Ahhh! my washer broke

[justintime]

The other day my washer was making a very loud sound during the spin cycle. It turns out the drum broke. It is a 10 year old Kenmore front load washer. Phone calls to repairmen have suggested that it would be cheaper to get a new one than to have it repaired.
So now I'm scrambling to find out the best value on a new one. I know that I could probably get better deals if I waited until black Friday, but with 2 kids I would like to minimize the trips I need to make to the laundramat.
I see that Best Buy has a LG 3.5 cu ft washer on sale for 539.99 (WM2010)with free shipping and haul away. That seems to be the best deal I can find. But some reviews of other LG models indicate vibration problems. Does anyone know if the vibration problems are common with a majority of the LG models. I see there is a LG 4.0 cu washer with TrueBalance Anti-Vibration system, but that is almost $200 more. Does anyone know what the actual effect of the vibration is? I don't care if it makes a lot of noise since our washer is in the basement, but I don't want it if it causes other problems.
Does anyone have any other recommendations of any brand that are a good value for a decent front load washer. I don't need a lot of extra features as long as my clothes get clean.

[DMickey28]

If it's in the basement I doubt that the vibration will be an issue at all. I think that is largely a marketing gimic geared towards the families that have the washer/dryer more in the living area's of the house like the mud room or off the kitchen.

My parents just bought an LG washer and dryer a few weeks ago that they LOVE. I LOVE it too and want it but I need to wait until mine dies. Without spending an arm and leg it's probably a decent deal.

[dawson5]

I'd research it before giving up. We have a 5 yr old Maytag Neptune and it started making noises like a jet taking off. We googled and found out that it was the bearings, common problem in these washers. I called Maytag to find out about getting a part. They tried to tell me that they don't sell just the bearings and that I would need a new spinner arm, drum and something else. The total of parts would be about $1000 not including labor. After we researched this, we found out that it is a common enough problem and there were two ways to fix it. One option was to buy aftermarket bearings and the other was someone saying to just buy the balls and replace them in the original part--this did not seem like a good option. Anyways, we bought the part $79 + shipping, came with a video link on how to change it and a pdf file. You were also given the option of renting his tool to easily remove the bearings, we chose not to use this option. We kind of regretted it but not that much, it just took a bit longer.


You're saying that the drum is broke though? Like a huge crack down the middle?

[LIFERBABE]

Originally Posted by dawson5

I'd research it before giving up. We have a 5 yr old Maytag Neptune and it started making noises like a jet taking off. We googled and found out that it was the bearings, common problem in these washers. I called Maytag to find out about getting a part. They tried to tell me that they don't sell just the bearings and that I would need a new spinner arm, drum and something else. The total of parts would be about $1000 not including labor. After we researched this, we found out that it is a common enough problem and there were two ways to fix it. One option was to buy aftermarket bearings and the other was someone saying to just buy the balls and replace them in the original part--this did not seem like a good option. Anyways, we bought the part $79 + shipping, came with a video link on how to change it and a pdf file. You were also given the option of renting his tool to easily remove the bearings, we chose not to use this option. We kind of regretted it but not that much, it just took a bit longer.


You're saying that the drum is broke though? Like a huge crack down the middle?

Had the same issue, dont make em like they used to!! Ended up buying another Maytag Neptune because I like the capacity and the bigger opening.

OP, check Costco and Sams Club too. They offer longer warranties. I personally will not purchase another ex warranty total waste.

[dawson5]

Originally Posted by LIFERBABE

Had the same issue, dont make em like they used to!! Ended up buying another Maytag Neptune because I like the capacity and the bigger opening.

OP, check Costco and Sams Club too. They offer longer warranties. I personally will not purchase another ex warranty total waste.

supposedly with the newer ones they've encased the bearings so that they don't wear out like this. I think before they were exposed. I was just amazed that they wanted me to sink $1000 in parts for something that could be fixed for under $100 and the instructions they sent made it fairly straightforward, even showing how to take apart the machine.

[wmharley]

I bought a water valve from here
http://www.repairclinic.com/

for $37 shipped. fixed it in about 1.5h savings? priceless.

[meanser]

Mine just broke last week, went with a Maytag which I love! But I did look at the ads for black friday that are out already and all of them were washer and dryer combos, so if you just need a washer waiting isn't going to help you.

Good luck!

[quentina]

Originally Posted by LIFERBABE

Had the same issue, dont make em like they used to!! Ended up buying another Maytag Neptune because I like the capacity and the bigger opening.

OP, check Costco and Sams Club too. They offer longer warranties. I personally will not purchase another ex warranty total waste.

My TV in my living room cost me $0 due to the extended warranty. A shadow was up in the corner and we called warranty company. Turns out the shadow is a shifted piece of metal inside (???) and it would cost them more to fix. Gave us a check for entire price and we got to keep TV.