I have several questions regarding aluminum spiders, who makes them, and the do's and don'ts....
1. I know that Frigidaire and Whirlpool use them. Do other manufacturers use them as well? And what about Electrolux brand?
2. Do any companies sell the replacement spider only, or do they all force you to buy the steel inner tub WITH the spider?
3. On online forums, I have read that use of chlorine bleach and water softeners (a water softener machine, as opposed to say adding Borax to the wash) accelerate the corrosion of the spider. Some have written that use of non-HE detergents (or over-use of any detergent) is a factor. Others have written that placing aluminum in contact with steel in a watery environment sets up a galvanic reaction (like a battery) no matter what water and soap you use. What are your opinions on this issue, as far as do's and don'ts?
4. Which manufacturers are known to use steel spiders rather than aluminum? (did Frigidaire use aluminum from the outset, or did they switch from steel to aluminum to cut costs?). Also, what's odd is that the steel wash basket has a very long warranty, but the spider isn't covered....if the spider breaks, you have to buy a new basket-spider assembly.
My Frigidaire 2140 has never seen chlorine bleach or non-HE detergent, I don't have a water softener (but do add a few tablespoons of Borax to most loads---we have very hard water here), and it turns four years old next month. It would be nice to hope for ten years out of the machine, but my guess is that the spider will die before that point. So far the machine works great, cleans great, and has never needed servicing.
One board member here (golittlesport) gave his Frigidaire Gallery (3.1 cu ft) to his son, and by my reckoning the machine--if still running--should be 10+ years old; it was 8+ years old the last time he posted about it. Of course, the machine has most likely had excellent care by golittlesport and his son, and thus may not represent typical expected longevity for the average, less-informed consumer.