FIXED Whirlpool WTW5000DW1 Strangely unbalanced tub makes loud banging noises with video

[EmbeddedMan]

Model Number

WTW5000DW1

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

1-5 years

I'm looking at a WTW5000DW1 that has been making extremely loud banging noises during spin cycles for quite some time now. I replaced the four spring hangers with no effect. Here's a video of the test mode low spin cycle with the lid open : https://photos.app.goo.gl/yCD4gQa5JAUUkMc59

I have run the calibration cycle with no change in behavior.

There are no stored error codes. Self test mode completes without any problems/errors.

If I run the high speed test cycle, the thing feels like it's trying to destroy the house. Wife is sure the machine has evil spirits living in it that come out during spin cycles.

To me it looks like the tub is extremely unbalanced for some reason, but I don't know if this is just a bit of 'normal' wiggle or not.

Any ideas as to what to check out/replace next to fix this possessed machine?

Thanks for any help -
*Brian

 

[Jake]

Ok, check the top tub ring and see if it's damaged or broken.

Also the inner tub basket should have a liquid sound in it when you turn it, that liquid is used to balance the inner tub basket properly, if you don't hear that liquid splashing in the top of your inner tub basket then that's likely the cause.

Here's the top tub ring for your model:

Whirlpool W10849477 Ring-Tub (AP5988920) - AppliancePartsPros.com

RING-TUB W10849477 / AP5988920 made by Whirlpool

click.linksynergy.com

Here's the inner tub basket assembly for your model:

Washing Machine Inner Tub - W10752719 | Fast Shipping - Repair Clinic

Buy Inner Tub, Part #W10752719 with fast shipping! Our 365-day return policy guarantees you'll always get the right part!

www.anrdoezrs.net

Jake

 

[JBWILLI]

I have this exact same model and extreme vibration during spin. I too replaced both springs with OEM new. NO help! Calibrtated...no help! Going back in today in search of cause. My assumptions are broken/cracked outer tub mount ears broken. Gear case mount loose or broken. Flat spot on drive belt One of new support rod/springs came loose? I have NOT checked the upper tub rig, but will. How do I check for the 'sloshing water' sound you mention between the inner and outer tubs? This confuses me...how does it get there? Surely it does come new with water in it? How could it leak out? HELP PLEASE!

 

[JBWILLI]

I'm looking at a WTW5000DW1 that has been making extremely loud banging noises during spin cycles for quite some time now. I replaced the four spring hangers with no effect. Here's a video of the test mode low spin cycle with the lid open : https://photos.app.goo.gl/yCD4gQa5JAUUkMc59

I have run the calibration cycle with no change in behavior.

There are no stored error codes. Self test mode completes without any problems/errors.

If I run the high speed test cycle, the thing feels like it's trying to destroy the house. Wife is sure the machine has evil spirits living in it that come out during spin cycles.

To me it looks like the tub is extremely unbalanced for some reason, but I don't know if this is just a bit of 'normal' wiggle or not.

Any ideas as to what to check out/replace next to fix this possessed machine?

Thanks for any help -
*Brian

Did you solve your issue? I have exact same issue on exact same model and replaced springs.rods with OEM new..NO HELP! THX!

 

[JBWILLI]

*** UPDATE *** I went back in to check belt and all majpr mount bolts and both tubs for crack/etc. FOUND 6 dimes, 2 pennies and a nickel in lower section of inner tub in between its inner and out wall. THIS MUST BE IT...RIGHT? Removed inner tub, cleaned thoroughly, turned it over many times in all positions, blew shop air inside all little slots on bottom until I could hear no more coins. Re-assy'd and ran on DRAIN and SPIN with no clothes in it...ran the complete cycle with LOW VIBS ONLY (during SPINS)! Added a full load, ran on NORMAL....it shook the house down in SPIN cycles. ...but wait... I forgot to recalibrate. Emptied load and went to bed.

Got up this am an recalibrated. Added 4 tee shirts and 2 pair underwear.. ran on QUICK WASH, EXTRA LIGHT cycle. Ran full cycle with LOW VIBS ONLY during SPINS . NOW waiting for a normal load of dirty clothes to wash. *** I tricked the lid lock so I could watch the action during all runs above. I noted the inner tube sways far off center at initial LOW RPMs as it spools into SPINS . It pushes the outer tub (supported by the NEW OEM springs) to the outside and into a swinging motion!

This create a low frequency HEAVY vibration that quickly goes away as soon as the RPM goes up a just a bit! it runs much smoother at higher RPMS all the WAY up to full RPM. This is a smaller tighter off center motion and higher frequency vibration that vibrates the outer sheer metal walls, but not bad.

I CANNOT HELP but think that inner tub is somehow out of balance all alone. Could it it have a heavy buildup of soap scum in its hidden from sight inner walls? Could more coins be trapped in the same area and be lodged so tight I cannot hear them or get them to fall out. I am at wits end. I need to run a full load before I assume that, as I said, it was not calibrated on the last full load! I will update at the SAGA continues. more to come!

 

[Jake]

Hi,

Check your hub first.

Here's the hub for your model:
W10528947 Hub


Here's a video to access/replace it:

--->Look at these photos below of the hub teeth grinded down to smooth. It should NOT be grinded down to smooth.

Let us know what you find.

Jake

 

[Rascal09]

Hello!
I also replace the rod suspension kit with OEM parts directly from whirlpool with no success. I'm leaning towards the hub as well.
Below is a link to a video showing the play in my hub.

20220919_191707.mp4

drive.google.com

 

[JBWILLI]

For sure, your plastic hub is completely worn out! It splines tightly to the splined steel shaft. By design, It is made of plastic (low cost) so it wears out BEFORE the steel shaft (high cost gearbox) can. Before you give up, replace it and see if all the play is corrected. Please post results!

 

[Rascal09]

Got the part on order. Should arrive tomorrow and will let you know! I plan to run the re-calibrate after installing the new parts before i run a load.

I have one more side bar question here. The "balance ring" i keep hearing about. On my model it appears the ring is sonic welded to the tub. When i turn the tub over i can hear water running through it much like a rain stick. Is this water supposed to be contained in the plastic ring itself or throughout like i hear it?

 

[JBWILLI]

I just went through the same issues you are going through. I broke down and bought a 3.5 smaller, but almost identical Whirlpool that has an agitator and on sale at LOWES, just to get the home laundry back going. I have my washer like yours in the shop trouble shooting. *** Be sure you push that horseshoe retaining clip all the way in when you replace that hub (makes it fit tight). Inspect your shafts metal splines and ensure they are not worn badly... they are most likely good!

This hub and the suspension springs are the top 2 causes of part failures leading to vibrations! *** Your inner tub has 2 plastic balance rings....a lower and and upper. They are sealed with salt water. They are crimped to your stainless steel center section of your one piece integral inner tub. They are not designed for removal. There is no water in the center stainless inner tub area. Normal wash/rinse water flows in and out the many holes in it.

When in your clothes spin, these inner tub holes allow the water to centrifuge outward and out of your clothes and to the outer inner tub wall where it falls to bottom and is pumped out, getting your clothes drier and drier, removing as much water as possible! This water ALL drains to empty when all the water is pumped out of your washer. The water in both the top and bottom plastic balance rings remains!

 

[Jake]

Hello!
I also replace the rod suspension kit with OEM parts directly from whirlpool with no success. I'm leaning towards the hub as well.
Below is a link to a video showing the play in my hub.

20220919_191707.mp4

drive.google.com

Yes, its definitely a bad hub like @JBWILLI mentioned, BUT also check the transmission shaft and see if its rusty/corroded, like this one:


If so, you'd need to replace the transmission too.

Here's the transmission(gearcase) for your model: W11454734 Gearcase

Jake

 

[Rascal09]

Yes, its definitely a bad hub like @JBWILLI mentioned, BUT also check the transmission shaft and see if its rusty/corroded, like this one:
View attachment 68400

If so, you'd need to replace the transmission too.

Here's the transmission(gearcase) for your model: W11454734 Gearcase

Jake

Thanks Jake!
I'm really hoping it isn't that as well or I'm giving up.
156$ in rod suspension - Done
40$ in new hub - On its way
232$ in gearcase. - i sure hope not ( will check when out of work)
I could go new at that point.

 

[JBWILLI]

Thanks Jake!
I'm really hoping it isn't that as well or I'm giving up.
156$ in rod suspension - Done
40$ in new hub - On its way
232$ in gearcase. - i sure hope not ( will check when out of work)
I could go new at that point.

I agree with your logic on new vs repair! To give yourself the best change at success, clean the splines real good. As loose as your hub is, use a normal or wire tooth brush and stroke up and down to clean out those spline grooves! Get any rust/grime out of them. This will make the spines 'deeper' and a better fit for the new hub. Those spines are pretty hard and tough, but any grime/rust left in the bottom grooves of the splines. You want the most inner splines on the new hub to fit deep into those grooves!

 

[Jake]

Ok, let us know what you find.

Jake

 

[Rascal09]

Ok, let us know what you find.

I agree with your logic on new vs repair! To give yourself the best change at success, clean the splines real good. As loose as your hub is, use a normal or wire tooth brush and stroke up and down to clean out those spline grooves! Get any rust/grime out of them. This will make the spines 'deeper' and a better fit for the new hub. Those spines are pretty hard and tough, but any grime/rust left in the bottom grooves of the splines. You want the most inner splines on the new hub to fit deep into those grooves!

The new hub has been installed and we are 3 loads in right now without the wash machine bouncing to another room of the house!

 

[JBWILLI]

The new hub has been installed and we are 3 loads in right now without the wash machine bouncing to another room of the house!

I know how you feel. I too am chasing same issue and replaced springs and hub and my gear box/shaft is fine. Same result as you, but I was sold fake OEM springs, so that is still open! The inner tub upper balance ring may or may not have fluid in it. I am not giving up. I already replaced my washer with the 3.5 Whirlpool with agitator, but I am hell bent of fixing this 4.3 like yours! I will keep you posted on any success! You may have to do what I did, replace it and decide to toss your old one OR wait for a solution!

 

[Jake]

The new hub has been installed and we are 3 loads in right now without the wash machine bouncing to another room of the house!

Sounds good, glad to hear that.

Thanks for the update!

Jake

 

[JBWILLI]

Sounds good, glad to hear that.

Thanks for the update!

Jake

GREAT...I misread your earlier post..I thought it was still bouncing! Great to hear the hub solved it!