Since I'm working for an appliance parts company, I've met many service techs. One of them is willing to give me a hand on some WP Belt Drive centerpost bearings since he has the special tool. I've never done this before and I'd like to know what's involved and what the procedure is. My repair manuals say to leave it to a pro. I'm also battling NLA parts.
If the bearings seem to be alright, is it possible to just replace the seals and add some lubricant? (On my Halo of Heat dryer rebuilds, I've added turbine oil to the bearings' wicking and have excelent excellent results.) None of my belt drives in regular use are leaking, but some on the sidelines have. I've got 1 transmission full of water and another that might be. Belt drive transmission rebuilding is for another thread later though. If they have leaked into the centerpost, is bearing replacement mandatory? I know in Robert's pictorial of the '57 Lady Kenmore restoration, he says to always replace the spin tube when replacing bearings. If the bearings seem fine, is it permissible to replace them anyway and leave the spin tube alone, provided it's not scored? The basket drives are NLA as are new spin tubes. I'd have to scrounge around to get some, but my parts company has none and cannot get any more. Are there any off-brand spin tubes still available new like Supco, ERP, or Gemline?
As a side interest, I have a 1972 Kenmore 70 series which features a solenoid operated dispenser for fabric softener and bleach. The dispenser assembly is mounted in the front left corner of the washer. The solenoids are worn and buzz/rattle VERY loudly when activated. New solenoids are NLA. What are my options? Could the coils from a gas valve kit be used?
Confused and thinking of a big undertaking,
Dave
If the bearings seem to be alright, is it possible to just replace the seals and add some lubricant? (On my Halo of Heat dryer rebuilds, I've added turbine oil to the bearings' wicking and have excelent excellent results.) None of my belt drives in regular use are leaking, but some on the sidelines have. I've got 1 transmission full of water and another that might be. Belt drive transmission rebuilding is for another thread later though. If they have leaked into the centerpost, is bearing replacement mandatory? I know in Robert's pictorial of the '57 Lady Kenmore restoration, he says to always replace the spin tube when replacing bearings. If the bearings seem fine, is it permissible to replace them anyway and leave the spin tube alone, provided it's not scored? The basket drives are NLA as are new spin tubes. I'd have to scrounge around to get some, but my parts company has none and cannot get any more. Are there any off-brand spin tubes still available new like Supco, ERP, or Gemline?
As a side interest, I have a 1972 Kenmore 70 series which features a solenoid operated dispenser for fabric softener and bleach. The dispenser assembly is mounted in the front left corner of the washer. The solenoids are worn and buzz/rattle VERY loudly when activated. New solenoids are NLA. What are my options? Could the coils from a gas valve kit be used?
Confused and thinking of a big undertaking,
Dave
