Thread Number: 40509
WHIRLPOOL DUET AND SAGGING SPRINGS! 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 599348   5/27/2012 at 21:15 (4,350 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        

We have a 2.5 year old Duet Washer model WFW9150WW00 which has begun to make all kinds of noises and gyrations when it is time to spin out the water after every fill. It does it regardless of cycle and spin speed selected.As it happens, we almost never use the highest spin speed anyway as the clothes come out pretty well dried after the low or medium spins.
The machine just bangs against the right side (looking at the front) and seems to be dipped down towards the front right if you pause the action. Eventually it will spin out enough water at a slow speed so that it can resume the normal selected speed but it then vibrates the machine so badly that it will walk the floor and cause anything on the top top vibrate off the machine.
I have readjusted the feet and re-leveled the machine and locked the feet as well numerous times but to seemingly no avail.
I took off the cover the other day and the suspension springs seem like they are stretched out and way too weak. I did not check the shocks yet but what actually goes wrong with them? Are they oil or gas filled or just some sort of dashpot type of dampening device.

WP has already changed the part number for the springs but the shock number is the same.Maybe they improved on them?

Does anyone happen to know if this has been a problem area for these machines?

Thanks
Steve




Post# 599376 , Reply# 1   5/27/2012 at 23:15 (4,350 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

This is the first I've heard of such issues.  Maybe John L. (combo52) will enlighten us.
Post# 599384 , Reply# 2   5/28/2012 at 00:16 (4,350 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

arbilab's profile picture
The hydraulic dampers CAN fail early. Springs tend to age well. I mean, the railroad industry ran on them for....... how long? But if the spring and the damper are the same part number, guess which one actually went bad.

Post# 599442 , Reply# 3   5/28/2012 at 10:31 (4,350 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

Sometimes the end of the shock absorbers disconnect from the outer tub frame. IF they are not broken you can reattach and twist to lock in place. If they are broken at the tub end, they will need to be replaced.If the bottom panel is removable, you will be able to see all 4 shock absorbers.

Post# 599477 , Reply# 4   5/28/2012 at 13:28 (4,350 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Duet Supension problems

 combo52's profile picture

Yes as John in Mass suggested check the shocks first, I have never seen a problem with the springs [ but this could be a first ]. My partner has had a Duet for 8 years and we always use the highest spin speed possible unless you are not using the dryer, your washer will likely last longer with the faster spin speeds [ to say nothing of your dryer or power bill ].
Post# 599478 , Reply# 5   5/28/2012 at 13:29 (4,350 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
Not much of a shock!

 John,
I just took off the lower panel and there are actually only 3 shocks on the unit.. 4 would have been a much better idea as it would have balanced the tub in another plane, but the 3 of them are still connected at both ends, but seem to be very lacking in any dampening ability. They call them hydraulic shock absorbers but they just seem to be some sort of spring loaded device. I know that my sister in law's machine is another dancing machine and I am now checking with my cousin in Arizona who also has the same machine to see what has been the story with her machine. She probably does as much laundry as us if not more.

So thanks for the input so far and I will keep you all informed.

Post# 599548 , Reply# 6   5/28/2012 at 21:48 (4,349 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        
Blown shocks?

 redcarpetdrew's profile picture
I've replaced a few shocks on the W/P machines. The give away for me has been to look at where the upper and lower parts of the shock where they meet. If there's a fair amount of grease showing, I replace them and the issue is solved. You can get the shocks one at at time as they do not come in combo packs. It's possible you have a bad spring but, as John said, I've never had to replace one...

RCD

Post# 599793 , Reply# 7   5/29/2012 at 23:52 (4,348 days old) by MattL (Flushing, MI)        

I'm not a Duet expert, but I have 3 and have tore 2 of them down to the basics and they all have 4 shocks.  I can't imagine how the units would function with only 3.  all of mine have one anchored at each corner, take a closer look, the missing shock may be your issue.  You may have to remove the back panel to get a good look.
Post# 599796 , Reply# 8   5/29/2012 at 23:58 (4,348 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Maybe there's an on-line illustration that shows where all four shocks are located.
Post# 599863 , Reply# 9   5/30/2012 at 09:12 (4,348 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
Three's (looking for )Company!

 Ralph, I had checked the parts manual first to see about part numbers and quantities and it shows only 3 shocks which I thought was odd too. I then pulled off the bottom panel to check to see if they had broken or detached and only saw the three of them exactly where the parts breakdown shows them.
This unit is a bit over 2 years home and made in Mexico. Weren't the older ones made in Germany which may be the case with yours?

Post# 599870 , Reply# 10   5/30/2012 at 10:06 (4,348 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
model must be defective

 pierreandreply4's profile picture
I think your washer model might be a defective model depending on the year it was build as i have a 2004 generation 1 duet washer thats going to be by summers end 9 year old and i have no such problem, it do bnot mean that it will be problem free eternaly as its will soon be a 9 year old model. You will be lucky if you can find the actual part but some parts might not be compatible as parts go depending on the washer model and serial number.

Post# 599886 , Reply# 11   5/30/2012 at 11:49 (4,348 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture

The springs and struts(shocks) are very much still available. I, too, thought it strange the first time I saw one with only 3 springs.

 

RCD
Post# 599889 , Reply# 12   5/30/2012 at 12:07 (4,348 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
Very Strange!

 Yes,Andrew,
I thought it strange to see 3 shocks on the parts list and then on the machine.

Also, I noticed when I had the top off, the plastic blocks thgt the suspension springs go through had started to wear a bit where the springs go through the holes. Not a very sturdy set up for the long term.

And Pierre, what model machine do you have? I would like to check out the differences between your machine and mine.
Steve

Post# 599901 , Reply# 13   5/30/2012 at 13:19 (4,348 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

We bought our Duet HT in early 2007.  We had to leave it behind when we moved because it and the matching dryer were too big for the new laundry room. 

 

Glad to hear there are three-spring models out there and that you're not imagining things -- except if yours had four springs you'd know what was wrong!
Post# 599920 , Reply# 14   5/30/2012 at 15:25 (4,348 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
my model number is:

 pierreandreply4's profile picture
Model:GHW9150PWO

Serie:CSS1710194

not a full pic of washer but a money shot of the controls sorry if picture is a bit blurry i was not in a good angle

Post# 599974 , Reply# 15   5/30/2012 at 20:40 (4,347 days old) by super32 (Blackstone Massachusetts)        
shocking

 super32's profile picture
Whirlpool is not the only one who has/had 3 shocks. We had 2 springs and 2 shocks to start, then added the 3rd rear shock, and towards the end we added the 4th shock to the front.

Post# 599977 , Reply# 16   5/30/2012 at 20:58 (4,347 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
WP Duet Sport

 combo52's profile picture

Many of these have only 3 shocks, WP upgraded and changed the shocks several times in response to various vibration and noise complaints. If you get us the model and Serial #s we can check if there is an upgrade for your machine, other than that I would replace all three shocks.
Post# 600150 , Reply# 17   5/31/2012 at 17:08 (4,346 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
Model and Serial numbers

 John, glad to see you may have a solution.. Model is WFW9150WW00
Serial:HLY4590937

Hopefully, they made a change for the better!
Thanks
Steve



Post# 602472 , Reply# 18   6/10/2012 at 19:57 (4,336 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
Any Luck, Combo52?

 John, I was wondering if you had found anything on the springs or the shocks that whirlpool may have upgraded. This past weekend, I had the top off to clean out the cold water valves which are piddling the water into the machine and will probably replace them, but I did notice that the tub does not sit level in the machine. It is nearly 1/2 inch lower in the front than in the back and tipped towards the side that only has the one shock(right side from the front view). You can watch the clothes move up towards the door and rub all over the glass and can see an empty space develop in the rear of the drum and then rock and bang when it is time to spin.

If the drum is heavily loaded with whites like towels and socks and such, it won't be so bad balancing itself since there are more than enough clothes to go around. On the load of my work uniforms, 4 pants, 4 shirts and one jacket, it moved the machine from side to side and banged like crazy. I had to pause it and then let it re-balance and it was okay after that.

There has to be some solution short of chucking the machine and getting a top-loader of vintage proportions!

Post# 602539 , Reply# 19   6/10/2012 at 23:09 (4,336 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
I am not sure if I've seen anything about upgraded shocks BUT I'll say it again. That front strut/shock should be replaced as this has solved issues like this for me in the field before. A new regular strut is better than a blown one which it sounds like to me... :^)

RCD

Post# 602599 , Reply# 20   6/11/2012 at 09:21 (4,336 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
Quick Questions..

 Andrew and John,
Are these shocks actually like a car shock with Hydraulic/fluid type of damping or are they just a spring loaded device? I think I mentioned that while they seem weak, there is no fluid leaking from them at all. Also, to remove and replace them, do you just have to turn them out of their mounting points?

Post# 602607 , Reply# 21   6/11/2012 at 10:09 (4,336 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)        

redcarpetdrew's profile picture
The shocks are not spring loaded. They are more of a grease filled dampening shock but I have replaced them for sagging/vibration/shake issues with success. The ends twist out but there are 1-2 tabs you push to enable them to twist. In the past, I've used a wrench to twist them until the tabs break and then remove but only if I can't get at the tabs (the tabs are on the strut base, not the tub itself. Look for a little raised 'nub' on the tub that lets you turn the strut base only one way...)

RCD

Post# 602615 , Reply# 22   6/11/2012 at 10:33 (4,336 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
Okay, I will move ahead on this

 Andrew, I am going to get all 3 shocks as well as the cold water valve as mentioned above and work on this project. I am still concerned that the tub is pitching down in the front, but will start with the shocks and go from there.

I will post the results after I get the parts.

Thanks,all for the help

Post# 602649 , Reply# 23   6/11/2012 at 12:49 (4,336 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        
Go for it Steve!

 rp2813's profile picture

I would think most appliance parts dealers would know if there's an upgraded part, and probably only carry that type at this point.
Post# 603251 , Reply# 24   6/13/2012 at 13:01 (4,334 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)        
The Deed is done! Oy Vey!

 Well, I was forced into ordering the parts we have been talking about here for a while.
The cold water valves crapped out so since none of the big local servicers in my area had the valve, I decided to get the valve, the springs and shocks and do the whole job when the parts come in. Also wound up ordering them Next day Air from SearsParts Direct since they also had everything on hand.
I could have done much better on Ebay but wanted to be sure that the parts would arrive when needed. I also opted for the springs since they were less than 6 bucks apiece.I figured that I had nothing to lose and maybe something to prove???

I will do the valve tomorrow as we now have my Sister and Dad visiting from Arizona and the rest maybe over the weekend or sometime next week.

I will post the results as they come in.
Again, Thanks to all for your help.
Steve


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