Whirlpool VMW washer clicking during agitation

[ryner1988]

My washer, model WTW4816FW3, has started making a clicking sound during the agitation portion of the wash cycle. I'd say it's been happening for a week or so. At first I thought maybe I overloaded it, because it does it worse when auto sense is selected, as opposed to when I use deep wash. However, it does it even when I'm careful with my wash loads, although a bit less than on heavy loads. I took these short clips during a full load of towels, done on the superwash cycle so it uses a full tub of water. In one clip, the clicking is quite prominent, and in the other clip, it has gone away almost completely. As I said, it's a lot worse on auto sense, so I'll try and get another clip up here next time I use that setting. What, if anything, do you guys think could be causing this noise?



post was last edited: 4/6/2024-23:35]

 

[nmassman44]

I had a similar Whirlpool washer for about 8 months and did notice the shifter would make that click noise...not always but it was noticeable when it did do it. Mine was the 4816F2 ...I grew to hate that washer since it had so many issues and eventually I replaced it with my LG set that I have which is much better performance wise and all around just better.

 

[ryner1988]

I don't hate the washer whatsoever. I actually like mine, but that clicking has me concerned because I didn't think it's supposed to do that during agitation at all. I know the shifter sometimes clicks loudly when switching from agitation to spin. However, this seems to be in rhythm to the agitation strokes. Could it be something inside the gearbox, or perhaps the splutch is having issues? The washer is only a few months old so this shouldn't be happening. But maybe nothing is happening and they just sound like that now?

On a side note, wonder why my videos aren't imbedding properly. They're just appearing as links you have to copy and paste into a browser to make them work.

 

[mattl]

To embed the clips i believe you need to switch off Advanced editing.

 

[DADoES]

 
The videos don't embed apparently because the URLs are coded as shorts.  Shorts were/are YouTube's answer to TikTok.  They embed when I paste the links as regular videos.

 

[qsd-dan]

Either the shift actuator or drive cam assembly.

These washers are not know for durability/reliability.

I'm still confused why you bought another VMW washer when your last one was problematic.

 

[ryner1988]

Glenn, I think I fixed the imbedding issue, thanks for the tip.

Dan, as I told John a few months ago, this was the decision the whole family came to, my wife, my parents who helped me pay for the new machines, and myself, after my direct drive washer began leaking oil. No one else was on board with paying for the LG turbo wash front loader or an SQ TC5, which were my top two choices. So, I had to compromise. Also, as a blind user, these machines, with all knobs and only one start button, are easier for me to operate than most other models on the market which are very touch-screen oriented, so that was a major factor in my final decision as well.

 

[combo52]

I think I would just keep an eye on the noise and see if it gets worse. You still have about nine months of warranty left.

Yes, I was surprised you bought another machine like this. They do get the job done, but they’re not good for people that are particular about noises, lol

You could still be using that direct drive washer oil leaks are not generally serious. The machine may have worked for years yet after all the work you put into it. You also should fix the dryer. You could’ve done that yourself easily. The timer is simple to change.

You could’ve taken the money for the new set and bought your LG front loader and then you’d be saving money on utilities at least, I would still get the money back. You paid for the service contract on these new machines. That’s just a total waste of money you’re just buying bad service

You can’t get ahead in life if you just keep Doing the same thing over and over.

Happy spring Time, John

 

[ryner1988]

Update

I'm doing a mixed load right now, only heavy thing in there is a thick hoody of Stacye's. The rest of it is regular shirts, light pants, socks and such. Washer is on heavy duty w/auto sense and was filled about 3/4 of the way with dry clothes when I started the cycle. It sounds a lot better today. Perhaps I've just been overloading it. I'll keep an eye on things, but all seems well for now.

I sometimes forget these machines can't handle an overload condition like my old DD could. I have these tall hampers from Target that were a very full load in my DD, but I think it's a bit much for this machine. I wish I knew the size of laundry basket that would equal an exact full, not overloaded, load in this washer, that way I never had to guess.

 

[ea56]

Ryne,
After listening to your short videos I don’t hear any noise that you need to be too concerned about. It’s very possible that the slight clicking sound could be coming from something in the load that you were washing that is hitting either the agitator or the side of the tub. Also, it has always been my understanding that visually impaired individuals have more acute hearing and a heightened awareness of all sounds. I don’t believe there is anything to be concerned about.

That being said, you have already carefully explained your reason for choosing this particular washing machine, and you don’t owe anyone here any further explanation. Everyone has their own reasons for the appliances that they choose to purchase, own and use. You do you!

As you already are aware I have an almost identical washer as yours that I’ve owned for almost 5 trouble free years. And my sister has the Amana version of yours and my washer that she’s owned for 6 years, also without any problems. The proof is in the pudding as they say.

I hope that you’ll also share the same trouble free ownership of your machine that I and my sister have enjoyed.

Eddie

 

[ea56]

“I wish I knew the size of laundry basket that would equal an exact full, not overloaded, load in this washer, that way I never had to guess.”

Ryne,
My laundry baskets are 1.5 bushel size plastic ones that I purchased at Target 6 years ago and when full to the top they equal one full sized load for my Roper RTW4516FW. This will fill the tub up to the top, not tightly packed. A typical mixed load would be 2 pairs of mens jeans 34” waist, 10 to 12 mens med size colored cotton tee shirts, 10 to 12 pairs of mens med cotton briefs, 5 handkerchief's, 3 med mens crewneck cotton sweatshirts and 5 pairs of socks. I find that my washer holds a very large load and still has good turnover using auto sense fill on the Normal/Heavy cycle.

We keep two of these 1.5 bushel size laundry baskets on top of the washer and dryer, one for dark colors and one for whites/light colors/towels. They are very reasonably priced and they may help you more easily judge what a full size load should be.

HTH,
Eddie

 

[ryner1988]

Reply #10

Eddie,

Thanks for the recommendation! Are you talking about something like this?

1.5bu Laundry Basket White - Brightroom™: Large Portable Clothes Hamper with Built-In Handles, 52.8L Capacity

Read reviews and buy 1.5bu Laundry Basket White - Brightroom™: Large Portable Clothes Hamper with Built-In Handles, 52.8L Capacity at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

www.target.com

 

[ea56]

Yep Ryne, exactly like the basket in the link you posted.

Eddie

 

[dominic20]

problem solved

my house has the same washer it has such vigorous agitation the agitator dogs engage loudly

i don't know if you have the duel action model or not

Dom Benz

 

[pierreandreply4]

this is the sound my washer makes when agitation sorry lid is dirty so not much can be seen plus currently dealing with the F0E4 error code and washer for main wash only send in cold water even when set to warm or hot wash

 

[DADoES]

 
It sounds good.  Why is there apparently steam/moisture on the glass if it's filling with cold water?

 

[pierreandreply4]

to answer your question its water stain on the lid if it was steam moisture it would be sending warm or hot water but to be honest i do not know and i have not seen error F0E4 on screen.

 

[DADoES]

 
Water stain?  Do you mean mineral deposits from water hardness?

You have it running the Normal cycle.  I don't know Canadian energy protocols vs. the U.S. but the Normal cycle is typically the most restricted on temperature.

Is Power Wash enabled?  I can't discern if the blue backlight is on or if it's picking up the light of your camera.  Power Wash may start with cold water at a low level and add warmer water several times?

Some of the fault codes don't display on the panel during machine operation.  They're recorded in memory and reported when checking the stored codes via service mode.

You've confirmed the supply hoses are connected correctly, not reversed cold faucet to the hot connection and hot faucet to the cold connection on the machine?

 

[pierreandreply4]

yes everything is connected correctly i did laundry today and everything was working as it normally suppose to but i have to have the extra power button light up and instead or normal regular i use heavy duty and i avoid the autosense mode since it do not seem to add enough water so use the deep fill set on max fill giving me a 2 hour wash, since i am the one doing laundry for both myself and my mom she would not understand about the longer wash time sometime even myself i do not understand the electronic control and it makes me wonder if when it decide even if set to warm or hot if its not some sort of protection. To prevent overheating of the machine