Top load Whirlpool clunking sound

Washer Repair
1

Brand: Whirlpool / Kitchenaid.
Model Number:YKAWE560WW1
Main Symptom: clunking sound
What happens & when: only during agitation the washer makes a clunking sound.

Trying to load a video but it say won’t support
Clunking only happens during agitation
Have just replaced the drive block. In the past I have replaced dog ears, motor coupling, and the direct drive transmission

Error Code (if any):none
Parts or tests already tried: replaced drive block assembly
Photos / video link:

2

Thanks for all of that information. Since the clunking only occurs during agitation and you’ve already replaced the drive block, motor coupling, agitator dogs, and even the transmission, we can narrow this down quite a bit.

Even without the video, here are the next things I’d check:

  1. Agitator installation

    • Remove the fabric softener dispenser and agitator cap.

    • Make sure the 7/16" agitator bolt is tight.

    • Try grabbing the agitator and see if you can lift it up and down or rock it side to side. A loose agitator can make a clunk each time the transmission reverses direction.

  2. Inspect the agitator itself

    • Look closely for cracks around the splined hub or lower agitator where it mounts to the transmission shaft.

    • Hairline cracks can open up under load and make a clunk during each agitation stroke.

  3. Check the basket for movement

    • With the washer empty and unplugged, hold the agitator and try moving the inner basket back and forth.

    • There should be very little independent movement. Excessive play could indicate the basket drive or spin tube is worn, allowing parts to shift during agitation.

  4. Inspect the suspension

    • Remove the cabinet and inspect all three suspension pads and springs.

    • If one of the pads has worn through or shifted out of place, the tub can shift and produce a clunk only during agitation.

  5. Look for tub contact

    • With the cabinet removed, run the washer in agitation.

    • Watch to see if the tub or motor is contacting the cabinet, base, or any hoses. Sometimes the source of the noise becomes obvious once you can actually see the machine operating.

A few questions that will help narrow it down:

  • Is the clunk once every stroke of the agitator, or is it more random?

  • Does it happen with an empty washer as well as with clothes?

  • Does the noise come from the bottom of the washer, inside the tub, or the rear?

  • When you installed the replacement transmission, was it a genuine Whirlpool/OEM transmission or an aftermarket one? I’ve seen some aftermarket gearcases produce noticeably louder agitation than the original.

If you’re able to upload the video to YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, or another sharing service and post the link here, I’d be happy to listen to it. Often the sound alone is enough to pinpoint the source on these direct-drive Whirlpool washers.

3

Thanks Jeffrey.

I’ll send a link shortly to this.

Of course the machine went down just as we were leaving on holidays so it might be a couple days before I post the link

I did notice the agitator bolt rubber washer was ripped up a bit so that could be it as well.

4

K I think I got the link to Dropbox figured out.

I put a couple videos there I hope this helps identify the issue.

Thanks,

Rory