Whirlpool Quiet Wash - Cannot locate the part on diagram - Do you recognize?

Washer Repair
1

Hi,

As stated above, have an older model washer that had a counter balance spring fall break off while on the spin cycle. The hole where the spring held on the bottom frame rusted through, so I drilled a new hole directly under it and attached.

I have the entire cover off and the safety switch too, so that I can see what the heck is going on, but long story short, no matter where I drill the hole or try to place the spring, in spin cycle, it’s hitting metal underneath very hard.

So finally I figured it must be something else. I looked under it and I saw these little plastic “cups” that were holding these pins (see attached). Neither of the pins were connected up through the bottom frame (but I can push them through where they go), but were just laying loose in the cup.

I’m no washer repairman, but I figure these little plastic holders are there to catch the pins if they do fall down so they will not get misplaced, but I DO NOT see them anywhere on the parts diagram, and I’m not sure if I should just get a cotter pin to hold them back in place or not?

Why would they not be on the parts diagram? And is that indeed what the little plastic holders are? Just to catch them if they fall, lol. I don’t mind sounding stupid. Hell I reattached the spring and and replaced the agitator dogs with no problem, so if i can look dumb and get this fixed, I don’t care.

All four springs are in place, so I don’t think it’s that anyway. This washer has been getting off balance very badly in the last few months anyway if a moderately heavy load was in there.

Thanks for your time. I’m thinking cotter pins and to “heck” with it. If it works…good. If not, side of the road. It’s my mother in laws and she can’t afford a repairman (or another washer), so I’m doing the best I can.

Thanks for ANY help or advice.

Here is a link to the parts manual:
http://1drv.ms/1I8JMZL
IMG_1639.JPG (46.8 KB)
IMG_1641.JPG (45.7 KB)

2

Those are shipping pins. DO NOT put them back in. When shipped from the factory, the pins are in place with a clip through the hole in the end of them to keep them in place. A cord is attached to all the clips and the cord goes out the back of the machine. When first installed, the cord is pulled which pulls the clips and the pins fall into the containers. You can just through them out. Your problem may be a broken damper pad. There are six of them (#16 and #18). Three on top of the suspension plate (#17) and three on top of the base assembly. Check that the suspension plate is properly aligned. Make sure that the metal parts that glide on the damper pads are clean and not gummed up. The tub support (#4) needs to be able to move around freely.

Eric

3

Thanks fairbank. Very much appreciated. I printed out the parts list and will be looking at it tonight to see if that is indeed what the problem is, and if so, I will pick them up tomorrow (heck, maybe today before I look at it if they’re not too expensive). I will let you know.

Thanks again for doing this to help everyone out. Much appreciated.

4

Hi,

Thanks for the advice fairbanks. I finally did get the thing leveled on the pads correctly, but it was still running, and then just “jolting” to a stop.

I had a friend who brought the tool to take the tub out, but we still couldn’t get it out, but with the agitator and everything off of it, it works correctly and is spinning right, but it’s still making a very bad noise. Here is a video of what is happening. I don’t know if it’s a bearing or gear or what, but I think it’s getting beyond my DIY abilities and patience. If it’s something relatively simple you think, I may give it a shot, otherwise I’m going to take your (or anyone’s opinion) as to whether it’s worth fixing, or if we should ignore the noise as long as it works, until it kicks the bucket.

Thanks for the help, and here is a link to the video.

http://1drv.ms/1EJlneG

5

I recognize that sound as I’ve heard it lots of times before. It’s due to a faulty transmission. It can be repaired but requires tear down of the transmission. Probably just best for you to replace it. Not really a difficult job. Tub does not have to be removed to do it.

Whirlpool 3360629 Neutral Drain Transmission - AppliancePartsPros.com

Eric

6

Thanks fairbanks. She had someone look at it before I told her this, and that’s exactly what they told her. Transmission. She went ahead and bought a decent used washer. Thanks for the help. You were spot on with your diagnosis.