Is the current machine the Whirlpool you mention? Very likely could be just a drive coupler, which is equivalent to a belt. People don't throw their cars out just because a belt breaks, there's no reason to toss a washer for that reason. If that's the problem, you can get a coupler online for less than $15, and the fix is easy enough to do yourself.

Here's a YouTube video clip showing how to do it. There are several different arrangements for those console screws, your machine may have them on the front corners instead of in back. Be prepared that the motor is somewhat heavy, and you'll likely have some residual water in the pump. There may also be a capacitor on the motor (round black cylinder) with two wires to unplug along with the main wire harness. You can use any ratchet socket large enough to fit into the coupler for tapping it into place, doesn't have to be a spark plug socket. Make sure both halves of the coupler are tapped-on flush with the end of the shaft, but no further. When putting the outer cabinet back into place, make sure the slots in the back corners fit onto the two tabs on the machine's base.

It's easy enough to open up the machine to check the problem, so perhaps have a look, then decide whether to do the repair. Possibly if you look on the floor under the machine, you'll see some black powdery residue from the shredded rubber bushing, or even a piece of broken coupler.

Mini-baskets were exclusive to GE FilterFlo models. Those are off the market since the early 1990s, although you could possibly find one used.

Here is a link that might be useful: Replacing Whirlpool Washer Drive Coupler

Thanks for your reply. It may indeed be this part you mention but there is no way on earth I could attempt this repair.

The repairman charges $60 to walk in the door. Then the part. Then his time. If he doesn't have the part with him, whatever it is, he has to make another visit. Ka-ching, ka-ching.

I have already paid for a repair on this Whirlpool. It is ten years old--not nearly long enough--but too old to put another $100-$200 into it and then have another repair in months? a year?. This situation is very upsetting to me but I am between a rock and a hard place. Thanks again for the suggestion.

If you're dead-set on dumping the machine for a $15 part, then that's your choice, but I certainly wouldn't. If something else breaks in a year, what's the tragedy? You had another year's use for $15. Actually, I bought a coupler last week from www.partstap.com, $10.92, to repair a - tada! - 10-years-old Kenmore that a friend was going to dump.

Just curious ... did you watch the video? Is there a specific reason why you can't do the repair? Physical handicap, age, etc.? Do you have a handy-man friend who could do it? :-)

I can tell that you are a wonderful and helpful person. Yes, I did watch the video when you posted it. It is clear and well done, so much so that I can promise my first-born that I could never do that in a million years.

No, I don't have a handicap nor am I elderly. But that job is a difficult and challenging task, even with the video. Not to mention owning the necessary tools.

We are all gifted with something. You are gifted mechanically--I am not. I seriously doubt most people I know could do what you filmed. A very few could.

I could also tell from the video that it would take some very expensive time for an experienced appliance repairman to fix this. You're basically taking the entire machine apart. I spent $120 last year on this machine and it would be foolish to put another $150 into it.

I agree it is a sin that we are filling the landscape with dumped appliances after such a short time. I'm outraged, in fact. But manufacturers have left me no other choice. And I'm still looking for a reliable, long-lasting washer which, by reading this forum, does not seem to exist, no matter what you pay.

Thanks again for your kind help.

Maybe I shouldn't jump into this, but I just can't help myself. First, I completely agree with dadoes that it would be a shame to discard this machine if it can be repaired cheaply. But how sure are we of the diagnosis? Ginny, is there no one you know that you could ask to take a look at this job (with the help of the video)? Is there only one repair shop nearby? Can you call around and get some quotes? How about putting an ad on Craigslist for a handyman--there are surely some out there who would like the work. I have a Whirlpool washer that is more than 15 years old. I had to replace the timer a while back; $30 I think. I know that appliance repair is not cheap. I had to spend $160 on my new Asko because of an installation problem which should not have been my fault (another story). Even if you had to spend another $150 (which I don't think you do), that's much less than you will spend on a new machine (with installation, haul-away, etc.) I would urge you not to give up just yet.

like you I am about to try to repair a lid switch...hell what do I have to loose, $35 for a part and my time...if it works I save $399 which is what a replacement Kenmore will cost me.

I would recommend a Speed Queen TL.

Ginny12,

Whirlpool/Kenmore direct-drive washers are considered to be a reliable design. That mechanical design has been on the market now for 27 years. Upwards of 90 *million* machines have been produced. Again, assuming the drive coupler is the problem, it's equivalent to a belt. A belt is a normal "wear" item, like tires or belts on a car. You can't reasonably fault the manufacturer for that.

Changing the drive coupler is an easy repair. The procedure is exactly as outlined in the video (which by the way is not me, I simply found the clip on YouTube). A competent serviceman can do the job in probably 15 min, but of course most charge by the hour. Are you a single lady? You don't have a son, cousin, nephew, friendly neighbor down the hall or across the street who could help? I'd do the repair for you for free, and I'd even throw in the coupler. Contrary to what you say, you do have a choice to have the repair done. I don't understand why you're being defeatist about it.

Having done my share of Whirlpool repairs I have to agree with dadoes that this is probably the easiest repair you can do on a Whirlpool washer. I regularly complete this job in 15 - 20 minutes and that includes the paperwork.
If you don't want to do the service yourself call a couple repair shops and ask what the cost of a drive coupler replacement would be on a Whirlpool T/L. Most of the good shops should be able to let you know over the phone. Of course they will warn you that the price may be different if they find additional problems but most of the time I just replace the coupler and nothing else.

If your heart is set on only a new T/L washer I'd recommend another Whirlpool T/L.

FYI....I just changed a lid switch on mine...not quite as involved as your repair but if your are patient I'd at least give it a try!