Thread Number: 33117
Whirlpool Duet HT- HELP PLEASE!
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Post# 498682   2/23/2011 at 07:12 (4,783 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        

I purchased the model number WFW9200SQ00 serial number CSU1801499 in November 2007. It is a great cleaning machine as long as you use good detergent. I have used antivibration pads for a couple of years now with good results. Prior to using the pads the leveled washer would vibrate and walk (move around). The cycle sequence is wash, spin, rinse, spin, rinse, pre-final spin, final spin.

During the spins (espcially the pre-final spin) I have noticed that my washer get grossly out of balance everytime it spins. The cabinet of the washer literally rocks and bounces violently prior to it ramping up to the full 1000 RPM's. Most of the time once it is up to full speed it smooths out. I have leveled and leveled the washer with a level. Without the anti-vibration pads the washer shakes so much the doors on the cabinets next to the washer rattle. It is installed on a solid tiled floor. I also watch what I wash to together weight wise like jeans with jeans, sweats with sweats, light weight items together and I wash full loads. I do laundry only twice a week. I

I have spoke with other people who have this same washer and never once do they have problems with theirs bouncing around, rocking and vibrating.

I have a service tech coming out to look at it. I am woundering if that could be something wrong with the suspension.

Anyone have any ideas? I would greatly appreciate it! I'm afraid if this continues my washer will become damaged. I certainly can't afford a new washer right now!

Thanks!
David







Post# 498695 , Reply# 1   2/23/2011 at 08:00 (4,782 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        

iheartmaytag's profile picture

Sounds like something is wrong.  I have the Maytag version and nairy a problem with balance.  In fact, I have commented many times how smooth it is.  Only when I wash things that are very heavy like a load of blue jeans, does it rumble a little when it goes into high speed final spin.  I can usually lay my hand on the side and stop the vibration when this happens.

 

Let us know what the tech says.  If it's A&E, they will for sure want to replace this, and that, and then this again.

Good luck.

 


Post# 498696 , Reply# 2   2/23/2011 at 08:10 (4,782 days old) by A440 ()        

It could possibly be that one of the four shocks that the outer tub sits on has popped out of place and is not supporting the tub.  This will cause lot's of vibration.  You will also notice during the tumble of the wash or rinse, the inner wash drum will bounce more while turning in a certain  direction.  It is is bouncing when tumbling right, it is a right shock that has popped off.

It is a very easy fix.   If you can take the lower panel off you can see all four shocks.

Brent


Post# 498697 , Reply# 3   2/23/2011 at 08:15 (4,782 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
Not A & E

Whirlpool wanted to charge us $129.00 for A & E to come look at it. I have a person coming from a service company in the greater Atlanta metro area (Duluth GA) for $59.00. My wife and I are single income and need to save money when we can.

Post# 498698 , Reply# 4   2/23/2011 at 08:17 (4,782 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        
If it's not A&E

iheartmaytag's profile picture

Then you will probably get off with something minor.  My experience with A&E is they replace everything to the point of a rebuild, then say it  can't be fixed.

 


Post# 498699 , Reply# 5   2/23/2011 at 08:18 (4,782 days old) by A440 ()        

David,

If you can take the front lower panel off and take a look see, you might be able to save the $59.00.

If the problem is a shock that has popped off from the outer tub, it is as simple as popping it back on.

Brent


Post# 498701 , Reply# 6   2/23/2011 at 08:25 (4,782 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
The shocks

I checked the shocks a couple a weeks ago. All were attached to the bottom! However I did noticed a couple of the shocks had grease running down the shaft.

I have the washer mounted on a pedestal. Can that cause instability? If so I have no problem taking it down and sitting the washer on the floor.

A440: During the tumbling, mostly with a large load of towels or jeans the tub does bounce some when the clothes drop down when turning in either direction. The cabinet will move a little also.

Iheartmaytag: Is your Maytag mounted on a pedestial?

Thanks!
David


Post# 498707 , Reply# 7   2/23/2011 at 08:41 (4,782 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
Took the front off

A440: I just went back and took the front off the washer and all four shocks are attached and in place. However when I move the outer tub around it seems to move around more freely then usual. Once again the two of the shocks show wear on the shaft and grease running down it.

Post# 498715 , Reply# 8   2/23/2011 at 09:37 (4,782 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        
Iheartmaytag: Is your Maytag mounted on a pedestial?

iheartmaytag's profile picture

Yes, but remember mine is also located in the basement with a concrete floor under it.   This may make some difference that the floor has no give what-so-ever.

 


Post# 498727 , Reply# 9   2/23/2011 at 11:12 (4,782 days old) by joe_in_philly (Philadelphia, PA, USA)        

joe_in_philly's profile picture
I found what is more important than the washer being perfectly level is that each foot supports equal weight. If you push down on opposite corners, is there any give? When my washer was first installed, it would vibrate a lot and shake when spinning, but it was perfectly level. While it was spinning (and vibrating), I adjusted the front feet until the vibration stopped. I locked the nuts on the feet tightly to the bottom of the washer and it has been steady ever since. I was surprised the difference just 1/4 of a turn of one foot would make in terms of vibration. My washer is not on a pedestal, but it is on a wood floor over a basement.

Post# 498765 , Reply# 10   2/23/2011 at 14:02 (4,782 days old) by 3beltwesty ()        
Date your machine was born

.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO 3beltwesty's LINK


Post# 498769 , Reply# 11   2/23/2011 at 14:17 (4,782 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
What Joe Said - Cosign!

launderess's profile picture
A few weeks ago moved the Miele out to clean behind/under the washer as well as removed the water hoses to clean the filters inside the unit. Like an idiot decided to "level" the washer before putting it back. Don't know what came over me as the thing was working fine as it was.

Well it took two weeks, TWO weeks of vibrations, shaking, shimmys and noise before one gave up upon "leveling" using a level, and simply leveled the washer until it would stop shaking.

Took a wrench and while the thing was spinning (and shaking) adjusted feet until the proper "level" was found.

When a front loader rests on a soft floor such as wood, and or in an older home it is important to realise that floors may not be entirely level, thus having legs all at one height (level), just does not always work.

Being as all this may, there is a difference between vibrations caused by improper leveling, versus a drum being out of alignment due to unbalance loads. Have seen laundromat washers shake and vibrate so badly with such a load, wondered if the thing was going to come off it's foundation.


Post# 498785 , Reply# 12   2/23/2011 at 15:18 (4,782 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
WOW! Leveling during the spin cycle! It worked!

I think I have solved my problem thanks to everyone's advice!

I did what you suggested. I watch the legs during the spins. Looking at the front of the machine the left front leg and the back right leg needed a minor adjustment downward. It is now working smoothly like a washer should. I hate nothing worse then having to baby sit a washing machine. I like to watch them, not baby sit them!

Thanks for all the expert advice! I really appreciate it! Ya'll Rock!

Thanks!
Peace,
David


Post# 498799 , Reply# 13   2/23/2011 at 16:03 (4,782 days old) by joe_in_philly (Philadelphia, PA, USA)        

joe_in_philly's profile picture
Glad to hear that you were able to fix it!



Post# 498893 , Reply# 14   2/23/2011 at 21:19 (4,782 days old) by kimball455 (Cape May, NJ)        

kimball455's profile picture
Glad to hear that the fix was easy. I have the same washer and it is smooth and stable when spinning. It is in a corner of the kitchen with a rebuilt and reinforced wood floor. My contractor added reinforcement with the floor was replaced. But the, the original floor dated from 1860 or so.

Post# 498902 , Reply# 15   2/23/2011 at 22:20 (4,782 days old) by A440 ()        

David,

This is awesome news!

Were you able to cancel the guy coming out for a service call?

I know you are happy with the vibration free spinning!

Brent


Post# 498943 , Reply# 16   2/24/2011 at 06:00 (4,782 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
Cancelled the service tech

A440: The service tech was scheduled to come out on March 7th. I cancelled with them last night.

Once again thanks for all the advice!

Peace,
David


Post# 499064 , Reply# 17   2/24/2011 at 15:52 (4,781 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
Leveling washer

I have spent the entire afternoon getting my Duet leveled during the spins. I washed 2 pretty good size loads of area rugs. Nothing can get a washer off balance like rugs. Almost vibration free! I also put about 45lbs of hand weights in the drawer of the pedestal. So far so good! It does not seem to rattle as much as before.

I felt like experimenting today!


Post# 499134 , Reply# 18   2/24/2011 at 23:22 (4,781 days old) by A440 ()        

David,

This is great news!  I know you are happy.

I am bringing a load of rugs and large bath towels for you to wash to make sure all is well!

I know you are happy.

Brent


Post# 499345 , Reply# 19   2/25/2011 at 23:46 (4,780 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
But It's Leveled!

launderess's profile picture
Think this may be the cause of many un-needed service calls and or unsatisfaction with front loading washers.

Persons who swear up and down the washer has been levelled using a level, either by themselves or technican/installers, and the thing still vibrates or shakes swear something is *wrong*.

It can take several maddening attempts to get things right, but the washer needs to spin with a wet decent load in order to tell if things are properly adjusted.

The other thing many consumers tend to do is raise the legs far up as they can go when levelling. It has been my experience that the closer the feet are to the floor, the easier it is for the machine to do what all H-Axis washers need to do, transfer the energy forces from spinning down the feet to the floor then disapate through the building.

If you stand near a commercial front loader, even those in a laundromat you can often feel the vibrations coming through the floor as the washer spins. This is happening even though such machines are bolted into several feet of cement.



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