What’s wrong my KitchenAid washer now?

[blockeight88]

I’ve about had it with this machine, quite honestly. The biggest issue was the round shaft on the motor from the metal coupling insert. I fixed that by replacing with an older (round style) coupling that sits very secure on there ( I have verified). I also put new snubber pads on (obviously a mistake) because the tub is oscillating like crazy.  Issues only seem to happen with large loads of towels. In the video below, I didn’t even load it as much as I wanted too. The damn thing clicks and makes a noise it shouldn’t. So obviously this leads me to the following potential issues:

 

1.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">     </span>The motor is bad? If that’s the case, I’ll be looking for another 3-speed motor (different part number)

2.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">     </span>The transmission is bad? All I did was a neutral drain rebuild and have success with this on other gearcases. I can’t think of anything I did wrong

3.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">     </span>Something is going on with the suspension of the machine? Again, everything was closely inspected and nothing was found to be bad.

 

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[qsd-dan]

My guess is suspension, just a guess though.

Run it with the cabinet off and see if you can pinpoint the noise.

 

[blockeight88]

I’ve had it fully taken apart now two times and everything looks good and is in place. I have worked on enough of these to have confidence in my repairs. I don’t understand why replacing the snubber pads always make the tub oscillate at least in my experience. Perhaps I could live with that but the clicking noise leads me to believe there might be something going on with the transmission, I don’t know. I’m hoping a few others can chime in.

 

[sambootoo]

I have an almost identical washer that has it's own issues as well. The tub on mine oscillates like that, too and no suspension parts have been tampered with. I've thought maybe it's because of the larger base agitator just exerts more force causing that rebound effect with the tub?? just a thought. Mine doesn't click during agitation but EVERY cycle, the beginning of the slow speed spin, the motor clicks on-off, on-off, on-off very rapidly 4 or 5 times before finally getting into full spin. Only happens on final spin. I too have replaced the motor, the clutch, the coupler, and the start capacitor, with no effect (my original motor had the rounded off shaft, too.) The only thing I haven't changed is the timer and I'm not sure that would be available to change? I have found parts for this washer are more expensive than the general Whirlpool parts. That pump with the larger output port and the flapper valve costs more, and don't even ask me about the capacitor for that 3 speed motor! It sure is a nice washer, though!

 

[eronie]

Could loose wires be slapping the tub?

 

[combo52]

Clicking noise when agitating KitchenAid direct drive washer

Something is tapping or hitting that’s not in the transmission. Take the cabinet off and watch it. It should be pretty easy to find.

The slight oscillating of the tub assembly is normal. It is not a cause for concern in anyway it’s not supposed to be completely stationary under heavy load

Reply number three , Hi Sam, the motor is having trouble starting going into spin. We have been able to solve this problem by putting a second start capacitor wired in parallel to the first try that and see if you can get it to work better replacing the timer won’t do any good, the good news is it doesn’t really hurt anything but it’s a little hard on the motor I guess.

John

 

[blockeight88]

Taking the cabinet off.

I will do this and report back. Should the tub oscillate this much with new snubber pads/ suspension pads?

 

[sambootoo]

Thanks, John. I appreciate your advice

 

[magic_clean]

Check

for:

*loose brackets (5/16") hex that the suspension springs are attached to
*grease the spring loops where they hook onto the brackets and the machine base at the center rear
*with the new glides, yes the tub will move more freely.....this is okay/desirable. Also are the 3 glides snapped completely into place? Are the surfaces of the white triangular "skate" plate clean--free of grease or oil. Check the glides too!
*as mentioned check for loose wiring or pressure switch hose

You've got a great machine there!

-LP

 

[blockeight88]

Thank you, Leslie. I will be sure to check all of that today. The skate plate is black by the way. Also I guess it’s possible the pump may be making that clicking noise.

 

[maytaga806]

The jerking back and fourth is not normal. That’s pretty bad. Something is definitely not right. It should just barley oscillate during agitation. I agree with what John said something is hitting the cabinet while it oscillates and it definitely isn’t the transmission making that knocking sound, and something is hitting the cabinet from it jerking back n fourth so hard. Seems like maybe the old snubber pads should go back in, if it’s not broke don’t fix it and this is why I don’t.

 

[blockeight88]

Old snubber pads

Were very brittle. I filed the new ones down a tad with some sand paper. Doesn't seem to help. I have videos and pictures (see below). I basically took the machine apart and put everything back in. Everything is going into place as it should. I'm stumped. Nothing is hitting the cabinet. 

 

 

 



 



 

 

[blockeight88]

3rd time reassembling

To no avail. I'm hoping my video can help someone pinpoint this issue down.

 

[blockeight88]

Anyone?

 

[combo52]

Run the machine with the cabinet off

See where the noise is coming from you can use a stethoscope or you could even use a large screwdriver and put the point of the screwdriver on different parts of the machine and put your ear against the handle of the screwdriver if you don’t have a stethoscope. There is really no way for me or most other people here to diagnose the noise with Out actually being there to see and hear it.

John

 

[blockeight88]

To be honest it sounds like it’s coming from the oscillating tub. I don’t know how to fix that unless I sand down the snubber pads some more.

 

[blockeight88]

Its bettter

Now that I have replaced the skate plate and filed down the snubber pads. After following all the advice (yes the screw driver method) I have discovered the noise is the torque pulling moving the tub. I'm hoping this will wear in. I can post another video soon.

 

[stan]

Matt

Pic 3 shows a spring
Is that spring upside down ?

 

[combo52]

Motor counterbalance spring

Hi, all, spring in picture three is in the correct position although it wouldn’t matter if it did get turned over the ends of it should have grease on it.

John