FIXED WFW95HED bulge on side, knocking/screech sounds

[weakspin]

Model Number

WFW95HEDW0

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

6-10 years

While replacing the pump and hoses on our WFW95HEDW0, we noticed a sizable bulge on the right side of the unit along with a mark where it appears to have made impact against the side of the dryer (see attached photos). We suspect that due to the draining issues, something went awry with the suspension system and the drum made that dent.

The washer will spin full speed but before it gets to full speed, there is a screeching "skree skree skree" noise and some knocking. Once the washer gets to full speed, it's smooth as butter and the spin cycle finishes as per normal. At slow speeds, the machine appears to have a slight sway.

The drum appears to be level and not sunk in any way. The unit itself is level. Diagnostics pass.

The dent is on the right panel (right side when facing the machine front) and toward the rear. Assuming shock absorbers are needed and maybe suspension springs, too (might as well). Do these shocks have a gas charge?

What else could be causing that screeching noise?

EDIT: As soon as YouTube is finished processing, I'll post a video with the noises.

 

[weakspin]

The noise begins at the 20 second mark, continues a bit, stops, then restarts. For the whole four minutes of this video taking during the "Drain and Spin" selection, the washer was at ":13" remaining. Previously it had been able to spin, now it seems to have enough trouble to have given up. I stopped the video before it could make further attempts.

 

[weakspin]

Just read this thread of horrors. https://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/threads/ghw9150pw0-whirlpool-duet-broken-spider-arm.30568/

Does the WFW95HED also use an aluminum spider arm? Is this something we can proactively address when we have the unit apart (again) to replace whatever parts are causing these knocking/screeching sounds?

 

[weakspin]

This video is me manually rolling the drum in case any of these noises are helpful for troubleshooting.

This video is me manually shaking the drum front-to-back, hopefully not making things worse. There is a bit of a knocking sound that I think might be coming from the right hand side but maybe it's just what I want to hear because I know that is where the bulge was located.

 

[weakspin]

We checked the shocks, the rear shocks felt a bit light in comparison to the front shocks. That seems logical given the location of the bulge. The plastic drum shell appears intact along the area where it would have impacted the side.

Ordered four shocks plus a pair of suspension springs. Might as well.

But if any of you have reason to suspect the spider arm may be a problem, please do holler, thanks!

 

[Jake]

Yes, it seems the shocks are the problem, but that scraping noise worries me too when the drum spins, that could be a broken/cracked spider arm or the rear outer drum bearing.

This is what I tell others to do--->Check your shocks in the bottom of your washer that attaches to the bottom of the drum to make sure they are not broken, cracked, or bottoming out, or grease leaking out of them.

Here's the shocks for your model(Video Included in part link)

Whirlpool W11415987 Shock Absorber (AP6980109) - AppliancePartsPros.com

Shock absorber W11415987 / AP6980109 made by Whirlpool

click.linksynergy.com

 

[weakspin]

Thanks, Jake. Can the bearing itself be replaced or is that part and parcel of the drum?

I looked into getting a separate spider arm after that Thread of Horror and while I found replacement spider arms for other models. I did not see one for the Whirlpool.
I am guessing if it's either the spider or the bearing, just call it a day and get a new washer?

EDIT: Which video's scraping noise keyed you into bearing/spider?
That scraping noise is either the bearing or the spider, no other part? If that's the case, I wonder if it's even worth proceeding.

 

[Jake]

The bearing doesn't come separately, it only comes with the drum assembly.

I just noticed your model has the rotor and stator motor, I'd first unplug the machine and check those first.

Here's the rotor for your model, if needed: Rotor WPW10544980

This video shows you how to access it:

Here's the stator(motor) for your model, if needed:
WPW10657810 Stator

 

[weakspin]

Thanks Jake. Our current plan is to move forward with the shocks and springs and see where we're at. If those parts buy us a couple years or even just one year, we'll call it sufficient for the time being.

Do Speed Queen front loaders have a similar spider arm situation? Any other front loaders you can think of that don't do aluminum/steel combos? I was a believer of Whirlpool until the Thread of Horror. I understand most manufacturers have gone to aluminum spiders but I find that a bit more acceptable if I can purchase that part and replace it if/when needed. As much of a PITA as front loaders are, that's been my preference due to less wear and tear on clothing.

 

[Jake]

Do Speed Queen front loaders have a similar spider arm situation?

Not that I'm aware of.

Any other front loaders you can think of that don't do aluminum/steel combos?

That I don't know.

Our current plan is to move forward with the shocks and springs and see where we're at.

Ok, that sounds like a plan, let us know how it goes.

 

[weakspin]

FIXED with caveat: Noises persist indicating the spider, bearing, rotor, and/or stator may be failing.

Thanks Jake, interesting that the spider situation seems to be industry-wide.

Both suspension springs and all four shocks were replaced. Each one was in various states of function, one being very weak. I absolutely agree that if one shock is suspected of going bad, all ideally should be replaced. We did NOT disassemble to check the rotor/stator, bearings, or spider. It's not worth replacing any of those and/or the parts are not available. At this point, "The souffle will either rise or it won't."

Reassembled washer, ran a diagnostic cycle, clean pass.

Ran a test load of about eight or nine shirts on Quick Wash, it still has interesting noises but it otherwise runs well, spins at full speed, and the shirts come out as one would expect with the fastest spin. Videos are attached.

I'll try to remember to post an update if either we retire the washer or if it cashiers out on its own accord.

REQUEST: If possible, please confirm if the noises in these videos support the theory of the spider, bearing, rotor, or stator having trouble OR if they indicate something else. I am aware there is only so much that can be done online. I am also aware that this unit is approaching the average end of its life but I am optimistic that replacing the springs and shocks will allow it the best chance of living out its remaining years (months?).

This video is long but if you click on the chapters listed in the description, it'll take you to a few key moments of the screeching noise. The one around 55 seconds is hefty.

This video is short and shows the last bit of the final spin cycle.

Thanks again!

 

[Jake]

That sounds much better in both videos.

I barely heard a screeching at the 55 second mark in the first video. The second video, that one sounds more like that bearing than the inner tub spider support arm.

Good job replacing the shocks and springs.

For others following your thread I posted the shocks part link in post #6.

Here's the 2 suspension springs for your model(Video Included in part link), in case others need them too:
W11266650 Suspension Spring


Thanks for the update!

 

[weakspin]

That's great news, thanks Jake! I've done some reading about how to stack the deck in favor of the spider arm and am making changes to the laundry routine. As for the bearing, nothing much we can do there. Load sizes will be kept conservative to avoid undue stress. Aside from a spider arm that doesn't seem user serviceable (but apparently should have a long life provided a correct laundry process), Whirlpool does make a solid residential product, I'll give them that.

The washer has had a major workout since the repairs (today I am very grateful for a good washer) and it seems the noises are winding down. Settling into the changes? I don't know, but I do know the spin cycle is dramatically improved.

Great forum, great people, cheers!

 

[Jake]

The washer has had a major workout since the repairs (today I am very grateful for a good washer) and it seems the noises are winding down. Settling into the changes? I don't know, but I do know the spin cycle is dramatically improved.

Yes, it sounds very much improved, good job.

Great forum, great people, cheers!

Thanks! and also thanks for your donation.

We all help each other here in this forum setting, Paying it Forward is always good Karma.