Refilling a transmission

Is easy, you take an approximately 5" section of coat hanger wire, bend a little loop handle on one end so you still have 4" of the wire straight to use as a dipstick.

From the back of the washer with the service panel removed drop the straight end of the wire into the vent hole in the center of the transmission it will probably go in about an inch and a half, but it needs to go to the bottom which is about 2& 1/2". If it only goes in 1&1/2"leave the DS in place and turn the drive belt by hand from right to left till the DS drops in 2&1/2". When you pull it out you can now see the oil depth, it should be from 3/8" to just over 1/2" deep, the best thing about this test is you can see if the oil is milky colored [ water is in it ] or is brown and rusty [ water has been it for a long time ]

We always did this oil test on any BD washer we were refurbishing to check the condition of the oil, unfortunately if the level is way too low or the oil is contaminated you have to pull the transmission to correct the problem.

John L.


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Post# 1006693 9/10/2018 at 19:47 (2,052 days old) by Softheatwash (Arizona)
Checkrate/Likes On belt drive washers how difficult is it to check and refill the transmission on a Kenmore belt drive washer? Is there a trick to get them maintain in order to last a long time or is it just a waste of time . Any tips?

Post# 1006694 , Reply# 1 9/10/2018 at 20:01 (2,052 days old) by Lorainfurniture (Cleveland )
Checkrate/Likes I just stripped down a belt drive and it wasn�t easy. The transmission is not easy to remove, and I can�t see how you could check the level or add with it in place. I don�t believe there is any reason to change the oil unless it leaked a lot or water got in.

Post# 1006703 , Reply# 2 9/10/2018 at 20:38 (2,052 days old) by Softheatwash (Arizona)
Checkrate/Likes *I had a feeling* Thanks lorian furniture ! My washer isn't leaking alot I see some residue but nothing alarming. I just was thinking a little more oil wouldn't hurt but if it ain't broke don't try and fix it .

Post# 1006720 , Reply# 3 9/10/2018 at 22:44 (2,052 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Checking The Oil Level In A BD WP Built Washer* Is easy, you take an approximately 5" section of coat hanger wire, bend a little loop handle on one end so you still have 4" of the wire straight to use as a dipstick. From the back of the washer with the service panel removed drop the straight end of the wire into the vent hole in the center of the transmission it will probably go in about an inch and a half, but it needs to go to the bottom which is about 2& 1/2". If it only goes in 1&1/2"leave the DS in place and turn the drive belt by hand from right to left till the DS drops in 2&1/2". When you pull it out you can now see the oil depth, it should be from 3/8" to just over 1/2" deep, the best thing about this test is you can see if the oil is milky colored [ water is in it ] or is brown and rusty [ water has been it for a long time ] We always did this oil test on any BD washer we were refurbishing to check the condition of the oil, unfortunately if the level is way too low or the oil is contaminated you have to pull the transmission to correct the problem. John L.