Washer spin cycle very noisy, and vibrates a lot!

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi everyone and thank you for your input! We just moved to a place with an old washer/dryer not covered by the landlord, and the washer stopped spinning within a few loads. It's a top load Kenmore Elite SM 9711174 Model: 11023012102 Series: CP1401688. The repairman found the motor coupler broken, and changed it. He said it was probably a heavy load that broke it. Now, the washer vibrates a lot, and makes a lot of noise, there's a rhythmic clang happening regularly as well. I checked the laundry, redistributed it evenly, same issue (medium load of t-shirts and underwear, no heavy stuff). I then looked at the spin basket, and it was off kilter. I moved it back to an upright position, and all the noise and vibration stopped! Alas, it was just momentary, as the spin basket quickly resumed its tilted position, vibration and noise. I removed the laundry, and tried again: same issue, albeit a tad less noisy. Is it possible that this issue is what broke the motor coupler in the first place? Is it even repairable? If so, I think it should be covered by the repairman, no? The motor coupler is under a 4 month warranty. Thanks again!

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Comments (3)

dadoes
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
That is not a valid Kenmore model number. Look for the model/serial tag under the rear edge of the lid. The model syntax is xxx.xxxxxxxx

The serial number is coded for the year and week of manufacture. Cite that also if you want to know the age.

All that being said, reference to a motor coupler indicates it's a WP-built direct-drive unit.

Common cause of an off-kilter tub is the rear counterbalance spring either 1) breaks or 2) the mounting hole for it on the base pedestal rail rusts through. If 1, replace the spring. If 2, the fix is drill a new hole near the original and hook the spring to it. Either problem with this spring has no relation whatsoever to the motor coupler.

If not this spring, then further investigation is needed to determine the problem.
Anna S thanked dadoes
Anna S
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thank you very much! I am now looking into finding the spring and fixing it myself, just not having much luck as I am unable to isolate the spring in the schematics (Model: 11023012102 Series: CP1401688): https://www.searspartsdirect.com/model/5jpmahhwyt-000583/kenmore-elite-11023012102-washer-parts. I will also check out the machine tomorrow and see whether the mounting hole is rusty.
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dadoes
6 years ago
I missed seeing your reply until now.

Serial number indicates manufacture in the 14th week (3/31 - 4/4) of 2003.

The spring I'm referencing is #15 on the Machine Base diagram. One end anchors to the bracket, the other hooks into a hole in the base rail. The replacement package includes three springs. This spring at the back counterbalances the weight of the motor at the front, and the required tension varies depending whether the motor is 1, 2, or 3-speed (more speeds = heavier motor). Match the color of a bit of paint smeared on the spring to the color of stripes on the motor. Yours is probably 3-speed, which is the green spring.

It's accessible from the left side by removing the machine's outer cabinet. You can find instructions online how to do that, including videos on YouTube.

All this being said, and the tub sitting askew being a good indication, your problem may or may not be this spring.

Machine Base Parts Diagram

Counterweight Spring P/N 285901 (search the number for price at various sources)