Thread Number: 50923
Help needed 1999 (not quite vintage) Amana washer question
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Post# 732112   1/31/2014 at 19:03 (3,735 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
I am replacing the bearings, spin hub, seals and belt etc. on a (I think) 1999 Amana Automatic Washer. Could anyone PLEASE tell me which direction this 1 1/2" nut is supposed to turn to remove??? This would be looking from the top of the tub down. Does it turn counter-clockwise (lefty loosy) or what? I have soaked it for a week with penetrating oil and it won't budge...

Any help would be appreciated!

Rick





Post# 732217 , Reply# 1   2/1/2014 at 10:45 (3,734 days old) by thefixer ()        

Counterclockwise

Post# 732319 , Reply# 2   2/1/2014 at 18:05 (3,734 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
Thank you!

crevicetool's profile picture
The nut was removed in a counter-clockwise direction after clamping the transmission to the super structure, and putting a 3/4" iron pipe through said super structure onto which I placed my 189 lbs. of human being so that the entire assembly would not rotate. Then by using a 24", 1/2" drive breaker bar with three extensions attached, the nut finally loosned it's grip on the splined shaft. Quick use of an automotive gear puller demolished the spin hub and it was necessary to chisel/pnuematic grinder that off into about thirty pieces, of course supporting it against the outer tub with plywood to as to not cause undo stress on the two shafts. Other than that, it went quite well. Tomorrow, I will begin the task of cleaning everything so that I can bring the parts home Monday night and begin the reassembly. The motor is good and spins freely both directions at both speeds with no side-play so I am hoping to get another fifteen years out of this machine.

Thanks again,

Rick


Post# 732417 , Reply# 3   2/2/2014 at 02:11 (3,734 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
Barbara Hale would have had that off in 1/4 the time

Post# 732424 , Reply# 4   2/2/2014 at 05:12 (3,734 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Please...

mrb627's profile picture
continue to post pictures of your restoration progress.

Malcolm


Post# 732539 , Reply# 5   2/2/2014 at 19:46 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
Well, if you're interested OK.......but, keep in mind...

crevicetool's profile picture
this ain't a DD Hoover triplet-tub, or a Apex Duo-Matic. Nothin' special like that. It is in fact a 1999 Amana washing machine (I understand built by Speed Queen) and it's just a plain ole' washing machine. Nothing fancy.

I had to dig out some of the parts from the trash as I didn't think anyone would be interested in seeing any part of this...and it's not a restoration, just a repair.

So, here's what's left of the spin hub, (BTW, pardon me if my washer language isn't up to you guys' level)seals, and bushing.

Believe it or not, I only damaged one spline on the spin shaft, and was able to grind it sorta back in shape so I don't think it will impede the installation of the new hub.


Post# 732541 , Reply# 6   2/2/2014 at 19:53 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
This is the before shot of the centrifugal linterator (otherwise known as, I have no idea what this is known as).

Post# 732542 , Reply# 7   2/2/2014 at 19:54 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Nasty upper bearing thingy....

Post# 732543 , Reply# 8   2/2/2014 at 19:55 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Lower part of the upper bearing thingy...

Post# 732544 , Reply# 9   2/2/2014 at 19:59 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Disintegrated panel separation anti-vibrate material which I will be replacing.

(this panel is resting against my new old electric range awaiting restoration)


Post# 732545 , Reply# 10   2/2/2014 at 20:01 (3,733 days old) by washman (o)        
Yikes!

that looks ugly. You sure have your work cut out.

Post# 732547 , Reply# 11   2/2/2014 at 20:06 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Here is the transmission, brake assembly, pulley, and associated hardware all cleaned up. I didn't take any pictures of them dirty, because I thought that surely no one would care to ever see this repair posted on here...

I'm surprised at how much the brake resembles an automotive clutch pressure plate.


Post# 732548 , Reply# 12   2/2/2014 at 20:07 (3,733 days old) by washman (o)        
Wow,

that is one hefty tranny. Nowhere near the famous Arc-Cuate used for so many years, but still pretty hefty.

Post# 732549 , Reply# 13   2/2/2014 at 20:10 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Super structure...

The lower bearing is still in place, I haven't decided if I am changing it out or not. I see/feel nothing wrong with it right now - but then again, if I've got the whole thing torn apart...



Post# 732550 , Reply# 14   2/2/2014 at 20:13 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
See? I knew my washer vernacular wasn't up to snuff....

crevicetool's profile picture
Here is the Arc-Cuate all cleaned up. Quite a difference huh?

Post# 732551 , Reply# 15   2/2/2014 at 20:15 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
As are the other parts....

Post# 732552 , Reply# 16   2/2/2014 at 20:17 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Here's a coffee pot....

Post# 732553 , Reply# 17   2/2/2014 at 20:19 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
And everything tucked away until the parts show up...I'll post the reassembly if you want.

Post# 732554 , Reply# 18   2/2/2014 at 20:20 (3,733 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Just in Case...

mrb627's profile picture
You decided to throw in the towel, here is a brand new machine with a damaged cabinet. You could make a new machine combining it with your good cabinet.

Malcolm


CLICK HERE TO GO TO mrb627's LINK on eBay


Post# 732555 , Reply# 19   2/2/2014 at 20:21 (3,733 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
No Amana Clothes Washers were thus far harmed in the making of this photoplay.

Post# 732557 , Reply# 20   2/2/2014 at 20:24 (3,733 days old) by washman (o)        
Here's a pic

of an old ad that talks about the Arc-Cuate transmission.

Post# 732558 , Reply# 21   2/2/2014 at 20:27 (3,733 days old) by washman (o)        
mrb627 I would be halfway

tempted to snag that just for parts but alas, too far away.

Post# 732660 , Reply# 22   2/3/2014 at 11:36 (3,732 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)        

You would think that the seller of that damaged Speed Queen would at least have a photo of the damage in his auction. That single photo just doesn't cut it.

Post# 732665 , Reply# 23   2/3/2014 at 12:09 (3,732 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Several Photos

mrb627's profile picture
attached to the auction.

Malcolm


Post# 732720 , Reply# 24   2/3/2014 at 18:29 (3,732 days old) by estesguy (kansas)        
Surprised....

I'm surprised you got that many years out of it. My 2000 Amana started roaring at 5 years, but then I relegated it to the downstairs laundry. Then one night the kids came out saying the machine was smoking out the top. Out to the curb. It wasn't until we moved it out, I could see where it had been leaking water all along. Thank goodness it was on a concrete floor downstairs. One of the biggest pieces of junk I have ever owned with only a 6 year life span. So much for "commercial quality" on the console. The dryer was equally annoying with a "thump-thump" every time the drum seam went over the rollers until they warmed up.



This post was last edited 02/03/2014 at 18:49
Post# 732775 , Reply# 25   2/4/2014 at 07:44 (3,732 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture

Looks good so far, Rick.  You're doing a very thorough job, all the way to the lower bearing, I would call that a restoration!

 

15 years from this washer is nothing to scoff at, pretty admirable really.  Amana got much worse in 2002 when Maytag acquired Goodman. I was seeing Maytag-Amana machines in the junk pile a few days out of warranty.


Post# 733715 , Reply# 26   2/8/2014 at 12:57 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
Well, heres where we're at so far.....(for now)!

crevicetool's profile picture
The parts came in, and after sorting out what came in The "hub and seal kit", what didn't, and having to order additional parts - (returning others, then placing another order for still more parts....three days in as many trips....

The re-assembly begins.


Post# 733720 , Reply# 27   2/8/2014 at 13:05 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
BTW, a replacement machine was purchased. It was on clearance as it was a floor model. At the time considering the cost of the parts and the effort in repairing the Amana, it made sense to just put the Amana out on the curb - but,

turns out this thing (pictured below) is a GE made by the POS corporation. The only thing it is capable of doing is tying sheets into knotted balls of fabric the whole time deciding what it "feels" is hot water, warm, etc. And, the "super" water level stands at about six inches from the bottom of the tub.

The minute the Amana is returned to it's rightful place in the laundry room, it's going back!


Post# 733722 , Reply# 28   2/8/2014 at 13:08 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Here's the transmission installed with new upper and lower bearings, and brake pads.

Post# 733726 , Reply# 29   2/8/2014 at 13:11 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Better view of upper bearing. The picture is not upside down, even though it appears to be in a lower position, once the install is complete it will be in the upper position. For now, you will have to stand on your head while viewing this picture for the proper perspective.

Post# 733727 , Reply# 30   2/8/2014 at 13:13 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
This is the interior view of the GE by POS. BTW, I'm not blaming GE, it's not their fault they have to conform to regulations....

Post# 733728 , Reply# 31   2/8/2014 at 13:15 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Returning now to the Amana....

Here's the unit installed back in the cabinet ready for the next step.


Post# 733731 , Reply# 32   2/8/2014 at 13:20 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
which is.....

crevicetool's profile picture
the new spin hub. It had to be "persuaded" on a little, but it is nice and shiny. The nut that started this thread went back on very nicely and with the new nylon spline insert, it torqued down to the specified 70 ft lbs quite readily.

Post# 733735 , Reply# 33   2/8/2014 at 13:28 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
It just occured to me that I didn't ....

crevicetool's profile picture
take any photographs of the new seal installation.....rats! I must say I did an outstanding job of that. Oh well, unless I were to tear all of out (which ain't gonna happen) just to take pics, you'll have to trust me on this one.

Below is the tub installed and the drive bell.


Post# 733737 , Reply# 34   2/8/2014 at 13:37 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
The machine sat now until the following day when I ran it through the prescribed procedures to lube the seals, and to allow the sealant to cure. Then the machine got a water leak test, and operational test on both speeds. So far, everything is working just fine.

Moved the GE out, and re-installed the Amana.

You'll see a slight color difference on the dryer if you look closely. That's because I got it out of the garbage. It replaced a 1988 TOL GE that lasted longer than it's mate, a Filter-Flo. I put a new motor in the Amana dryer (which is why it was thrown away) and it's been good ever since.


Post# 733738 , Reply# 35   2/8/2014 at 13:40 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
And now,

crevicetool's profile picture
How do you say "Currency image" in English?



Oh! Money Shot...


Post# 733740 , Reply# 36   2/8/2014 at 13:42 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Money shot number two with a "less than satisfied feeling" moments later....

Post# 733741 , Reply# 37   2/8/2014 at 13:43 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
The motor quit.

Post# 733742 , Reply# 38   2/8/2014 at 13:47 (3,727 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
WOW

mrb627's profile picture
I had forgotten that the Amana version of the Speed Queen went to a plastic outer tub. And after all that, the motor gives up? WTF?

Malcolm


Post# 733743 , Reply# 39   2/8/2014 at 13:49 (3,727 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
GE Hydrowave

mrb627's profile picture
I wonder if you can manually adjust the water level in the GE back to a usable level...

Malcolm


Post# 733744 , Reply# 40   2/8/2014 at 13:50 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Now, I had known for a while that the bearing/seal was going out. It was just a matter of time NOT being available to investigate the repair, blah, blah, blah...

So, here is what I THOUGHT had occured.

That bearing had finally gotten to the point where it had caused enough drag that the extra effort caused the motor to overheat and the thermal thingy kicked out. Not the case. The motor is fried. Once it gets heated up, spin action is slowed, and when the thermal protector kicks out, it is preceded by a loud "buzzing" - that of the motor trying to start up but can't.

A new motor has been ordered.

I think when it comes in and is installed, I might do a video of the operation of this machine if you care to see it....

I'll check back in,

Rick


Post# 733746 , Reply# 41   2/8/2014 at 13:51 (3,727 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
No way!

ozzie908's profile picture
Do you have a spare?

After all that hard work too...

Sometimes you have to ask is it all worth it ?

Austin


Post# 733762 , Reply# 42   2/8/2014 at 14:36 (3,727 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        

crevicetool's profile picture
Yes, I believe it is worth it. I don't think a front loader will ever be accepted in this house, and the new top loaders (other than the current model of Speed Queen) all seem to be of the "energy star/eco friendly" machines that in my opinion, just don't cut the mustard. Further, they are all digital, and as in the case of this GE, you have no choice during the cycle of the load to make it do what you want it to do.

For instance, if I wanted a "1st" rinse with spray, I would simply reset the timer to six minutes of wash on the Amana. Then, when the "real" rinse came up, it was actually a second rinse and I could then use softener at that point. The GE has a super rinse option, and says it won't dispense softener from the agitator mounted dispenser until that rinse. Well, it does...I guess they think nobody would think to put a magnet on the safty switch and see that it mearly dumps softener without a tub fill for it to do any good.

To change "mid-stream" on the GE, well....you can't. It starts all over again, and if there is any water in the tub, it drains that, and starts a new cycle. Additionally, like I said above, it either doesn't circulate clothes like a "tumble" action from top to bottom and ties sheets into knots. Admittedly, that would ON OCCASION happen in the Amana, but rarely. I put a magnet on the GE to observe the operation and it just doesn't move clothes around like I think it should for a clean wash.


Post# 734085 , Reply# 43   2/9/2014 at 19:17 (3,726 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Passing Thought

mrb627's profile picture
Is there a capacitor attached to this motor?

Malcolm


Post# 734189 , Reply# 44   2/10/2014 at 06:43 (3,726 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
No,

crevicetool's profile picture
There is no capacerator, but there is a centrifugal switch which does operate. I checked that out when I cleaned up the motor.

Post# 734229 , Reply# 45   2/10/2014 at 11:28 (3,725 days old) by estesguy (kansas)        
Hmmmm

Did you notice my earlier post about my Amana frying the motor after the seal went out?? Anyway, trying to look at the model number on your GE, and if it is a GTWP2000, or close to that, it does have a very easily adjustable water pressure switch on it. More water in the tub can do amazing things to help out a washers performance.

Post# 734896 , Reply# 46   2/13/2014 at 01:05 (3,723 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )        

Adjusting the water level ourselves is great,but isn't it a sin that the new machines ruin themselves AND our clothes set the way the factory/government mandates.

Is bad enough for our laundry equipment to come under such ''penny-wise,pound-foolish'' thinking,but it seems nearly everything the government does reeks of similar short-sightedness. God help us.


Post# 734906 , Reply# 47   2/13/2014 at 04:42 (3,723 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Economy Stimulus

mrb627's profile picture
The Government is simply trying to stimulate the economy. Machines will be run into the ground so you will have to replace it. More jobs. Clothes wear out quicker due to poor washing habits. So you'll have to replace them. More jobs.

So, in the Government's eyes, a win win!

Malcolm


Post# 735010 , Reply# 48   2/13/2014 at 16:14 (3,722 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Great Rebuild

combo52's profile picture
These are sturdy washers, but getting one apart after just a few years use is why very few will ever be repaired.

Because of the mineral build-up on the lint filter you should use either a better detergent or a lot more of it, these build-ups also affect seal life and if you can keep them down the machine may last even longer the second time around.


Post# 735664 , Reply# 49   2/16/2014 at 15:20 (3,719 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
Well,

crevicetool's profile picture
The new motor came in early Friday morning, and it was installed in just a few minutes that evening. It had to be pressed into service quickly, so I did not do a video of the mechanism running. My thanks to all for the comments, and the help. The new motor has a "turned" brass pulley on it rather than a two part pressed steel like the original but is identical otherwise right down to the model/specification sticker.

Interestingly, this is the second seal that I have replaced. The first one went out very early on - (no doubt fifteen minutes out of warranty) - and there was no "build-up" then to speak of, and the parts disassembled quickly and with no effort. I put that seal in too, and it lasted all this time.

The washer is used quite a lot and at one time suffered under overloading conditions (the offender has since moved - LOL) so, with the repair, all the new parts, and the new motor - I hope it will be around at least another five years or so. At which time both units can be replaced and hopefully those will last my remaining time on earth.


Post# 735738 , Reply# 50   2/16/2014 at 21:59 (3,719 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Glad You Got The Motor In So Easily

combo52's profile picture
The motor pulley that looks like brass is actually plated steel [ which is better than brass or the orignal stamped steel pulley ] Yay

John L.



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