Thread: 417 Sears drum bearing noise

Hi,

Here is the link to the guide about changing just that bearing:
[FIXED] Drum Gasket and Rear Shell Bearings

Actually it would be better and cheaper to buy the complete inner and outer tub assembly, would be more expensive than just the bearing, but probably save you hours of labor time, and pounding to get that bearing out, which is no easy task to remove on some units.

Here is the complete inner and outer tub assembly you can buy:
Inner & outer tub assembly


Jake

I actually wanted to start a new post, but am new & don't see how to do it.

I LOVE my little Kenmore 417 front loader! Yes, it sounds like an airplane engine (for a minute or two); that's why it gets my clothes SO dry. It's great.

I have model #417.42042100, bought Feb 2002, nearly 4 years ago.

Here's my problem: for a long time (probably 3 years), I've had some water leaking from under the front of the washer, during the final FAST spin ONLY. I checked the hose connections; no leaking there. At first it was just a small amount (maybe 1/2 cup) and I placed a towel under the front of the washer to soak up the water. The floor doesn't get wet further back--it just seems to be happening at the front.

But these days, it's starting to leak more. It still happens only at the end of the final spin cycle, but now it's pretty much soaking a bath towel. I'm afraid it's going to start gushing one of these days.

Just now I went to RepairClinic.com and looked at the parts for my washer. I wonder whether it could be the boot seal, or the pump. I wouldn't be able to repair this myself, but just want to know if it sounds like a major problem & whether it's worth repairing. I love this machine, and hate to put myself in the hands of the folks from Sears (I haven't even called them about this yet).

I would appreciate any insights you might have.

Hi,

You have a bad middle tub seal, its very costly to have this replaced, and the entire machine has to come apart to get to this seal.

A repair company is likely going to charge you close to $300 to do this job.

May be a better idea to use that money for a new washer, as this model has had multiple other problems, like the bearings.

Jake

Wow, this is bad. You're right, it's not worth repairing.

So my next problem is that I'm using this as a stacking washer/dryer with the Kenmore gas dryer. Together they just fit into the space for it.

Is this washer still made? Any chance that I could buy the same one?

Thanks for your help. You're very knowledgeable.

Yes, i believe, just take the model# down to Sears and they should be able to match it with the same or similar model.

Jake

I had the same problem... it was leaking from between the 2 parts of the shell. Tightening the bolts didn't fix it. I bought a new seal and took the tub appart (about 30 bolts) and stuck the new seal in. I also replaced the shocks and the belt while I was at it. Took about 3 hours... removing the shocks was difficult. I wasn't sure about putting back the door seal. I ran it in the garage 3 times and no water came out so I guess it was a success. The part was cheap at least.

hmmm... I think I am experiencing the same problem. kenmore 417. Just noticed it today. There are fast drips coming from underneath the washer in the front left of the machine. I noticed that the screw down there (left side of lowest panel) is rusting/rusted. The screw on the right side of the lowest panel is fine. So, I scheduled a technician to come out on Monday... but it's gonna cost 70$ just for the "trip fee". Wonder if I should just forget the tech and start searching for a new washer. Too bad.. it's not even a full 4 years old yet. Bought it in Oct. of 2002. Love the washer though.
Maybe we can take the bottom panel off tonight and inspect it ourselves. Do you think we have a pretty commen problem here?
By the way, there is a lifetime guarantee on the steel wash basket-could we be lucky enough to have this be what has failed?
~Aniwayne

This seems to be more and more of an issue on these. I'd open the bottom panel and have a look.

okay, took your advice and removed the bottom panel. Discovered water was leaking from the tub seal? Similar replacements of the tub seal are not costly, however very time consuming and tedious assuming you are good with your hands. If you are not, sol!

In a dilemna.. order the tub seal for $35 and try to replace myself? (and maybe not be succesful) or just purchase a new dishwasher (top loading only this time!)

One last hail mary maybe to contact the manufacturer in hopes of the "Silent" recall.