FIXED GE Washer GTW460ASJ6WW Shaft play?

[jrob56]

Model Number

GTW460ASJ6WW

Brand

GE

Age

1-5 years

Hello,

Pretty mechanically inclined but just not much experience with washers specifically. I have a GE GTW460ASJ6WW, serial number is MH169490G. Bought it used, had it several years and mostly worked well. Wife has complained about some clothes coming out wet here and there, yesterday start getting some noise from the bottom of the machine, have 3 loads to go before a trip so I pushed it to get them done and last few loads they are soaked had to ring them out before putting in the dryer. Tipped it up and belt is toast(not surprised the clothes were wet), fine pieces everywhere like its slipping and looks like it took a rib off so I at least need a belt. Pulled the pulley just to check teeth and have a little side to side movement in the shaft. How much shaft play is okay or is this a new transmission/bearing situation?

Video of noise

New video by Josh Roberson

photos.app.goo.gl

Video of play

0 new items by Josh Roberson

photos.app.goo.gl

Thanks,
Josh

 

[Jake]

Hi Josh,

Yes, per your video's you'd need a new transmission and belt.

Here's the transmission(aka Platform Bearing Retainer & Fasteners): Platform Bearing Retainer & Fasteners WH03X33729

Here's the belt:
WH01X24697 Drive Belt


Another member had a similar issue here:

FIXED - GE washer GTW330ASK2WW squeak while agitating

Happy Holidays! New issue with our GE Washer GTW330SK2WW: Squeaks while agitating only Christmas Eve of course: Pumps seems fine, no noise while emptying the drum Pulled the agitator out hoping something was under it Spin seems fine with no odd noises I saw this thread, I believe I'll try the...

www.applianceblog.com

 

[jrob56]

Thank you! Anything specific that causes this? Large loads, uneven loads or wobbling? Wondering if old suspension rods letting load move around more would lead to failure?

 

[Jake]

It could be a number of reasons, all you mentioned could cause the transmission to go bad.

Usually when the suspension rods/springs go bad, the tub will bang the side of the washer cabinet WITHOUT any clothes in the tub, so if it wasn't doing that, we can rule that out.

 

[jrob56]

Thank you, with some uneven loads would see that once in awhile but not empty. Parts on the way and Ill report back after, Ill run an empty test to rule out the rods being bad. Thank you for all your help!

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good, yes let us know how it goes.

 

[jrob56]

Part showed up yesterday and was identical, fast shipping too, estimate was Thursday when I ordered on Friday. The agitator and the large nut in the wash basin were easily the worst part of the install. Screwdirver method for the agitator removal would not work for me, I ended up using a strap wrench like in the video below to get that off. A wrench on that large nut in the wash basin was just not cutting it, didn't want to spend 80 plus for the tool, but I did find a 33mm(rare size) impact socket locally at Oreilly auto parts for a FWD car axle nut and zipped that off with an impact. Note: do not use an impact in a metal wash tub if your kids are sleeping! The rest of the work on the bottom was quick and easy. Note for anyone else, take the bearing platform out first and then remove the push in wire retainers. They break without fail unless you get them from the top side and you can get to all of them once you have the whole assembly off the wash tub.

If anyone else has a similar noise as mine, I did find on teardown that 1 full rib of my original belt had wrapped itself around the electric motor shaft and was hidden behind the pulley. Pretty sure this is the hitting tin almost bell like noise you hear in the first video above. As it came around it was hitting the metal shield for the electric motor. Curious if the belt was the main issue as it was slightly bigger, guessing stretched from age, and finally started to separate. Enough play in that shaft though I'm glad I went ahead and did the whole bearing platform.

Thank you for all your help Jake!

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/performance-tool/performance-1-5-16-inch-33mm-axle-nut-socket-1-2-inch-drive-6-point/pfm0/w80553

 

[Jake]

Excellent, good job fixing your washer.

Thanks for the update and the added information you provided!