspension on it wasn't the greatest. It would almost crash in the wall in spin mode, if the load was too heavy.

I honestly have never cared for the 2 piece agitator. It doesn't seem to move the clothes around good as my Speed Queen does.

Even with a large load in my Speed Queen , The washer itself never moves in spin mode!!!

 

[spinmon]

Sunday I replaced the belt kit (belt,idler pulley & shaft,and tensioner arm & spring). The kit is somehow cheaper ($33) than the belt alone. ?

Our 542 is 80 months old and the experts on this site have said about 7 years is plenty for a SQ belt. The belt looked fine overall,not much belt dust. I did see 2 cracks starting,so I felt my labors-about 90 minutes- were validated.

My point here is now my tub leans about an inch further forward than before. It leaned apprx 1 1/4" before. The machine is level. I DID remove the spring in front of the motor so I could yank the motor. All seemed to go back together fine and I THINK the spring is seated in its base properly. I'll take one more look this weekend if time,but I'm not too concerned.

My wife noticed the extra lean but also said the SQ seems quieter now. Bonus.

 

[yogitunes]

motor torque is what pulls the unit towards the front....

your probably noticing it slightly more, as all the new equipment is probably gripping more, and really throwing some extra torque....

we never notice all that much of something like a belt wearing down, as its gradual....but then to install a new one, and suddenly it kicks up, THAT you will notice right away.....

no matter what, the spin centers the unit every time....

for the leaning, I added foam padding, keeps it centered at all times...and extra quiet as well