I have a 9 year old Amana LWA50AW top loading washer. It smoked a belt 15 months ago and was leaking. I replaced the belt and pump. After that, the washer was very loud when it went into the spin mode. Actually it was scary loud. But we continued to use it and it worked.

A couple of days ago, it smoked rather severely. I unplugged it and emptied it. I took the front panel off and the belt feels damaged. It has some gouges in the inside of it. So I definitely need a belt. But I am sure something else is the root cause.

I ran the machine on the spin cycle and the tub spins fast and the pump emptied the tub. I have manually turned the tub from above and from underneath (rolling the largest pulley under the tub) and I don't hear or feel anything that would tell me there was binding or a bearing gone bad. I can rotate the tub either direction by rolling the largest drive pulley under the tub. When I go CCW, I feel no slipping. When I go CW, the large pulley under the transmission moves up and down slightly (about .25") and I can feel some slippage. Is this normal?

The transmission has a 10 year warranty which expires on Dec 2 of this year. If it is possibly the transmission, I definitely want to nail it down now. How can I confirm if the transmission is bad?

I did some research on your site and others and am leaning towards a bad tub bearing. Do you agree? If yes, is there a step by step guide to replace the tub bearing? How difficult is it to replace the tub bearing with common hand tools and moderate DIY ability?

Yes, it sounds like the tub bearing.

Not likely the transmission as it still agitates fine, right?

This is a very big job to replace this and you have to order this kit:
Here’s the hub & seal kit for this model:
Manufacturer’s Number: R9900552



But first let me know some information to save you alot of frustration.

How often do you use your washer? Daily/Many times a day? The reason I ask is after 9 years other parts are wearing as well, and the average life of most appliances nowadays is about 8-15 years.

So I'd hate to see you pay $94 for this kit, then 6 months later something else goes haywire like your timer which is about $150, by the time your all said and done with investing in repair parts, you could have purchased a brand new washer.

New washers start at about $374.

Jake

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Thanks Jake.

Wife washes probably an average of 7 loads a week. I'll buy new if it makes more sense. But first:

1) is there a step by step guide to replace the tub seal in my washer? I'm willing to invest $94 if I think I can do it myself.

2) Can I do this job without the special tools?

3) Is it likely a leak caused water to damage the original tub seal? It started sounding like a jet plane while spinning right after I replaced a leaky pump and belt. I want to make sure a new tub seal isn't damaged immediately by a hidden leak. (We have a plastic catch tray under the washer. I haven't seen standing water in it, but I'm thinking there could be a dribble leak that damaged the tub bearing.)

4) If I decide to replace, what brand / model top loader do you recommend for under around $600.

On this model they don't list the repair manual online, so you would have to purchase it as well:
Service manual, Amana/Speed Queen 1 belt style washers

You would need this tool as well:
Hex-wrench

And the Bearing assembly: 549695

Yes.

The Sears Kenmore, Whirlpool are top notch excellent machines, you can click this banner and look online at them:


Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

Thanks for your help. I'll start shopping for something new.

Ok, sounds good.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances