Thread: Front load dryer struggles

The bearings in our washing machine failed a while back: sounding like a jet taking off in the spin cycle. It seemed like a simple fix, so I got a bearing and seal kit and got to work. But because I went with a cheaper kit instead of OEM, it didn't include a tool needed to properly seat the front seal, and found out the hard way that wasn't the greatest move. To top it off, the cheap kit came with (surprise!) cheap bearings. Anyway, I got it all together as well as I could, ran a test cycle, and filled the basement with white smoke. Not good. Also, because things weren't seated properly, I could either cinch everything down tight (which kept it from spinning properly) or loosen the bolt on the drive pulley which let it spin but made the belt fall off. I must have sounded a bit like the Dad in Christmas Story when he was fighting with his furnace...

Figured out that the front seal hadn't seated properly, so the tub was smooshed in tight to it, leading to the smoke and the rapid death of seal #1. This in turn led to moisture getting to the bearings which as I said before seemed kind of crap to begin with.

So, ordered a proper OEM seal kit and some bearings from a good bearing supply place. Got them installed yesterday and I *think* it's working properly now.

I think I must have had that damn machine apart a half dozen times in the past couple of weeks. And at least I now have the balls and races from four bearings instead of two to turn into a knife one of these days. But I have to say I think appliance repair is edging pretty close to plumbing on my list of things I really don't enjoy doing. Super satisfying to keep a machine working, but man oh man do I ever hate the process. Being 6'1" and working in in unfinished basement with beams at about 5'10" probably doesn't help much.

Good job getting your dryer up and running again. My washer's bearings were really rough, but yours looks like it blowed up real good!

Cleaning the probe sounds like a good idea so start. The measurements should be taken in the middle of the oven where you do your cooking. There can be a big differences from the upper left to the front by the door. There is also a difference as the oven cycles during use.

I deal more with refrigeration and that is why unless it is a very expensive model they use numbers for settings. They can't put a temperature on the dial because they vary so much.

6 times apart,,, yup sounds about right to get to the root at home.
Hehe.
And each time you can do it with less screws holding the thing together too,, so efficient,,,,

I just did the rollers and all on my dryer. After I got it back in the laundry room, I was informed that the auto dry sensor is not working. That will have to wait for a while now.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I just did the rollers and all on my dryer. After I got it back in the laundry room, I was informed that the auto dry sensor is not working. That will have to wait for a while now.

It's the winter of laundry discontent around here!

My wife and I just ordered a new LG washer and dryer yesterday. We typically purchase Whirlpool/Maytag/Kenmore appliances, but have an LG microwave that has been reliable.

Our current appliances still work, but are getting quirky. I am getting too old to get down in the floor to repair them. I think the Kenmore washer is over 20 years old. The Kenmore Elite dryer has been replaced more recently, but we figured we would get a matching set. Unless there is a premature failure, this is likely to be the last laundry set we every purchase.

In the past, appliances were built like tanks. Housings, motors, gears and bearings were heavy-duty. Today, in an attempt to make them comply with energy efficient guidelines, they have to make them using thin steel and plastic parts. They may be more energy efficient when new, but they end up in landfills sooner, so the overall environmental impact may not be any better.

My mother had a GE washing machine that lasted over 30 years. That was back in the "good ole' days". They no longer make them like that anymore.

Man I stay away from Samsung, Bosch, and LG. Esp those front-load washers. I try to use the simplest stuff.
I got 15 years from a Roper (cheapo Maytag) washer with old-school clockwork timer and the drier is still going strong at 21. 1 belt so far.


Currently using a GE top load 6 years old. It stopped at the spin cycle for the wife a few weeks ago and I figured it to have a circuit board malady.
Pulled it out and spied some paperwork crimped behind the control panel. 3 screws in and retrieved a 4-fold paper which had circuits and pretty good diagnostic/repair info. There was even info on how to pull codes to determine issues counting flashing lights in diagnostic mode kindof like older computer controlled cars!
I read through and diagnostics said to unplug power and then all control connectors. Then, plug everything back in to see.

Worked a treat so far! I always shied away from all the electronics but you can't do that anymore. I was happy to find the pamphlet and learn more about the machine.
It gave me great confidence to attempt future repairs.

In the past I have gone on Repairclinic.com and fixed the old-school Frigidaire and dishwasher a few times. They have some videos and detailed diagnostics along with part numbers and parts for sale. Not just appliances, but many other things too.

Sadly, plastic on rubber on cheap bearings sometimes makes things unrepairable. Good that some things have been improved for replacement parts.

I have also discovered that the proper leveling of the machines is critical .

I folded that paper up and put it back into it's holder in my washer so I would know for certain where it was!

Glad you got it going, Gooner!

A Couple of facts. If you have a self cleaning oven never ever use that feature. The high heat bakes the electronics that run the oven. If you have a front load washer never use it to clean bath mats. They absorb too much water and the weight destroys the bearings in the washer.

I have a self cleaning oven. The wife cleans it her-self. We also have a dish washer. It get used twice a year just to keep the seals.from drying out as Id hate to have to figure out whatelse to put in that hole if it dies.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I read through and diagnostics said to unplug power and then all control connectors. Then, plug everything back in to see.

The only thing I would add to this is to count to 20 before you plug things back.

I am not an electronics tech more of a jack of all trades but I have to deal with many TV's. The first thing I do with most electronics is unplug and count to 20. Let the parts discharge. You will be suprised how many things this "fixes"!

Gerry can probably comment much more on this idea.



I have also discovered that the proper leveling of the machines is critical .

Great point. I should practice what you preach. My drier wobbles as it sits. I do have a board with a screwdriver as a wedge under my extra refrigerator that was a temporary repair about 6 months ago.

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