Speed Queen FL - In need of Service!

Okay guys, we all know how coveted these washers are, especially on the used market. Last fall I picked up this 2002 Speed Queen FL off CL for a song. The ad read that the machine leaked a little bit, but other than that, it worked fine.

A quick inspection at the seller's house exposed a small tear in the boot at the 3 o'clock position, and a moldy/gross detergent dispenser. I've seen worse, but this was close.

When I got it home it quickly became apparent that the bearings were also shot in the machine. It took several rinsing loads to get all the previous owner's soap out of the machine, and after removing the inspection panel, the whole front of the base is completely rusted. This thing was abused.

I'm at a loss. From what I've read in the service manual and online, it is highly suggested to replace both the bearing support and the drum spider at the same time, putting the cost of those two parts alone at about 400 bucks. The boot isn't a big deal, but I would also need to either buy a new top, or have it painted.

Anyone out there have much service experience with these? Is it possible to press out (I do have a press) the original bearings and press new ones in, then re-use the original drum spider? I have not tore it apart yet to see how the seal/bearings are set up, but the from the service drawings it doesn't look horrible to tear into.

Otherwise, I'll part it out and send it off to become a Kia.

Here is a pre-clean up photo. Poor thing.

Ben


Forum Topics & Rules Manuals & Literature	New users Click-here to sign-up

Post# 587085 4/4/2012 at 10:41 (4,397 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)
Checkrate/Likes Okay guys, we all know how coveted these washers are, especially on the used market. Last fall I picked up this 2002 Speed Queen FL off CL for a song. The ad read that the machine leaked a little bit, but other than that, it worked fine. A quick inspection at the seller's house exposed a small tear in the boot at the 3 o'clock position, and a moldy/gross detergent dispenser. I've seen worse, but this was close. When I got it home it quickly became apparent that the bearings were also shot in the machine. It took several rinsing loads to get all the previous owner's soap out of the machine, and after removing the inspection panel, the whole front of the base is completely rusted. This thing was abused. I'm at a loss. From what I've read in the service manual and online, it is highly suggested to replace both the bearing support and the drum spider at the same time, putting the cost of those two parts alone at about 400 bucks. The boot isn't a big deal, but I would also need to either buy a new top, or have it painted. Anyone out there have much service experience with these? Is it possible to press out (I do have a press) the original bearings and press new ones in, then re-use the original drum spider? I have not tore it apart yet to see how the seal/bearings are set up, but the from the service drawings it doesn't look horrible to tear into. Otherwise, I'll part it out and send it off to become a Kia. Here is a pre-clean up photo. Poor thing. Ben

Post# 587134 , Reply# 1 4/4/2012 at 12:48 (4,397 days old) by 58limited (Port Arthur, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes I don't know about repairing them, but having recently bought one I can tell you a new residential model with pedestal costs about $1400.00, so that can help you decide whether the $400.00 for parts is worth it or not.

Post# 587298 , Reply# 2 4/4/2012 at 23:16 (4,397 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)
Checkrate/Likes Yep - these machines new are not cheep, but considering the condition of this particular washer I'm not sure I even want to bother. If the bearings were a quick and easy fix then sure, otherwise I'll part this one out and wait for a nicer one to show up on CL. Ben

Post# 587383 , Reply# 3 4/5/2012 at 11:01 (4,396 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)
Checkrate/Likes There also the fact to consider that unless I'm mistaken, that machine appears to have a heater (judging by the 5 temp options) and that version cannot be gotten anymore!

Post# 587391 , Reply# 4 4/5/2012 at 12:15 (4,396 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)
Checkrate/Likes *a heater* Hey Jamie, when I first saw the machine at the seller's house, I was excited to see that it had a heater! Unfortunately - there must have been two models produced during this time with this 1 panel, and this particular model does NOT have a heater (LTS84AWH), even though the control panel indicates as such. strange! This post was last edited 04/05/2012 at 12:41

Post# 587470 , Reply# 5 4/5/2012 at 22:40 (4,396 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes *Replacing Bearings on a SQ FL Washer* This is not a bad job, Ben are you getting dealers price on the bearing kit? WE Did one a while ago and it cost less than $300 in parts.

Post# 587511 , Reply# 6 4/6/2012 at 07:58 (4,396 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)
Checkrate/Likes Good question John. I don't remember the exact total, but it was going to be around 350-400 dollars for the major parts from various distributors online. Fundamentally this is a great washer, but this exact unit is in such bad shape that I don't feel a 300 dollar investment is worth it. I wasn't sure if the bearing assembly had removable bearings or if the whole thing needed to be replaced. I'm going to part it out and wait for a nicer example to come along. They are out there. Thanks for the encouragement! Ben

Post# 587662 , Reply# 7 4/7/2012 at 07:45 (4,395 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *Bearings* I thought the SQ machines were designed for service and that a bearing change wasn't a big deal. Malcolm

Post# 587865 , Reply# 8 4/8/2012 at 06:34 (4,394 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)
Checkrate/Likes ya John showed me a bearing spider out of a SQ just last month. I don't see why those bearings can't be pressed out and new ones pressed in. And isn't the outer and inner tub stainless steel? I can see why judging by the cabinet you want a newer one. That guy really did abuse it! I have a Horizon (same machine) in my apartment and it has been going strong for over 10 years with tenants! The only problem was the prior tenants loved to wash belts with pants so they ripped the boot yanking the belts out of the machine.