Whirlpool motor coupling bad..gearcase?

Washer Repair
1

I know my motor coupling is bad. Part #13 on most schematics online. However I’m not sure if it was caused by the gearcase seizing up. Inside the tub I can no longer spin the lower portion of the agitator by hand. Also underneath where the gearcase attaches to the coupling the shaft, it spins very freely by hand. I’m thinking to easy. Basically on one end of the gearcase it spins freely but the other end does not. I almost forgot to say I had the “pleasure”…of being nearby when the washer made a noise, somewhat as a grinding noise as in gears grinding. At first I thought it was the coupler going bad but now I’m not so sure. I know, not good. Am I overlooking something? The motor coupling repair seems to be an easy and inexpensive however the gearcase seems to be somewhat more involved plus the cost factor.

My questions are:

Do you think my gearcase is bad or is the resistance through the gearcase too much to move by hand?

How involved is replacing the gearcase? Special tools, pain in the butt…

Do you think it is not worth the possible cost of replacing both the coupler and a gearcase on a washer that is 15 years old?

Thanks for any and all opinions, recommendations or insight.

2

Chances are the grinding noise that you heard was when the coupler broke. The are designed to break instead of stripping the tranny (at least that how I look at it)
For the price of a coupler you can find out if it’s going to spin & agitate.
Nat:o

3

Thanks for the quick response and suggestion libertyappl. I will definately try that first. I removed the old coupling and everything seems to be turning to what I believe as it should. We’ll see once I get the new part installed.

Thanks again,

Tom

4

Couplers are pretty easy, if I can do them anyone can!!
Nat

5

Just installed the coupler and ran a load of clothes. Looks like it was only the coupler like you thought liberty. Really easy install.

Thanks once again for your input. Truly appreciated. Until next time…

Tom

6

Glad you are up and washing again!!
Nat

7

I’d like a quick tutorial on how to replace the coupling. I have my old one off, but it’s not obvious to me yet how to get the new one in.