Kenmore washer spin problem. Model 110.26901691 approx 13 years old. Fills, agitates, spins fine sometimes. Other times, it will stop at the beginning of the spin cycle and buzz. Sometimes the buzz is loud, sometimes almost a loud humming. There doesn't seem to be any pattern - sometimes it occurs after the wash cycle, other times it will be after the rinse cycle. In either case, if you are standing in front of the washer waiting for the problem to occur, you can shut the machine off, then back on immediately and it will start and work fine. If you don't catch it immediately (30 seconds or so), it will start smelling "hot". If you turn it off and let it sit for several minutes (the longer it sat buzzing, the longer you have to let it sit) then turn it on, it will complete the cycle. Also, my wife says it seems to vibrate a little more than normal during spin. Not bad enough to "walk" but more like slightly out of balance load.

The only repairs to the washer was to replace the lid switch a couple of years ago.

Any suggestions on what to check?

Thanks for the info. Think I'll wait awhile as it is working at least half the time. I don't look forward to tearing the whole thing apart just yet. The laundry room is to small to work on the machine if I have to tip it over. I'll have to remove the room door and remove the dryer to even get at the problem.

It didn't. I knew it had to die but I hoped it would last longer. It quit day before yesterday. It would only buzz on any cycle. It is fixed now. I pulled the pump (didn't even create a lake on the floor) and checked for damage or blockage - everything OK. BTW for those who have not disconnected a pump, there is about a gallon of water in the hoses. Checked the motor shaft for play or grinding by feel - seemed fine. It would turn counter clockwise easily and would turn clockwise easily for about two turns and get very stiff - turned with a wrench OK. Pulled the motor and checked the coupling. Coupling in good condition. Jumped the lid switch and tried the motor. BINGO - the motor was gone. It would only buzz. I could turn the shaft by hand and it would start and turn jerkily. I didn't check the motor beyond that, but I suspect a dead spot on the armature. In any case, I replaced the motor and my wife has run four loads with no problem. If she is happy, I am happy.

I hear that. I've got a 40 year old electric edger and a 50 year old air compressor still running. Both have only had brushes replaced and are still going strong. Electric motors usually don't quit unless they are really abused. That is why I think this one has a dead spot on the armature. I should probably take it apart and check. The motor seems fine except it doesn't run without a bit of help starting to spin. It may be as simple as worn brushes - in any case, I will definitely be watching the new one.