Whirlpool Duet HT GHW300PW4 Help!!!

[electroluxxxx]

it has been a long time since I posted here, I have recently acquired a new to me front loader, it washes quietly but when it goes into spin it knocks until it is up to speed. upon doing some research it seems as if the spider support may be broken.
the question, is it worth repairing?
The washer works perfectly in all functions with no codes, I was going to JB weld the spider support since whirlpool doesn't sell the support separate from the inner basket and to be honest I am not sure I want to put almost $400 into it.

hopefuly someone can help me out.

 

[electroluxxxx]

pic

 

[vacerator]

knocks: Mike,

If it is level, and on a solid floor, before I suspect a broken spider, check for a broken or detached spring on the bottom from the super structure to the tub. Also make certain someone did not retighten the shipping bolts partially, or even one.
A broken spider is more common on the lower priced WCI/Frigidaire types.
If the spider is in fact broken, I should think you would be able to shake the tub and at least hear something. Either side to side play, or top to bottom as well.
Also, if it is more than slightly cracked, broken spider pieces will rattle around inside the outer tub.
You have one of the first Duet models there. I wonder if it's ever had a bearing job done. Also A very common failure rate.

 

[electroluxxxx]

Hi Mike!!

the machine is completely level and I can move the inner basket side to side and up and down which to me leads to a broken spider, however it does not effect the spinning of the inner basket. I am wondering if I can save myself the $400 and use JB weld on the spider in hoping that it holds up considering that the epoxy states it can withstand up to 4400 PSI which i am positive is more pressure than what is put on the spider.

 

[iheartmaytag]

The tub will move side to side and up and down with the movement of the suspension system.  

 

I would think you would hear some thunking and grinding as the drum hits the outer tub if it is the spider.  Also there should be some noise as it is just tumbling on the regular cycle with it not being fully supported by the spider.  

 

Not a repairman, just typing out loud as I think.

 

 

[electroluxxxx]

this is the inner tub that moves up and down, the suspension and springs are working as they should. its almost as if the spider is held together because I cannot pull forward on the inner tub which is a good sign I would think.

 

[vacerator]

JB Weld, etc.

Mike, it's worth a try if the spider isn't too badly cracked. I wouldn't try affixing a broken off piece and hoping it withstands 1,000 r.p.m. spinning and shaking.
If you're going to tear it down to the spider, perhaps you can find a used one from a scrapped machine? I'd also do the bearings while I'm at it.
Whirlpool FSP only likes to sell complete new baskets, but you can get the bearings. You tube has tutorials on how to press them in.

 

[electroluxxxx]

While at work today (I work for rainbow) a person I work with has a habit of scanning the local lowes stores looking for clearance deals etc... He called me this morning and said he bought a whirlpool duet for 200. It is only a couple of years old and was returned, repaired sitting in the warehouse for quite a while before being put on the floor. I bought it for what he paid and to make a long story short I kinda like the direct drive motor, it's quiet, powerful and after it finishes spinning out the clothes seem almost dry which hopefully will cut down on drying time since I only have a Hoover portable 110V dryer.

 

[vacerator]

Mike,

Nice newer Duet. I think you made a wise choice. Does it have the vent fan in it?

 

[electroluxxxx]

I believe it does! How can i tell? Unit seems extremely quiet and after doing a couple of loads all seems to be well. So that being said I believe I agree... The old duet will be brought to rainbow for towel duty in the service shop, I figured it would be used once a week and would at least last a while. Apparently the spider has been broken for a few years and still has been used on a daily basis without failure, if worse comes to worse once the old machine gives up I'll part it out

 

[electroluxxxx]

After doing some exploring with the machine it does indeed have a vent fan with the fan fresh mode.