Thread Number: 58231  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Kenmore not sounding too good
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Post# 807382   2/2/2015 at 20:58 (3,342 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
My '66 Kenmore washer is starting to make a low screeching/metallic sound when engaging into the spin cycle. After recently doing a gentle load, the machine sounded particularly bad and after the cycle, I tried to make it spin again and the motor engaged but the tub wouldn't budge. I quickly turned the machine off, and was able to move the tub manually. After that, I was able to make the tub spin again but with those same horrible noises. Agitation appears normal but not as quiet as it used to be. Anyone have an idea of where I should start looking? Thanks in advance for any advice.




Post# 807388 , Reply# 1   2/2/2015 at 22:49 (3,342 days old) by arris (Rochester New York)        
Screeching Kenmore

arris's profile picture
I would ask Gordon (kenmoreguy64) or John (combo52) they could help you, they've both helped me many times... good luck

Post# 807390 , Reply# 2   2/2/2015 at 22:55 (3,342 days old) by bigalsf (Salt Lake City)        

Hi, it sounds as if it is one of two conditions: 1)the clutch lining/pads have worn off, or 2) the spin pulley bearing has failed or is failing. You can either replace it or repair it, but either procedure involves a major tear down. You can still locate complete spin tube assemblies on eBay, or sometimes through Sears parts. Good luck! Keep us posted on how the repairs go.

Post# 807391 , Reply# 3   2/2/2015 at 23:21 (3,342 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

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Todd -

My money is on dry centerpost bearings. I have heard the very slight beginnings of this in a couple machines in my active collection, then noticed it loudly in not-yet-in-service machines which have been sitting for some time. Ironically, my coppertone 1964 Kenmore 70 series, is a great example. It has been unused for over 20'years. Its bearings are so dry that the howl caused by metal on metal is unmistakeable. Over time, centerpost turbine oil leaks past the seals...there is only a couple teaspoons of it anyway.

While I can see how worn clutch pads could cause some noise, I have never heard much from them. The worst I have come across had worn far enough to wear half the heads off the rivets that hold on the clutch pads. There wasn't much noise that I recall but it would occur only in spin acceleration.

The worn spin pulley bearing makes a very unpleasant racket, but this stops the moment the machine goes into spin as the pulley stops rotating on the spin tube and the whole pulley/spin tube assembly begins to rotate as one.

For those reasons I'd think about lubricating the bearings --- it will help in the long term serviceability of the centerpost anyway. We'll help you thru this process if you need coaching, etc.

GOOD LUCK!

Gordon


Post# 807534 , Reply# 4   2/3/2015 at 20:15 (3,341 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
Thank you arris, bigalsf (is that after Big Al's on B'way?!) and Gordon for your encouragement and support! The metallic sound definintely continues throughout the spin cycle and is loudest on the gentle speed. Lubricating the bearings -- that's something I've never tackled before on a Kenmore. Is there a past thread on this website I can follow? Thanks again, Todd

Post# 807537 , Reply# 5   2/3/2015 at 20:35 (3,341 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
I completely forgot I had this manual! I'm sure it will be of help!

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