Whirlpool DD washer- Model ID and tub out of cycle help (even after replacing common parts)

[jeff]

Hi! I’m trying to A) identify this washer’s model number and rough age and B) fix tub out of balance and the machine walking when spinning on Normal cycle. It successfully spins on Delicate. I don’t see a model number anywhere. I was looking at replacing the machine with a Speed Queen or Maytag Commercial, but after some research would like to extend this one’s life indefinitely and would appreciate any advice.

Background: I bought this used when getting divorced 2 years ago in a ‘need something solid right now’ situation. I got it from a used appliance place in San Antonio, I’m pretty sure the owner was buying machines removed by Sears, Best Buy etc, cleaning them up, painting as needed, and parts swapping to make whole machines. When I got it home and installed it (upstairs, in a 15 year old frame house) on every cycle’s spin, the inner tub would hit and machine walk. It didn’t matter how well I balanced the clothes, it would go out of balance. I did some research and replaced the below items; after replacing them I was then successfully able to use the Delicate cycle without it banging or walking.

Suspension spring 63907
Counter balance spring W10250667
Washer support tub suspension pad kit 285744

I’ve included some pics of the old suspension springs plus the old and new wear pads.

I’ve continued to use Delicate for 2 years, but would like to get Normal working without tub banging. Even if I perfectly arrange the clothes it bangs on Normal.

I’ve also looked for the model number so in the future I can order parts easier. I’ve had no luck. I had assumed maybe the model number was removed during painting from the bottom of the lid, but then I saw a similar machine on Craigslist locally also with no model number under the lid.

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[yogitunes]

first....pic number 5, why is there a piece of wood in there?...

how does the machine act when in spin, if the basket is empty?...

I would almost like to see a vid of the machine in spin with the cabinet off....

wooden floors can cause the machine to shake a bit excessive, but not to the point it can't operate....

 

[repairguy]

The wood in pic #5 was probably there to raise the tub assembly to replace the wear pads. Hopefully it was removed. Does the tub lean when not running or is it centered in lid opening? My immediate thought would be the machine in a metal pan on a tile floor. Direct drive whirlpool machines always liked a solid floor and needed to be as level as possible. I’ve seen them walk all over the place just because liquid detergent was spilled on the floor and got between the feet and the floor. They would also walk if the pads on the feet were gone especially on a tile floor. Hope this helps. I’m sure more suggestions will be along shortly.

 

[DADoES]

 
The model/serial sticker isn't *on* the lid, it should be on the rear of the loading port *under* the back edge of the lid.  If missing, then the refurbisher may have removed it because of a mis-match to the original if the cabinet/top was scavenged from another machine.

 

[DADoES]

 
Remove the tub cover to check if there a balance ring attached to the rim of the basket ... just in case it's missing for some reason.  The balance ring should be partially filled with water (should have a bit of sloshing sound when the basket brakes to a stop from spin) ... in case it's cracked or leaked out.

 

[combo52]

Out Of Balance DD Washer

All good suggestions above, I too would wonder if the balance ring still has liquid in it, Also do you think the wash basket is hitting the outer tub or is the outer tub and tub cover hitting the steel cabinet.

 

If the wash basket is hitting the outer tub it might be rusted and cracked, take the agitator out and inspect the basket.

 

The washer needs to be sitting solidly on all four feet and be sure that the front feet lock-nuts are tightened properly against the frame.

 

John L.

 

[jeff]

Thanks for the comments- I’ll try to answer the questions!

Yes, the wood in pic 5 was from supporting the tub when I did the wear pads. The wood was removed after I finished the job 2 years ago (I didn’t see it in the pics when choosing pics for posting!!!)

The tub will be off center a bit to the right when spin is done when run empty. I’ve included a picture. It is off center in every cycle type.

I looked under the lid for model/serial where the red arrow was - it’s completely smooth, like one never existed. So agree it was likely removed

With the basket empty, in Delicate spin there is a little vibration but not bad. In Normal spin empty, there is a lot of vibration and the machine really makes noise. Here is a video to give an idea. It doesn’t walk when basket is empty.



There is a balance ring and it does still have a lot of water in it. It makes a great slosh sound when the basket stops.

I looked at the feet. The front feet each have only one nut, and on both feet, the nuts are solidly stuck to the threaded shaft over a half inch from the bottom of the machine. You could use the nuts with a wrench to adjust the height. The rear feet look like they are bare metal, I’ve included pictures of both rear feet. One looks like maybe it used to have a rubber pad that is now stuck on the shaft? Perhaps all 4 should be replaced? I see the front legs all over the place, but not sure on the rear part number.

I’m guessing the outer tub and tub cover are hitting the metal cabinet when in Normal spin with clothes in basket, but that’s a guess based on sound. The lid switch is hidden so it isn’t easy to bypass (unless there is a trick?) so that I could have it spin with lid open.

Thanks!!! I really appreciate the ideas.

 

[DADoES]

 
Is that the right tub cover?  It's likely what's hitting the cabinet via tub oscillation during spin.  I've never seen one like that on a DD machine, although that's not to say it isn't possible, I surely haven't seen everything.  What's the purpose of those slots at the back under the fill flume?

Also, he has the machine sitting in a pan, although that shouldn' be related to vibrations.

All four legs should have intact rubber pads that contact the floor.  The front leg pic, it's all boogered-up, the rear leg pic doesn't have a pad at all.

The front legs are adjusted for height/leveling by screwing them directly in/out of the base.  The bolts on them are to be tightened up against the base frame after leveling.

The rear legs are self leveling by tilting the machine forward then setting it back down.  They often get stuck or rusted and aren't loose for self-adjusting.

 

[DADoES]

 
I watched the video just now.  That amount of vibration doesn't look bad, doesn't sound like anything is impacting the cabinet (not then, anyway), and likely is related to the 2nd-floor floor.  I don't think you're going to get anything better out of it (or any other washer) without reinforcing the floor structure.

 

[mrb627]

Could it be this?



Malcolm