Direct Drive Washer Repair Series - Replacing Your Washer Coupling

Direct Drive Washer Repair Series

Installment 1: Replacing your Washer Coupling

You may need to replace the motor coupling on your washer if it portrays either of the following symptoms:

• The washer fills and drains but will not spin or agitate.


• The washer makes loud noises while spinning or agitating.

Even if your coupling is not to blame, it is definitely prudent to investigate;
as it is one of the most inexpensive repair solutions for a direct drive washing machine.




Here are the tools you will need for the job:

• A Straight Blade Screwdriver
• A Phillips Screwdriver
• A ¼’’ Nut driver
• A Motor coupling – Part number 285753
  (fits most direct drive washing machines)
  

Available on Timerking.com for 8.93 (including shipping)




The repair itself is very simple, but getting to the coupling can be a bit tricky.
The first thing that you want to do before repairing your appliance is to make sure that the machine is unplugged!
I can tell you from experience that receiving a shock while trying to perform a repair is most unpleasant!
Additionally you are going to want to remove your drain and fill hoses.
Make sure that you turn your water lines off before removing the fill hoses; it’s not very fun to do a repair while soaking wet.

Once the machine is unplugged and the hoses are removed, our next move is to take off the exterior metal casing on your washer.
We're looking for 2 Phillips screws on the left and right side of the console on your washer.
On some models there are plastic trim pieces covering the screws; they pop off very easily.
After you remove the two console screws, slide the console forward and flip it back; this will expose two brass colored retainer clips.
You will use your straight blade screwdriver to remove these clips. Notice that these clips are somewhat in the shape of the letter “W.”
To easily remove them hold your flat blade horizontally and insert it into the cavity closest to you.
Then push the handle portion of the screw driver forward (away from you); this will cause it to catch a lip and pop right out!

Next you must unplug your lid switch (it’s between the two clips that you just removed).
Once the lid switch is unplugged you can completely remove the outer metal casing of your washer.
The easiest way to do this is to open the lid and grab the inside of the metal casing. Pull the casing towards you and it will come right off.
I recommend finding an open area to set the case in so that it doesn’t get in your way.

Take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity behind your washing machine; as you will have a clear view of its insides at this point.

Now that the case is off, lay your washer gently on its back.
It’s good to have a towel handy, because any water that is lingering in the washer will want to drain out as you lay it down.

At this point, you should be able to see the drain pump, motor and transmission; we will remove them in the order that they are mentioned.
There are two retainer clips holding the pump on; using your flat blade screw driver you can pop them off easily.
There’s no need to disconnect the hoses from the pump, simply tuck it out of your way.

Now you’ve reached the motor; disconnect the plug from it and remove the clips just like you did for the washer pump.
Be careful when doing this; the motor is very heavy and could drop off while removing the clips.
Note: If there are screws holding your motor in, you will need a nut driver usually ¼’’ or 5/16’'.
These screws are in place for shipping purposes only and are not necessary to replace on re-assembly.)

Once the plug and clips are removed from your motor, lift it straight up; this will expose the transmission.
In the area that the motor made contact with the transmission is where you find your coupling. If it is in fact the culprit, it will usually appear broken or ground to bits.
Even if it appears to be in-tact, since you have gone this far it doesn't hurt to take it off the transmission for a closer look.

The easiest way to remove the coupling is by using your straight blade screw driver to pry it off.
Note: If you encounter a coupling with a steel liner, it may be necessary to use an automotive tie rod end removing tool (also known as a pickle fork) to pry it off of the transmission.
Once the old coupling is off, it’s time to install the replacement coupling.
Press each side of the new coupling onto the motor and the transmission; you want to put them on snugly.

Next you are going to want to align the couplings together and place the motor back onto the transmission.
The motor retainer clips should be easy to put back on; if it’s a struggle the coupling may not be connected properly.

At this point, simply follow the disassembly instructions in reverse to put your washing machine back together.




Overall this is a fairly simple and inexpensive repair; the job from start to finish should take about a half an hour.
A service man would charge about $150 for this type of repair; but thrifty you can do it for under $10! High five my friend!




If this repair was helpful, please take time to share your thoughts in the comments below! We would love to hear an account of your repair experience(s)!


Did the washer coupling turn out NOT to be the issue? You are more than welcome to consult with our technicians here!
Give us a call at (715) 392-4808; we would be happy to assist you.
Store hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (CST).

Keep your eyes peeled for future installments of our Direct Drive Washer Repair Series!

Until next time; have a great day and happy repairing to you!

Refrigerator and Freezer Maintenance

Spring comes late where I live, in northwest Wisconsin on the tip of Lake Superior.
So, it can be as late as June before I get around to all the spring chores.

Even when I have a busy schedule, I still take the time to upkeep my appliances.
I've found summer to be an ideal time to tune up my various refrigeration units.

Maintaining your refrigerator and freezer will play an important role in their efficiency and longevity;
additionally it is fairly quick and simple. No matter where you live or what season you are in;
perform these easy maintenance measures twice a year and rest easy.

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Maintenance Checklist

• Check The Seals

Cracking, tearing and collapsed areas are all trouble.
Small cracks and tears can be patched with clear silicone.
Larger ones may require seal replacement.
For collapsed areas, a hair dryer works wonders to soften the seal.
Additionally it causes the magnet to revert back into its original shape.

To perform this fix, heat the seal with the door closed,
being careful to keep the dryer moving so it doesn't melt the seal!
Let it cool before reopening.

Some chest freezer seals are not magnetic, so a collapsed area can be a bit more tricky.
I like to stuff some play-doh or silly-putty inside the seal area to force it back into shape.
Heating it while stuffed and then letting it cool may allow you to get the kids' play-doh back out afterwards!


• Clean The Coils

Clean the coils under or behind your units with a coil brush, duster or rag on a stick.
Keeping a vacuum running while doing this would be wise as it can be a bit messy.
This really extends appliance life, as the coils are where all the heat goes from inside!

Clean the inside with a mild soap solution and toss that old casserole out or cook it!
This cleaning is a great time to reassess what you really never eat and quit buying it.
It is also a good reminder time to rotate the old stuff to the top or front.


• Defrost Your Freezer(s)

To quickly and effectively defrost your freezer:
use a pan of boiling water on a hot pad.
Just close the door and go away for 20 minutes - works wonders!
Regularly defrosting increases efficiency and will make the compressor last longer as well.

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This is also a good time to clean out your coolers;
especially if you forgot to leave them cracked open all winter - what's that awful musty smell?

Have a great spring / summer and call me for a taste test when you are going to make that famous potato salad!

Reduced Recycling Rates!

For the month of June ONLY - 50% off all domestic household APPLIANCE & ELECTRONICS RECYCLING at Balcum Appliance! Now is the time to clean out your garage, basement, and storage shed, and anywhere else those dead appliances and electronics may be lurking! To see our current hours or to learn more about our pricing, check out www.balcum.com.

Fridge Maintenance tips

Here are a few tips to help make your Refrigerator last! All of these tips take less than 5 minutes! 1) vacuum away dust from the condenser and coils. 2) Clean the door seal. 3) Make sure all Freezer vents are clear from obstructions.

Put Your Washer on Vacation Hold

Before you leave town, be sure to shut the water off to your washer. Hoses can corrode over time and may rupture while you are away. This could save you from coming home to a flooded basement. Check your washer hose connections every few months to make sure they are free from rust and are not leaking. If you see any problems, replace the hoses right away. It's cheaper to replace the hoses than the contents of your basement.

Should I Buy a Used Appliance Part?

In most cases we might not consider buying a used appliance part.
There are however several circumstances where buying used
may be the better option.

Below we'll go over some helpful information and discuss
how they can benefit you.

Points of Discussion:

• Age of the appliance
• How long you plan to keep the appliance
• Cost of needed part
• Type of part being purchased
• Integrity of the seller

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How old is the appliance?

This can be a relative question, as loads per day will vary depending on the size of your family. On average, a major appliance will last 8 years. If you have reached the half way point or surpassed that point, a used part may be of great value to you. Only you can judge the amount of life that is still left in your appliance.

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How long do you plan to keep the appliance?

• Will you replace the unit if it has another failure soon?
• Are you considering moving in the near future and leaving it behind?
• Would you replace it if you find a good deal on a new appliance?

Answers to these questions should help you in making a sound decision.

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Cost:

Cost must always be a considered in this time of economic uncertainty.
Many new appliance parts cost upwards of $100 or even $200.
A good used part may be available at an average of half the price of new.
Compare the cost to the value of your appliance overall,
and you will be able to decide if a used part is worth considering.

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Which part are you replacing?

A mechanical or electrical part may be riskier to purchase than a cosmetic part.
I will say if minor scratches bother you, then you may want to reconsider buying used.
Many used parts are also available as reconditioned or rebuilt, which too can be a good value.

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Consider the Seller:

Do they seem trustworthy? Does the part come with a warranty?
Some sellers have technicians who test the parts before selling them,
while others simply post them and hope that everything works out okay.
A good picture can tell a thousand words about the condition of the part as well.

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I hope that this article has helped to inform you about used appliance parts
and how they can be of use to you in the future.
We here at Balcum Appliance have bought and sold many parts both new and used.
We carefully weigh all of these options before making a final decision.




Happy part hunting to you!

How to Make Your Appliances Last Longer

Getting the most out of your appliances:

Household appliances have become an essential commodity in our society. However, skyrocketing prices have forced the consumer to carefully consider all repair and purchase options available.
What if I told you that you could increase the life span of your appliances greatly with minor upkeep?

The luxury of having longer lasting appliances is not out of your grasp!

To keep your appliances in working condition for a longer period of time you simply need perform routine maintenance, generally a few times a year.
This will ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

Below I have listed maintenance tips for the most common household units. You will truly be amazed at how these simple, preventative measures will increase the longevity of your appliances!


Maintenance Tips for Your Clothes Dryers:

• You should be emptying your dryer's lint filter after each load to prevent buildup that could eventually cause a fire.



• At least once a year you should clean out your dryer venting to ensure proper air flow.



• Every 6-12 months vacuum out your dryer’s interior. Over time lint can build up inside, causing a fire hazard.

Maintenance Tips for Your Clothes Washers:

• Remember to never overload your washer! This can cause serious damage that may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.



• Check the washer's leveling legs occasionally to make sure that they are level.



• Check your fill hoses every six months. If they are cracked or warped, they need to be replaced. If the washer is in an area where flooding is more prominent, we recommend that you replace these hoses at least every 4 years.

Maintenance Tips for Your Refrigerator:

• Clean your refrigerator's condenser coils at least every six months. If you own pets, every 3 months would be advisable.



• Check your fridge seals regularly; make sure that they aren’t cracked or worn. If they are dirty you should clean them with a mild detergent or warm soapy water.

Maintenance Tips for Your Range with Coil-Style Burners:

• Keep the drip pans clean, grease buildup can jeopardize burner functionality.



• A common measure taken to keep the burners clean is to wrap them in tin foil. We advise against doing this. You may ask, "Why?" Because the tin foil could cause a short circuit, leading to a part replacement that could have been avoided or even a safety hazard.



• Clean up spills in the oven right away, especially if something has dripped on the bake element.

Maintenance Tips for Your Glass-Top Range:

• Remember to keep the surface clean, and wipe up any debris as soon as possible. If left un-cleaned for too long
  the glass surface will start to become pit and break down.



• Wait to clean the surface until the heat is completely off.



• To avoid the glass top breaking set pots and pans on the stove gently.



• If your stove has an electronic control board, try to avoid letting moisture into it. If you have a fan above your stove you should always turn it on while you are cooking.

Try putting these simple tips into practice! Share your results with us! If you have any other suggestions for your fellow readers, feel free to list them in the comments section below!