Whirlpool Duet Question...

[aaronfitzy]

Well, I've had my Duet washer (WFW9150WW) for about a month or so now. Ever since I've had it, I've noticed when it starts to spin that it makes only what I can describe as a fast slapping noise. After the machine ramps up, the noise completely goes away. Anybody have any comments about this? The only thing I can figure is its just all the water in the bottom of the outer tub flying around or maybe the clothes are settling in to the side of the wash tub? Or maybe I need a service call? The machine is perfectly level, and hasn't moved an inch since I've put it in.

Aaron

 

[favorit]

suds or plenty of water suddenly spun out ?

If my guess is right, a towel load would make more noise

Try this : run 4 or 5 dry T-shirts or other few lighweight cottons on "rinse+spin only" without detergent/softener, just plain water.
Guess you'll hear no more that sound. If you try the same with some towels maybe you'll hear something.

So, if actually that happens, it's pretty normal. With a full load, at the very beginning of the spin the pump is not able to drain immediately all the water, so some water/suds bounces in the outer tub and "slaps"

To cut a story short... does it sound like this vid (extreme situation) ? :

 

[iheartmaytag]

I have the Maytag Version and I have noticed the same thing. When watching the machine, I notice that the slap, slap, slap sound is right as it starts to spin and then again as it slows to a stop. I see a bit of a wobble and you can see the bellows buckle just a little. It's mostly when I have towels or heavier items. I have tried running the spin only with the machine empty and it doesn't make the noise, so I am sure it has to do with the balancing of the items in the drum.

 

[aaronfitzy]

Thanks guys...

I really couldn't hear the pronounced slapping in that video. And I'm yet to have that much suds in my wash! LOL...that was alot in the vid. I use either Tide HE or Gain HE liquid...to the number two line in the cap. I think that Iheartmaytag figured it out for me. The more I think about it, its usally a heavier load that causes the noise. I guess I'm still getting used to the front loader noises over the top loaders.

Aaron

 

[mark_wpduet]

Hmmm... I have an older Duet and I do NOT notice this at all.

 

[hoover1100]

If it's a sort of a tapping noise

When the machine is accelerating and slowing down, I would say it's just the suspension moving, and is completely normal.

My Mother's Whirlpool had a sticking shock absorber that required lubricating, so it made the noise very pronouncedly prior to being lubricated. Here's a video of it before the shocks were lubricated, with such a light load (a double fitted sheet) it should not sound this bad.

Hope this helps

Matt

 

[dnastrau]

Our Maytag Epic (Duet clone)...

...sometimes makes the same noise during startup and slow down. I think it is just the outer tub rocking on its suspension.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Slapping noise at start of spin - Explained!

There are 1-2 tub 'vents' which communicate between the back of the tub and the back of the cabinet which allow the tub to 'breathe' inbetween loads. Look on the back of the washer for round, louvered ports. These ports have built in 'flapper' doors so that if the washer over suds, the suds will push the door closed and not pour out of the ports and onto the floor. As the washer starts to spin and the tub really moves around before it settles down, the air moving thru those ports will make the flappers 'slap' against the ports.

Next time you spin her with a load, watch those ports and that's where the noise comes from. There might be a kit to address the 'slap' noise...

RCD