Kenmore 80 series basket not spinning - bad basket drive?

[Tlarson]

Model Number

9711031

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

Hello,

First of all, thank you for having such a wonderful forum. This is the best source of information I have found so far in trying to triage my washing machine.

Problem: Washing machine basket does not spin - Kenmore 80 series.

The agitators work fine,but the basket does not. During spin cycle, the motor is running, the clutch spins, and if I manually try to spin the basket, it turns weakly until what appears to be friction slows it down to a halt. If I leave it in spin mode, a burning smell begins to appear.

I've already taken the washer apart and put it back together a couple times. The lid switch works fine, the timers seem to work, the motor coupler is in good shape, and the water pump drains correctly and is free of debris. I replaced the clutch, but this did not improve the situation.

Before the washer broke, it was rather loud during the spin cycle. And according to my wife, it made a loud BANG sound at the end of the last spin cycle that worked.

Based on this information, I think that the bearings in the basket drive must have gone bad. This must be preventing the basket from spinning.

Does this sound correct? Is there anything else that could be causing this issue?

Thank you, and hoping this posts helps anyone else in the future who has this issue.

 

[rickgburton]

Check if the drive block is worn:

 

[Tlarson]

Well folks, I have an update for you.

I managed to convince my wife to hold off on buying a new washer, and ordered a replacement basket drive (and spanner wrench for the tub nut.)

I take off the console, the cabinet, and agitator assembly, all good so far. I try to take off the tub nut but it's not budging. I notice a little rust coming off. Now I work with hydraulics, so I'm not to worried about some old threads being a little tight. I soak the tub nut threads in WD-40 and really lay into it. Lots of rust flying off now. somethings not right. I notice that the tub nut isn't quite concentric with the tub anymore.

The whole bottom base of the center basket tube is rusted out. By laying into the tub nut, I had almost sheared the center tube of the basket clean off.

A new inner tub is something like $200 from what I can tell. I figure if it's this bad, the washer is probably a lost cause at this point. Wanted to share the conclusion for future visitors. Pics for your entertainment: