Whirlpool Direct Drive

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a440

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Sep 6, 2008
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For those members that have never seen a direct drive Whirlpool transmission breakdown, this is quite interesting. I find it amazing how simple this design is.  Amazed to think how many of these machines will be in use for many years to come.  It truly was a tough design.

 
 
Just be warned, the part where he shows replacement of the agitator cam and cam follower, he has the parts on in reverse order. It ain't gonna work that way and several people on other appliance forums have found that out the hard way. I contacted him a long time ago about this but never got a reply. The agitator shaft he is using to show this is clearly not the agitator shaft from the transmission in the first part of the video which has the parts installed in the correct sequence.
 
WP DD Washer Transmissions

While it does not look that complicated, this is actually the most complex transmission that was used in the last 35+ years in any US TL washer and it is far from the most durable.

The really great thing about WP built DD washers transmissions is they are very easy to change out when they have problems. Interestingly the MOST replaced part of WP DD washers under warranty is the transmission.

WP is still building and using this transmission in their 24" and 27" Thin Twin stack machines.
 
Interesting John!  I had no idea that there was such a large failure to this design.  I would not think that Whirlpool would have continued with the design for 35 + years with that failure rate.  

You point out the bad but you don't point out how good this was for your business!  Wink, Wink.  Good for you guys!

What is the weak point of this transmission?  Or is there more than one weak point? 

Was the transmission used in Commercial Coin-Op Machines different?  Or the same? 

Thanks

Brent

 
 
WP TL Washer Transmissions

Coreyare pointed out some of the common failures, although I have never seen a stripped plastic spin gear, add to her list, OIL LEAKS, from the pinon shaft and leaks at both output shaft seals that usually get in the clutch and keep the washer from spinning.

Hi Brent, this was and is a good transmission, and yes it is a good washer design for business because it is fairly easily reparable. When we look a a Norgetag, a Amanatag, a GE since 1995, a Frigidaire TL washer, and even a SQ over 5 years old they are almost never fixed due to the labor costs, so all we collect a a service call. [ sometimes we do get to sell a new or rebuilt washer, but service work is still more profitable overall ]
 
Interesting about the failure points.  And I have had people asking me about "oil leaks" under their DD WP built machines.

John every repairman that I have chatted with, no matter how long they have been servicing machines say that the DD are their favorite to work on.  They usually always convince the customer to put in another transmission if the machine is overall in good shape.

 
 
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