I got an old direct drive Whirlpool Ultimate Care II Washer used from my in-laws about 4 months ago. All was well until today.

Everything was normal except the spin cycles. When it got up to speed the agitator would momentarily stop spinning accompanied by a loud "smashing sound"

I don't know anything about how these washers work, but if I knew what was broken I know I could change the necessary parts.


I just took a quick video of it in action, it just happened to die completely at the end, yay :( Now it just makes a loud grinding/motor noise and doesn't spin. It doesn't work at all now, in any part of the cycle.

After posting the video, I checked out youtube, there are so many good videos about washing machine repair there.

One of the videos advised checking the motor coupler, and after watching a disassembly video, I had the broken motor coupler in my hand in about 3 minutes.

I found the necessary parts online for $12, while I was there I ordered a new set of dogs for the agitator as well :D

So, for $25 plus shipping, my washer should be good as new.

Thanks for the reply, and the correct diagnosis,

Nick H.