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NCjohn  
#1 Posted : Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5:19:56 PM(UTC)
NCjohn

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Hello folks.
I'm in the market (sort of) for a new washing machine, and I read somewhere that direct drive machines are the best from the standpoint of easier (cheaper) repairs. The sad fact seems to be that all home appliances these days are either sorry or sorrier, and the question isn't whether or not they'll have to be repaired, but rather how soon and how often. SO... I thought that direct drive seemed like a good choice.
However, I've looked at washers at lots of web sites (including manufacturers'), and haven't found a single site that stated in the machine specs that it was direct drive. How do I find this out?
Thanks.
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applianceman  
#2 Posted : Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5:50:42 PM(UTC)
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Most Whirlpool washers are direct drive washers. If you post model numbers we can tell you for sure.

My opinion of these washers is that they break down more often than other brands but are most of the time easier and cheaper to repair. I don’t think you could go wrong buying one they are good machines. Clothes Washer Repair Guide
NCjohn  
#3 Posted : Wednesday, July 15, 2009 8:46:34 AM(UTC)
NCjohn

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Well, I don't have a particular model in mind yet because I just started looking today.
But I have another question:
Why do they break down more often, and what makes them easier to repair?
Also, I've read more than once that the Whirlpools are a good choice but that they're extremely noisy in use. Any experience with regards to the noise?
Thanks very much.
applianceman  
#4 Posted : Wednesday, July 15, 2009 11:24:57 AM(UTC)
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The reason I made that statement is because they have three parts that go bad often and those parts are easy to install (I can install any one of these three parts in less than 20 minutes) and relatively cheap. The lid switch, water pump and coupling are the parts that give the most trouble. 99% if the times when I work on a direct drive washer one of these parts are bad.


I am not by any means saying that if you buy this machine that one of these three parts will necessary go bad. Nor am I saying that these are the only parts that go bad. I am just speaking generally by my past experience
.


As for the noise they are not the quietest on the market but I don’t see that they are necessary noisy washers.
NCjohn  
#5 Posted : Wednesday, July 15, 2009 11:53:26 AM(UTC)
NCjohn

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Okay, thanks for the reply. I'll be looking at some specific models and getting back to you to see if they're direct drive.
Thanks a lot.
NCjohn  
#6 Posted : Wednesday, July 15, 2009 8:03:43 PM(UTC)
NCjohn

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Well, I'm thinking about the WTW5100VQ. Apparently it's the bottom of the line, but the reviews about it seem to be pretty consistent, something I can't say about some others. If it's a direct-drive, I'll check it out further.
Thanks.
applianceman  
#7 Posted : Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:16:46 AM(UTC)
applianceman

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[FONT='Times New Roman']Yes, it is a direct drive and if you don’t care about all the bells and whistles buying the bottom of the line machine is not necessarily a bad thing. [/FONT]
NCjohn  
#8 Posted : Friday, July 17, 2009 9:50:07 AM(UTC)
NCjohn

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I assume the 5200 is also direct drive; the same machine with a couple extra options. Is that correct?

I looked in your web site's "parts" section to see if the wtw5200vq was listed, and it could only find wtw5200sq0. Will this be a problem if I need to buy parts?

I really appreciate your help with this.
applianceman  
#9 Posted : Friday, July 17, 2009 3:00:52 PM(UTC)
applianceman

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Yes, it also seems to be direct drive. I don’t think you will have a problem getting parts for this machine but I do work for or own this website so I don’t know for sure.
johnt7225  
#10 Posted : Thursday, September 2, 2010 4:47:23 PM(UTC)
johnt7225

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@NCjohn
What machine did you end up buying, and are you happy with it?

@applianceman
Are there any model that you recommend?
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