Thread Number: 1858
old style General Electric washer transmission boot troubles 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 63616   4/19/2005 at 00:39 (6,944 days old) by tbolt25 (Kentucky)        

I've been hearing reports about older style GE washers' transmission boots pulling off of the outer tubs and water going onto the floor. How often does this actually happen?




Post# 63628 , Reply# 1   4/19/2005 at 01:33 (6,944 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
GE boot

 I hadn't heard about that, but they DO eventually tear and spill their guts

Post# 63652 , Reply# 2   4/19/2005 at 07:46 (6,944 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
We Had One

 mrb627's profile picture
We had a GE washer back in the 70's that eventually dumped 20+ gallons of soapy water onto our garage floor. Within 6 months of purchase. When the serviceman arrived for the warranty repair, we found that part of the suspension was missing. Resulting in excessive balance issues during spin which eventually worked the boot loose. I guess the installer thought the yokes(sp) were part of the shipping brackets and unscrewed them from the base of the machine.


Parts replaced at no charge.


MRB

Post# 63662 , Reply# 3   4/19/2005 at 08:42 (6,944 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
Never heard of it. My 6 GE's in the laundromat have never done this.

Post# 63676 , Reply# 4   4/19/2005 at 12:08 (6,943 days old) by fixerman ()        

I have seen many GE's do this. Probably from frequent off balance loads or suspension problems. Usually just have to reinstall the boot making sure the clamp is very tight. Also make sure the boot surfaces are clean and dry before reinstalling.

Post# 63679 , Reply# 5   4/19/2005 at 12:32 (6,943 days old) by lbcarguy ()        
Do???? DO NOT

 Good afternoon,

Juanne, I beg to differ. You know I have these machines and my 1994 machine has had many an off-balanced load. The boot has never come loose! Also, after 11 years of weekly use, the boot is in nice pliable condition and should last for several more years.

Now, I am not a service person out there making calls/repairing machines. I have talked with folks for whom this is their profession and yes, an off-balance load can work the boot loose. Tearing it? Let's hear from the folks who still repair these for a living.

I have to say, working on both my GE and my Kenmore, the GE is a very service friendly design. To access the boot, it is very easy to remove the agitator, inner tub and then you are there. You could have the whole job done in less time than it takes to get the retaining nut off my kenmore and working the inner tub off the shaft.

Just my 2 cents from one who owns two.

MK in LBC

Post# 63683 , Reply# 6   4/19/2005 at 13:09 (6,943 days old) by fixerman ()        

I have been servicing all makes for 35 years. As a service tech and taking in machines to repair and resell. What I wrote above is my emperience. Individually, there is probably not much of a risk for this happening.

Post# 63686 , Reply# 7   4/19/2005 at 15:11 (6,943 days old) by FilterFlo (Chicago Area)        

Speaking as a service tech also, I would wholeheartedly agree with Fixerman. Myra and I would do as many as a dozen GE boots a month. Most if not all were from misinstallation or abuse. Myra would refuse to guarantee any GE that was transported on its side as it stretches the boot to its limit. Sometimes we found that the ring clamp had broken or that the boot was punctured with pins or hair clips or safety pins OR it had the clamp overtightened and would slip off......The boot was actually a pretty good design and lasts for years and years...........but they could be a problem from time to time........

Post# 63696 , Reply# 8   4/19/2005 at 18:40 (6,943 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
I've seen more than one that came loose,from off balance,or whatever.
I don't know if it's correct,but when changing,or reinstalling a boot,I always smear just a film of sealer around the lip on the outer tub.

I also agree,the older GE machines are very service friendly.

kennyGF

Post# 63746 , Reply# 9   4/20/2005 at 05:54 (6,943 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
GE boot

 Well, I only have experience with 2 machines, my Grandmother's '56 and a friend's 70's machine. Granny's dumped water out and since this happend many years ago, before I knew how to work on washers, I could only look under the machine and I could see water coming out, but not WHERE it was coming from just that it was coming from a big rubber thing under the tub. Friend's machine dumped water, but I never got to see it and he didn't say if it tore or came. It had come with the house and had a mathcng dryer. He replaced it with a Black BD KM Solid State machine, and repainted the GE dryer to match.

Granny only got 4 years use out of her '56 GE before it died(it wasn't put into service until 1960, died about 1964 and was never repaired.) It just sat in her garage until about 4 years ago. I offered to reapir it for her, but she refused to let me. ACtually got mad at me for suggesting it. Yet, she claimed was going to buy a new washer, but never did.

Post# 63756 , Reply# 10   4/20/2005 at 09:14 (6,943 days old) by lbcarguy ()        
56 GE

 Juanne,

The 56 GE uses a different style boot than those starting around 1958 or so. I am not the expert so do not quote me on the exact year/model. My understanding is the old design could tear. The boot design used from the late 50's until around 95 when the design was put to rest is very robust. If you ever work on one, you will see how much movement the boot allows for and will understand how a very off-balanced load could force it loose. You will also see the design, with its dimples formed in, allows it to flex.

Once you work on one, you have a better idea of what is taking place. I know this would all be foreign to me if I had not worked on mine a few months ago.

MK in LBC

Post# 63865 , Reply# 11   4/21/2005 at 00:49 (6,942 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
a-HA!

 Thanks for the info. It's been a long time, but I could swear the boot was torn in Granny's machine, this makes it seem perfectly logical. Next time I'm down there (keep me on your list) I'll trade my KM knowledge for your GE knowledge. I've had my LK torn down so many times, I think I could do it blindfolded. :-)


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