Thread Number: 57924
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Got my new Speed Queen AWN542 but have some questions/issues... |
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Post# 803861 , Reply# 3   1/13/2015 at 14:51 (3,389 days old) by washman (o)   |   | |
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Mine does that too. Has since day one it is a bit louder on heavy loads. From what I have read, not a big deal. The indexing will settle down over time. |
Post# 803867 , Reply# 4   1/13/2015 at 15:04 (3,389 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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It almost sounds like the agitator haveing that tiny amount of play in its seat that allows it to "scrape" along the metal surface it rests on. Just my humble opinion... |
Post# 803882 , Reply# 5   1/13/2015 at 16:20 (3,389 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 803891 , Reply# 6   1/13/2015 at 17:12 (3,389 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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something ain't right.....
that noise is either the idler pulley doesn't have any lube..... or the belt has a flat/wide spot in it...... at 1:05 you can see the idler arm shaking, which could be part of the rattle.....mine doesn't jiggle like that once the machine starts going and tension pulls the belt taught.... if you don't feel right about it...call for service, that's why their there... as for the other stuff, like that shipping plug, did you keep it should you ever have to move the machine?.....I transported them on their side and back in a car and never had an off track issue....I do have the plastic tub support that goes in top....but no big deal if I didn't have it......besides, they always uncrate and pull all shipping braces and parts before bringing into your house....most likely would not fit through your doors while in the box, or crate attached to the bottom... I just had a buddy pay movers to empty his house, and they carried a TL washer completely upside down from the basement.....shocked the heck out of me for that one, but it works fine... the only issue of adding water is to lubricate the pump, and not run dry.....as long as the machine had water added before the motor started, again, your fine.... don't over analyze, concentrate on any real issues......yours most likely isn't the first one they ever installed.... |
Post# 804083 , Reply# 7   1/14/2015 at 14:08 (3,388 days old) by Chetlaham (United States)   |   | |
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As long as water is added somehow before the motor starts that's ok. The water is just to moisten the pump seal so it doesn't overheat and crack.
But, piece of advice, always install machines yourself. I always ask them to be dropped off in an unopened box. If the box comes opened or the machine taken out I refuse to take it. A lot of places out source delivery, so you get a mixed bag of people. Some do it right others have no clue. My guess in terms of the plug is that they just don't know. They have a hundred different washers to worry about and chances are they don't read the manual for everyone one. They should at least be told take everything out at the spot of installation. But again, you get a mixed bag of results. |
Post# 804096 , Reply# 8   1/14/2015 at 15:05 (3,388 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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installing a new appliance by yourself is "half the fun" of buying a new machine....
there are times when they install a new dryer, that they will disconnect the old hose, fully clogged, and hook it onto the new dryer......not their problem, or their job to check and clean this stuff.... this is all the more reason to 'do it yourself'.....remove the old, clean the area, flush the pipes, clean or replace venting, and use new hoses and cords....IF you want it done right.....OR, take your chances!.... many wont hook up a GAS dryer or dishwasher, you must contract a plumber for these things...... |
Post# 804255 , Reply# 9   1/15/2015 at 07:54 (3,387 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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It doesn't sound too unusual to me, I would run it at least a year before calling for service unless it gets MUCH louder and if it stays the same ignore it.
These are good rugged washers, but no one ever said they were silent, you could install the sound insulation package that I used to silence a NOISY Frigidaire 1-18, doing what I did to the FD would make your new SQ almost silent. I will post pictures of the sound reduction techniques used on the 1-18 when I get a chance. |
Post# 804263 , Reply# 10   1/15/2015 at 08:12 (3,387 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 804402 , Reply# 12   1/16/2015 at 06:57 (3,386 days old) by cleanguy (earth)   |   | |
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correction,,,, correct part name might be idler "lever" :) (sorry,, would not let me edit my previous post ???) |
Post# 804456 , Reply# 17   1/16/2015 at 13:54 (3,386 days old) by imperial70 (MA USA)   |   | |
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You might do better just trying to sell it as fast as possible to someone that loves this design. |
Post# 804460 , Reply# 18   1/16/2015 at 14:12 (3,386 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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I doubt SQ will take the machine back and give you a new one. I think this problem can be easily fixed, although I haven't read anything above that indicates if it's just an annoyance or a sign of trouble down the line.
You've got a good warranty, so go ahead and take advantage of it. If a repair tech comes out, you might want to show him the clip from "washman" so he knows the source of the noise in case he's not familiar with this issue. |
Post# 804462 , Reply# 19   1/16/2015 at 14:38 (3,386 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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That NUB that it is making contact with, what is it exactly? Is it part of the motor peeking through the mount plate? Or is it part of the mount plate itself? Could it be filed down a bit? Count you insert a spring washer on the idler access to help it clear the NUB?
Other than the annoyance, I don't think it is anything mechanically to get bent out of shape over. Malcolm |
Post# 804517 , Reply# 21   1/16/2015 at 22:32 (3,386 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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I doubt you have a lemon. It seems like the noise isn't all that uncommon. Ben (washman) has had his SQ for a while and it seems applying some grease to the trouble spot helped, and he hasn't had any other problems.
But -- I agree with you 100% that if you buy something new and pay a premium price for a quality item, it shouldn't sound like a bucket of bolts. If the same thing happened to me, and if the dealer offered a 60-day return policy, I'd be placing a request for a service call regarding the noise. I'm a stickler for annoying rattles.
I honestly think a minor adjustment is all that's needed. As with many mechanical items, there's a break-in period as components mesh into place. Your machine's issue could be a combination of both. My mom's 2000 GE made a weird rhythmic sound during agitation when it was new. I inquired about it and the service rep asked if it was a "sawing" sound, and she nailed it with that description. She said it would go away, and after about a week or two, it did.
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Post# 804646 , Reply# 23   1/17/2015 at 22:17 (3,385 days old) by murando531 (Augusta, Georgia - US)   |   | |
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Dealing with a similar issue myself, I know exactly how you feel about your new machine. I'm a bit of a perfectionist myself, and it doesn't help that I've had a lifelong fascination with all machines, primarily washers and dishwashers, and with that I've analyzed all kinds of machines and become attuned to their various behaviors and sounds. I just bought a new Maytag Bravos XL in November, and in the time I've had it, I've been annoyed by various rattles and knocks and rackets that it's made. Some of them are to be expected, but some just don't sit well with me because of what I've been used to on previous washers before it. Still, I've learned to overlook certain things while still keeping close watch so that I can call for support at the first sign of trouble.
My advice would be what the others here have already given: should the noise your SQ is making feel completely wrong, call customer support. That's what your warranty is there for, and honestly I'd feel more trusting of their tech support than I do for Whirlpool's (ten years ago I wouldn't have believed that to be the case, about WP that is). If I were you, I'd give the machine at least a couple of months to work the newness out before I'd abandon it. That's what I'm doing for the Maytag. That belt dust is completely normal; even cars have that, except that the dust is blown away whereas that has nowhere to go. The rattle may alleviate itself as the belt settles in. |
Post# 804693 , Reply# 25   1/18/2015 at 06:17 (3,384 days old) by Mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Some of the older members here may recall that I had some doubts about my Speed Queen purchase after the fact when my dryer stopped dead mid cycle. Well, a tech came out and ended up ordering a new motor and timer for it. Once those components were replaced, it was still dead. The tech and I began stepping through the schematic with a meter and determined there was a broken wire in a harness. Wire replaced. Dryer has been operating fine ever since.
So stick with it. My question is, can you stop the noise by applying a little pressure with a finger to keep the lever away from the nub? If so, perhaps a spring washer would solve the problem once and for all? Malcolm |
Post# 810860 , Reply# 29   2/23/2015 at 23:58 (3,348 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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My step-daughter has reported standpipe suds with her AWN412. Her husband sawed off some of it when they had their previous (10 year-old Kenmore) machines and there was no problem. I gave them a section of pvc pipe to extend it again with a rubber sleeve, but haven't heard yet whether that helped.
Interesting that SQ has a kit to fix the noise. Why don't they just assemble the machines with those components in the first place?
After hearing some of the things people go through with their SQ washers, I have to wonder if they're a bit of a sloppy bunch over there at Alliance. |
Post# 810887 , Reply# 30   2/24/2015 at 06:46 (3,347 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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As a dealer that has sold over 400 of these washers I will say again that they are a little crude, they do get the job done however, but if you are looking for perfection you may be disappointed. This why I have said in the past that this is not the best machine for us folks whom are obsessed with washers and I will never have one in my personal laundry room. [ If you want perfection in a traditional TL washer get and restore a 10-15 YO WP built DD washer ]
SQ has some issues with idlers, belts , motor and main drive pulleys, this is made much worse because of their insistence of sticking with the inferior spin-drain operation of these washers. Even Frigidaire abandoned SD over 15 years ago as they could never get their idler-pulley, belt and suds-locking under control. SQ does build neutral-drain washers for markets like Australia where consumers demand better performance. The suds backing up the drain standpipe is also made worse by the SD system. |
Post# 811028 , Reply# 33   2/25/2015 at 07:04 (3,346 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Hi Ellen, GE-HP TL washers have not held up well since at least 1995, I am quite sure that current SQ TL washers will out last most newer GE built top loaders are least 2 to 1 before you have major problems. Probably about the only other new TL washer I would recommend would be a Direct Drive Maytag or Whirlpool machine.
If you had seal and bearing failures on your last SQ it could have been a fluke, but more likely was related to your usage of the washer and if related to your usage you may repeat the same failure in a few years.
Be very sure you are using PLENTY of good detergent and water temperatures for washing of at least 70 dregrees at all times, and avoid extra rinses on a regular basis. Most of all if you see any signs of mineral build up around the top of the wash basket you really need to take these suggestions to heart.
Good Luck with your new washer, and I would not worry about little noises that these washers make.
John L. |
Post# 811048 , Reply# 35   2/25/2015 at 09:20 (3,346 days old) by esty (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Sorry, one more question. Is it safe to use vinegar in a speed queen washer? I read that its a good way to remove excess detergent and good for helping retain colors. Will vinegar corrode the washer and components? Ellen |
Post# 812750 , Reply# 40   3/7/2015 at 18:29 (3,336 days old) by washman (o)   |   | |
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the tub will stop indexing. I attached a vid of mine doing a small load. It exposes the stainless tub quite well. CLICK HERE TO GO TO washman's LINK |
Post# 812826 , Reply# 41   3/8/2015 at 10:30 (3,335 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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for some, the tub leans forward during wash, it comes from the torque during agitation, some do it, some don't...totally normal, doesn't affect anything else, and the tub always centers for the spin.....
I put extra foam padding attached to the front panel just to keep it centered at all times, but that's me..... there should be a clip inside the machine to guide the drain hose from the pump to the outlet, but these are just clipped in place, not fully tightened down type of clamps, so a little rattle can be had from sitting in the wrong awkward position.... there were times on machines, the pressure hose would also rattle against the outter cabinet is it happen to set too close, especially during spin... sometimes we would just use some duct tape or wire ties to secure things tighter.... a simple loose screw will make that rear control panel rattle like crazy.....annoying yes, but doesn't really hurt anything... Vinegar has been used for years without complaints....it can clear up suds, and rinses away with no odor.....usually about 2 ounces in the dispenser is enough....its not like your pickling your clothes....but there is a recipe somewhere about bread and butter pickles soaking in your washer....hey, people have done stranger things.... |
Post# 1034152 , Reply# 42   6/1/2019 at 16:28 (1,789 days old) by IIIJohnnyMacIII (North Carolina)   |   | |
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