Whirlpool Cabrio Washer WTW5640XW0 Tub Seal Leak?

[doughb]

Model Number

WTW5640XW0

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

More than 10 years

Hello! I have a 10 year old Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5640XW0 washer with some kind of leak.

I recently started noticing a burning plastic smell after running a wash load. Searches led me to believe it might be the capacitor. I looked around the machine, but never noticed anything that looked out of place, but and washer still works -- washes, rinses, spins. Nothing looks burned, there were no puddles, no smoke, etc.

I looked this week, and this time I found a black liquid inside the drive belt cover, as well as some splatter on the side of the machine. At first, I thought it was some kind of oil or chemical. (Is the transmission leaking?) On closer inspection, I believe it to be water filled with bits of a degrading main tub seal, as it smells (when cooled) more like soap/softener than chemicals or oil. Also, dried bits are like a black dust, and it cleaned off all the parts with no soap at all. I think the burning smell is the rubber-filled water running over hot motor parts.

I'd run a cleaning cycle first, and the smell wasn't so bad at the end. Then I ran the machine with laundry, and the burning smell was clearly evident at the end. I think it was because the heavier loaded drum pressed down on the seal more than the lighter empty tub did, causing more water to leak out.

I think I'm right, but before I tear the machine apart to put in a new seal, has anyone else experienced this? Does it sound like I got it figured out, or is there something else I should check?

 

[Jake]

On closer inspection, I believe it to be water filled with bits of a degrading main tub seal

That is quite possible.

Now when it spins does it sound like a jumbo jet taking off? If so then the water leaked into the transmission bearing and you'd to to replace the transmission too.

Here's the transmission for your model you can order:
W11132267 Gearcase


You will also need to order the spanner wrench as well: Spanner Wrench That removes the inner tub nut.

If no jumbo jet taking off sound in spin, then you can just replace the tub seal.

Here's the tub seal for your model:
Tub Seal W10324647


Watch this video:

Let us know how it goes.

Jake

 

[doughb]

Thanks, Jake. I'm not sure how quiet it's supposed to be on spin, but it doesn't sound much different to me. It just sounds like air whirring through the holes in the tub. I've ordered the spanner, and had to order a couple of nut drivers (because they just couldn't make all the screws the same size.) I'll post back when I get to work on it.

 

[doughb]

I just watched a video that demonstrated the "jet engine" sound, and no mine doesn't sound like that.

 

[Jake]

Ok, then yours just probably will need the tub seal, once you take the inner tub out you should be able to verify that.

Jake

 

[doughb]

I was able to get as far as removing the washplate. Things are pretty gross under there so far. All my tools and parts should be here by the weekend. Work like this always makes me nervous, but I once took apart my entire dashboard to replace the lights behind the instrument panel, so I should be okay.

 

[Jake]

Ok sounds good, yes keep us posted this weekend on what you find.

Jake

 

[doughb]

So the spanner came today. The hub will not budge though. The screws as well. I have the whole thing soaking with penetrating oil at the moment. Feeling pretty defeated right now.

 

[Jake]

I have the whole thing soaking with penetrating oil at the moment.

Give it time to soak in, give it till morning.

Jake

 

[doughb]

I was able to remove the first ring by using a hammer on the spanner. The six screws are still pretty well stuck. I guess my question now is, if I can pull all these parts straight up off the drive shaft, why can't I then pull the transmission straight out from the bottom? Why does the tub have to come out? (I'm also concerned about all the videos showing that the only way to pull off the tub is to use a car jack and 2x4.)

 

[Jake]

Why does the tub have to come out?

To take the weight off the transmission assembly.

Yes, Watch this video:

Jake