Washing machine problem - Maybe Garage Journal people can help?

[sns1938]

Sorry, this is my main "how to fix things" forum I use, and I figure many garage journal members will know about washing machines.

Our machine (purchased used when it was 3 years old, and now is 3.5 years old), makes this loud clicking noise when it finishes spinning. It works, so I could just ignore it, but if someone can point me in the right direction, I also really take pride in fixing things and ensuring they stay out of landfill for longer.

Thanks

 

[ddawg16]

That doesn't sound good.

I believe it has a 'brake' to stop the tub....i'd start there.

 

[p_mori7]

Broken brake or Drive.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Sounds like the actuator that pulls the splutch back from the spin position is firing over and over. These are very basic machines, I just fixed one for a friend. There is no actual brake, there maybe some motor controlling to brake the drum but I doubt it. That's why the lids locks I think, to let everything glide to a stop before you can open it.

I ended up buying a complete gear case for it (poor diagnosis), but found hers had a stripped tub spline. A $50 part. I tried to return the gearcase. I got the refund and they didn't even want the parts back. Tells you haw much it actually costs to make.

You can dial up a diagnostic mode with the selector dial and see if there are any codes stored.

My WAG:

This might be the source of your trouble. It actuates the splutch to put the washer in and out of spin mode. The splutch is just a plastic toothed disc that slides on a shaft that selects which shaft is getting drive, the center actuator shaft to move the wash plate, or the outer tub drive shaft which spins the tub. When the actuator pulls or pushes the splutch ring, it cams the toothed gear into place like a swashplate doing a quarter turn.

Just remember this is a guess from the guy who mistakenly ended up buying the second most expensive replacement part....

 

[sns1938]

Thanks, I'll pull it open this week. It's a real pain, as the laundry is tight.

That makes sense that it doesn't have a real brake and just locks the lid until it spins down in speed.

"Sounds like the actuator that pulls the splutch back from the spin position is firing over and over."

-Given that it's still "working", I'm guessing it has some sort of position sensor (reed switch, micro switch or something), and it fires 10 times to get it to move, and it finally moves and signals that it's moved.
-I will do the code check, as if it's firing 10 times to do a job that should require one fire, then that hopefully logs as an error.

I'm glad the parts are cheap. It seems so random these days that a $750 washer can last 18 months or 18 years, but in that time, any decent fault that requires a service technician to come out to diagnose and then come back to fix, will almost write the machine off. And two failures, and a new machine is cheaper.

Thanks everyone, I'll update once I get it open (I have to borrow a dolly to move it out on, so might take a week to borrow that, or a trip to HF).

Thank you,

 

[sns1938]

I wanted to provide an update on where I'm up to, just to make this more of a resource for others.

1) There is no "brake" as such in the machine I have. They seem to have decided that a lid lock is cheaper than a brake.
2) The fault code mode is a little different on my machine, and more follows this youtube

3) Some videos point to the actuator being the issue, but the symptoms don't quite align. The others point to the Splutch, including this video which is the exact same symptoms. Now the mechanism of failure in the splulch doesnt make sense to me ... I can't work out if the old one has worn gears, broken gears, or perhaps factory lubricant (if any) is gone? But this is the video

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I'm ordering the Splutch parts, and will replace them first. Seems it'll be $20 or so. If it's the actuator, then thats $30. I'm fine with $50 to keep a 3.5 year old washing machine going. It is absolutely terrible that a $750 washing machine could last such little time. I'm of the generation when fridges, washing machines and driers last a few decades. My parents have had their same dryer for 47 years ... granted they mostly line dry stuff, so it's had an easier life, but still, 47 years!

Thanks everyone.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Splutch?
Get the F outta here. I never heard of a splutch.
Had to look it up. I can’t even say the word without cracking a grin.
Waiting to work it into a joke, now.

 

[Will Allen]

Sorry, this is my main "how to fix things" forum I use, and I figure many garage journal members will know about washing machines.

Our machine (purchased used when it was 3 years old, and now is 3.5 years old), makes this loud clicking noise when it finishes spinning. It works, so I could just ignore it, but if someone can point me in the right direction, I also really take pride in fixing things and ensuring they stay out of landfill for longer.

Thanks

I believe I have that same machine.

Youtube has been a great help for me fixing stuff, vehicles, etc but you have to be careful. Last year the washing machine kept pumping long after the wash was done. I looked up a youtube and the guy said it means that a nail or screw got stuck in there and you would have to take it all apart to get at it. That sounded like a lot of work so I looked for another video. The next video said just hold the cancel button for five seconds and it will reset.

Did it. Problem solved.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I have given up on Maytag (aka Whirlpool). My last Maytag dish washer had poor construction and so-so reliability. My Maytag dryer was ok then everything failed about the same time. After the fifth time fixing it, I gave up and bought a Speed Queen dryer. I have had a Speed Queen clothes washer for years and it was bullet proof. They new dryer has been the same.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I have given up on Maytag (aka Whirlpool). My last Maytag dish washer had poor construction and so-so reliability. My Maytag dryer was ok then everything failed about the same time. After the fifth time fixing it, I gave up and bought a Speed Queen dryer. I have had a Speed Queen clothes washer for years and it was bullet proof. They new dryer has been the same.

This is the same conclusion I came to.
Love my Speed Queen!