Hi.

I am a total newbie when it comes to any wash machine repairs so bear with me if this is a stupid question.

I have a Whirlppol Ultimate Care II washer (don't see the model number, but can't get to the back of it easily). My primary problem is the washer stinks at all times so I am trying to clean it. I have been reading that I need to remove the inner tub and (maybe?) the outer tub so as to get to any black sludge that has built up.

Assuming that is the correct method for cleaning, I have gotten to the point where I am trying to remove the spanner nut and cannot budge the thing. Now, I am holding the inner tub with one hand and trying to turn counter-clockwise with the other so I may just not have the strength. But, is that the right direction? I have seen some washers with nuts that turn clockwise so I don't want to mess this one up.

I attached that might better explain where I am. Thanks in advance to any who can help me.

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It turns to the left, some are hard to get off, I use a hammer on the tough ones.

This link shows you how to take your washing machine apart properly:
http://www.applianceaid.com/direct.html

Jake

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Thanks, Jake, for your prompt reply. I got it off after a lot of pounding (glad I got an expert's "permission" for that!). I do have a few more questions, though.

First of all, I am concerned about the rusting I see in the agitator's metal "sleeve." I have uploaded a picture of it for you to see. Is this amount a real problem? Can I just scrape it off, apply WD-40 to it, and let it be? Or, does it need replacement?

Also, the bottom of the inner tub (looking at it upside down) has some sort of wheel-shaped guard around the hole and it looks pretty dirty to me. Does that need cleaning, as well? Does it come off? I am providing a picture of that one, too.

Finally, I have noticed that water swishes around inside the tub ring (I think that is what it's called) and I worry that it needs draining. However, I don't see a way to take it off and it says not to do so anyway. Does that not matter? Will it contribute towards the nasty smell?

Thanks, again, for all your help. While I am not ready to tackle anything like the pump or motor on this thing, I am glad to be able to do this much.

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I forgot to add that the outer tub has about a half-inch of water just sitting there and not draining away. Is that normal? If not, how should I tackle fixing that problem? Thanks again.

That inner tub looks extremely bad and rusted, I would say a new tub would be recommended. That plastic fins thing you see is the automatic lint filter, they all get that way after many years.

Whats the model# of your washer?

Yes, its normal for about a 1/2" or so of water to sit there.

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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Rats. So, you think the rust is too much to merely clean off? How much does an inner tub cost, I wonder? The model number for this washer looks like LSN1000Jq0. That "q" could be an "a" or something else, I can't really tell.

Also, does it matter that the tub ring has water in it as far as the smell is concerned? I'm not really sure how water got in there in the first place since I can't seem to pour it out from anywhere.

Thanks.

Ok. Well, I priced it locally at about $134. I guess that's a reasonable price, but it's still a lot of money. What are the cons if I just try to clean it up and not replace it?

Also, I discovered that the balance ring (I had been calling it a tub ring) is supposed to have water in it so never mind about that. I can get that lint filter/trap at the bottom of the inner tub for about $10. Is that difficult to remove and replace? Is it necessary? Thanks again for all of your help.

Well, my questions about the rust and lint filter are moot now. I bought a new inner tub from one place and some replacement filter plugs from another place.

However, it looks like I'll be returning the filter plugs since they are no longer necesary, according to the store I bought them from. It seems as if the lint filters didn't really work that well and the newer tubs just have 4 slits in them instead of holes so no lint filter is used.

I'm going to put it all back in now and hope that I do it correctly. Thanks for all of your help, Jake. Hopefully, I won't have to bother you again while I reinstall the tub.

Sorry, I had to go out of town the last couple of days.

Sounds like you got it!

Yes, its always best to get a new inner tub, rather than just trying to sand down the old one and re-paint it.

Here is the inner tub for your model in case others that have your comparable model can order it online:
Inner tub assembly with balance ring

also order:
Filter plug kit for inner tub, replaces round filter assembly

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