I am assuming it will not agitate either. You probably have a broken motor coupler. The noise you are hearing is the motor operating, but it is not turning the tub because it is no longer connected to the transmission. This is a common problem, and easy and inexpensive repair. There are a number of discussion on this site that explain how to check and replace the coupler. If the machine agitates but will not spin, please post that info.

You can go to the first page for washers on this forum and use the search this forum selection in the upper right part of the page. Just type in "motor coupling" and you will be shown posts with similar problems and responses that tell you how to fix the problem. This, and the lid switch are the most common problems with this type of machine.

If you are new to washer repair I recommend you also do an on-line search under the name of "motor couple" or "motor coupling" and you will find illustrated instructions and probably a video or two on how to do this.

The job is the same for almost all Whirlpool and Kenmore top loading washers made in the last twenty years or so. It requires no special tools, just a little mechanical ability and some patience and the willingness to get dirty and work on the floor as the parts are on the bottom of the machine. It can be done solo, but having a helper will help. For a first time plan on about an hour and a half, by the 10th time it will be 20 minutes.

The parts will cost less than $20.00 with shipping and are available for your machine on the find parts section of this web site. They should also be on the Common Parts section of this web site. If successful, you will have saved about $150 for a service call and prolonged the life of your machine.

If you find your coupling to be ok then you may have serious gearcase problems, in which case a new washer will likely be in the future.


Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.