We were hearing some bad noise, but I couldnt get it off and I used a sledge on a block of wood but it wouldnt move with what force I was willing to use. There is no noise when I hand turn it so I am going to assume it is ok and I have ordered all my other parts. It just seems odd that there is no noise and presumable, therefore no rust , but yet it wont budge with some fairly good "persuasion"

Andy

This thread is Great. You guys are a real big help. My question is: Has anyone continued to run their washer with the bad bearings. Mine (my wifes) sounds like a jet taking off when in the spin cycle. I knew it was a bearing and when I found this thread it was confirmed.

I am wondering what other damage it will cause if we continue to run it? It has been this way for about two weeks now. I would like to get a couple more months out of it before taking it apart. I have to have surgery next week and will be unable to lift anything for a while.

Has anyone had the bearing lock up or explode on them?

Mine sounded like a jet on take off for about a year before I changed the bearings. It probably will not hurt to keep using it; but the noise will get louder. Our laundry room is isolated from the living area so we didn't hear the noise, when it got real loud I went ahead and fixed it.

Ok I got the parts and also a 1 piece concrete counter weight to replace 1 broken one. The replacement takes the place of all 3 and i will post in my next reply the instructions i got from Electrolux on how to take the washer apart to replace the weight. It is interesting because it gives good insight in takeing the shocks off and an "easier" way to do it and also because of how they instruct the drum to be removed.

My question is how do I know if the shocks are ok? I thought they would be springy like a car shock but they are not. The top even slides off and when it is together I can just push it down easily and it stays down ...I am thinking this is the way they are meant to work but I'd like to know.

thanks and check the next post for more instructions.j

Andy

Please read the document. It covers drum removal in the course of replacing the counterweights I bought.

Hopefully you can read it. If not its a jpg and you should be able to copy it to your computer and use Irfanview or another program to make it larger. I dont have any other way to share this unless someone wants me to sent it to them to "host" it.

thanks

Andy

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MrBluegrass:
Running with bad bearings may be ok for a short while. Even if you can put up with the mess of the thing leaking and spraying grease laiden soapy water, I saw somewhere that after the bearings go you start wearing into the shaft which is extra $, after that the steel drum will get loose and actually grint away the plastic tub which is big $$.
I guess if you plan on tossing the washer out after it thrashes itself to death, then just let it rip. If you plan on keeping it or fixing it then I would get a bunch of parts on order, and set aside a weekend!
I did the bearing replacement on mine about 3 months ago and it is doing great. I'm back because a friend of mine has the same washer and he thinks his is getting noisy!
Joe

Our Kenmore model 41741052000 was diagnosed having bad bearings. Estimated labor $303.22. Estimated parts $288.23 for a total repair bill of $591.45 (including tax). Machine is almost 5 years old. Instead of tackling the repair myself (as outlined in the EXCELLENT messages above), we went to SEARS and complained about this design flaw. They agreed to give us an additional 20% off a Kenmore 46462 ($899.99 retail / $799.99 on sale / -20% = $639.99 - $65 service call credit = final price of $574.99.

We are hoping this Kenmore model holds up better than our last one

Two questions -

1. Should we purchase the 5 year "Master Protection Agreement" for $259.99?

2. Any of you located in the Portland OR / Vancouver WA area that might be interested in purchasing our Kenmore 4174 for parts? Other than bearing wobble and slight leak... it runs like a champ

Hi,

Yes, I always suggest to my customers always purchase the extended warranty on any new appliance that is electronically/computer controlled.

You can post your washer in the Buy Sell or Trade forum at this link:
http://www.applianceblog.com/mainfor...splay.php?f=62

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

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Thanks MUCH for your input Jake. I've followed BOTH of your recommendations

Glad to help Kellydebs.

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