I have an approx 7 yr old Maytag Bravos top loader that I am trying to fix a balance problem with. It always falls out of balance with about 12 minutes left when it’s trying to spin out. I read lots of articles about the suspension rods wearing out on these machines so I installed a new set. Same issue is still occurring. Unfortunately on almost every forum thread I’ve read on this issue, the rods fix the problem so not having any luck finding any further troubleshooting steps.
My wife is at her wits end since it takes about 2-3 days to do a single load of laundry. She liked the washer before it started having issues and we’re trying to avoid the money of buying a new washer. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.
I’m at my wits end with this washer. Did the bearing kit yesterday afternoon and let the sealant cure overnight. While I had the tub out, I inspected it and everything looked good. I could hear water sloshing around in the balance rings at the top and bottom of the tub. The old shaft when rotated by hand was making a little noise but after I punched the old bearings out, they weren’t making any noise when I rotated them by hand. I didn’t see any abnormal wear on the shaft either like anything was seized up. There also wasn’t any spun out grease or anything under the machine.
So this morning I ran the C0 test and it spun with no issues. I then put the machine on a spin only cycle, speed at high and ran it with the tub empty. It ran flawlessly and was whisper quiet. I then put a small load of clothes on and started a normal cycle. Got down to 12 minutes for the spin cycle and it started thrashing around violently and went out of balance again. UL code showed. Everything was evenly distributed but I rearranged everything anyway and started it again. Same deal. Fell wildly out of balance trying to get up to speed.
Should I try another suspension kit? I bought the kit from Amazon and it appeared to be new/unused but I can’t think of anything else it could be at this point. I would think if the tub was the issue, it would occur even when empty but this thing hums right along with no issues if empty.
To check if the suspension rods are good, perform a bounce test. Open the lid and with the basket empty push down on one corner firmly, release quickly and if the basket bounces up and down (like a 57 chevy with no shock absorbers) the springs are inadequate. When released the basket should spring back and stop. Check all four corners. One bad suspension rod (spring) can cause the whole tub to wobble.
I am having the same issue but with a Whirlpool Cabrio top load machine. I have had a repairman look at it and he says the stator is cracked. It is easy to inspect, so I checked it myself after he left. There is just minimal cracks in the stator around the inside. Does anybody think this would cause the imbalance issue. Or do I just spend the $150 on the part and try it? I have also replaced the bearings and shaft on this machine 6 months ago. I did the test on the suspension rods and see no issues. Any advice is appreciated!
So suspension seemed fine when doing the bounce test and now it goes out of balance when empty. Could a cracked stator cause a balance issue? Mine had a couple minor cracks on the interior but I didn’t think it would be a problem since it is a stationary part.
I watched the video and ordered the suspension rod kit from APP. I will let you know if it helped when I get them installed. Thank you for your assistance.
IT WORKED!! I got the parts from APP in a very timely manner. It was an easy install once I figured it out. (I should have watched a video) We have done several loads both large and small loads and have had no issues. Thank you for your assistance!
[QUOTE=brobriffin;899363]Look underneath the machine at the rotor. See if it looks like oil splatter in the plastic as well as out. Does the machine make a growling noise or sound like a freight train during spin cycle? Your problem may be bad bearings causing the UL code to occur. This true direct drive system has a big problem leaking water past the tub seal wearing out the bearings. If this is the case you can buy the bearing kit here @ Whirlpool W10435302 Bearing and Tub Seal Kit - AppliancePartsPros.com You will need a bearing press as well @ Whirlpool W10447783 Bearing Installation Tool - AppliancePartsPros.com you can see an installation video at this link as well.[/QUOTE]
When I lift my washer, it does look like oil spatter all over. I have a MVWB450WQ2, which my wife absolutely hates. I am getting the uL code at the 12 minute left mark. I have tested the suspension and they seem fine. The allen nut on the rotor seemed to be tight at well. The washer has been running loud, as if I had a freight train in my basement. Ideas? From what I am reading, it seems like the freight train in probably the bearings needing to be replaced. Correct?