noisy washer agitator

bucksone · 08-12-2007, 10:14 PM

My Whirlpool Design 2000 top-loading washer (bought in 1987!) has started making a loud noise. The noise is in rhythm with the agitator. It only does it during the wash cycle when the agitator is moving back and forth. While I realize I have received my money's worth out of this washer after 20 years, if this is something fixable, I'm willing to give it a try. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

SecretSquirrel · 08-12-2007, 10:34 PM

This is more of a story than DIY advice. I had a similar issue with a 15 year old Sears Kenmore washer except my spin cycle quit working. I'm a DIY type of guy right? Well I started dismantling the washer to find the source of the problem and uncovered the remnants of some sort of nylon gear or bushing. I whipped out my service manual and after studying the possible components that could have contributed to the meltdown and then looking at the washer transmission, not to mention the looming pile of laundry, the next thing I did was call a service center to see what a "hypothetical" repair would cost. After hearing that bad news and looking at the prospect of a real PITA and time consuming repair I decided to save what little hair I have left on my head and take the washer to the dump and replace it with a new one. A wise man chooses the battles he is capable of winning.

Individual results may vary.

skymaster · 08-13-2007, 11:06 AM

Buck: Padre Espritum Sanctum
Take the wife out to lunch and a shopping trip

boman47k · 08-16-2007, 09:47 PM

What type of noise?

Quote:

It only does it during the wash cycle when the agitator is moving back and forth.

Watch it while it is in wash mode and see if the tub is going from side to side or wobbling. If it is, raise the top and look in the corners for rubber dampers going from the tub to the washer itself. One or more may be broken if it has them. If it has springs on the bottom that serve basically the same purpose, check them. These will be heavy springs if it has them. Be careful when installing or remmoving. Do you know if it is direct drive or belt driven? If direct drive, definitely check the coupler. Not really sure how far back the direct drives go. Just some suggestions without being there to actually see it.

girltech · 01-04-2008, 02:18 PM

What is the model number of the washer?

The model number should be on a tag in the opening of the washer where you put the clothes in.

If the agitator is a duel action type it has what are call dog in it and a cam that could be making the noise.