Washer - clunking sound when spin starts/stops

**ricklaugh** · October 24th, 2011, 04:44 PM

Brand: Frigidaire

Age: More than 10 years

Hello Jake and friends! Hope all is well with you!

Frigidaire Gallery Front Loader Washer
Model: FWT449GFS2
Serial: XC01278888
Month/Year: 03/00

My question is really this: repair, or toss and buy and new one.

I have a loud, clunking noise when the rinse spin starts and stops. It clunks enough to move the machine on the floor. Once it gets going, it is fine. High speed spin is fine too. One note here: we have had this machine since 2000. It has served us well while on city water. We moved two years ago and now have well water - no softener or filter.

I have reviewed various threads about the spider and other items. Where would you suggest that I start?

Given the fact that we have enjoyed over 4000 washes with this machine, do you think it is time to kiss this one good bye?

As always, thanks for your help!

Rick

***Jake*** · October 25th, 2011, 12:10 AM

Yes Rick, its possibly the spider arms cracked or broken and/or the rear tub bearing.

Only way to find out is to take it apart to see, read this thread:
[FIXED] Drum Gasket and Rear Shell Bearings

Also check both shocks for breakage.

You can take the lower front access panel off and get a flashlight or floodlight to see better UNDER the bottom to check them both.

Here are the shocks for your model:
Part#134564200(comes with installation instructions):

Jake

**ricklaugh** · December 14th, 2011, 05:58 PM

Jake,

The washer started leaking water as well. Here is what I found.

I removed the bottom (front) panel. The shocks had quite a bit of play in them. One had oil leaking from it and collecting at the bottom. I assume these are bad and need to be replaced.

The excessive play in the drum caused it to hit and crack the bottom of the housing for the detergent drawer. Thus, water is leaking out when it is filling the tub.

You gave the part numbers and price on the shocks. What about the housing? Is it easy to replace?

Thanks!

***Jake*** · December 14th, 2011, 11:47 PM

Here's the detergent dispenser assembly for your model you can order here:
Manufacturer Number 131270310

Starting at page 76 here it shows you how:
www.applianceblog.com/manuals/360_TumbleActionWashers.pdf

Jake

**ricklaugh** · December 18th, 2011, 06:23 PM

Jake,

I replaced the shocks and dispenser. Works like a charm! However, the bleach holder/compartment in the dispenser tray remains full of water at the end of a wash cycle. How can I correct this?

Thanks!

***Jake*** · December 18th, 2011, 10:42 PM

Thats basically normal Rick.

Jake

**ricklaugh** · January 3rd, 2012, 06:20 AM

The water would always drain before. With a few washes after the repair, it is now hit or miss. Sometimes it is full. That is a pain when we need to add more bleach. But, I guess we can live with it. Everything else is working fine.

Once again, thanks for all of your help, Jake. I really appreciate you and this site!

***Jake*** · January 3rd, 2012, 09:45 AM

Take the dispenser drawer out and soak it in hot water for about an hour then see if that solves it.

Jake

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