Know anything about Washing machines!!! - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

JohnnyFlame · 01-26-2009, 08:03 AM

So it' one of those hope the CP community can come through for you topics. My washing machine was done in by my PDA. Yep my pda. The stylus was in my pants pocket and fell out and jammed into one of the barrel holes. It was smoking and I shut if off and removed the stylus. It still worked but was making way more noise than it used to. Now last night it finally just quit turning.

I'm going to take the back off and give it at least an effort trying to repair it before looking for a new one(buy and sell forum take note). Question is what to look for? Loose belts? Chipped gears? Haul the motor out and have it tested?

IF I at least know what I'm looking for perhaps I can get away with some new parts?

burn_this_city · 01-26-2009, 08:11 AM

Probably the belts done.

Rathji · 01-26-2009, 08:59 AM

Belt or motor is my guess, either can be done any service guy. You could probably do the belt yourself, but it really depends on the model.

Avi Electronics is the guy I have used in the past, real good guy.

Gozer · 01-26-2009, 09:00 AM

I was hoping this would be some form of tutorial.

Barnes · 01-26-2009, 09:03 AM

Mmm..

My last washing machine was done in by a dryer sheet.

cyclone3483 · 01-26-2009, 09:20 AM

I agree with Rathji, belt or motor.

The belt is the most obvious and easy to fix even for a non-mechanical guy (that'd be me). I'd look at the belt first and see if it is broken (snapped or frayed) or off-track (like often happens in a vacuum rug brusher thingie when you have in-laws coming over in 15 mins and it'll take you another 10 to vacuum the mess your kids left everywhere...not that I've experienced this).

But the motor is something you'd need mechanical inclination to attempt. I'd call in an expert for that.

cyclone3483 · 01-26-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gozer

I was hoping this would be some form of tutorial.

Like, how to use one?

habernac · 01-26-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclone3483

Like, how to use one?

you'd be surprised. I had a 25 year old roommate who had no idea how to use one. Never vacuumed, used a dishwasher, laundry. Total mama's boy.

cyclone3483 · 01-26-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by habernac

you'd be surprised. I had a 25 year old roommate who had no idea how to use one. Never vacuumed, used a dishwasher, laundry. Total mama's boy.

Tell me you didn't do it all for him...

habernac · 01-26-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclone3483

Tell me you didn't do it all for him...

LOL! Not a chance.

4X4 · 01-26-2009, 12:11 PM

Just dump her and go to the bar and pick up a younger one.

csnarpy · 01-26-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

Just dump her and go to the bar and pick up a younger one.

Cha Ching!

4X4 · 01-26-2009, 06:01 PM

Disclaimer: that post was inspired by Rouge's gem in the dishwasher thread.

JohnnyFlame · 01-27-2009, 09:33 AM

OK the step by step guide. Don't remove the top. Don't take the screws out of the back. Put the thing on a table to begin with. Remove the bottom screws. LOL it was just so much fun(insert lots and lots of green sarcasm) just to discover it's the belt. Or so I hope. $20 for a new belt and then hoping all you have to do is put it around the pulleys and not have to adjust something for tension.

Oh that and hoping that the belt is the only problem.

JohnnyFlame · 01-29-2009, 12:41 PM

An update. At least working with a Fridigaire model this is a semi-how to. Yes indeed you do not need to take the top off or anything but the bottom to reach the motor/pulleys. Its a few screws and then some prying with a screwdriver and easier with two people to pull it out. The belt seems too small to you realize that one of the pulleys can be pushed in and then using a screwdriver looped over. It's easier to put it on the big pulley first and then work on the small ones.

Reassembly requires some patience/manuvering as you have very likely got the thing out of square and the holes don't lineup anymore. Probably much less of a problem if all you have done is remove the bottom.

I was very pleasantly surprised at how it was possible to repair the machine and cheaply. Cost of the belt was $20 plus tax. I spent a good two hours working on it though that would have been halved if I had taken the time to think beforehand. Plus gave up one lunch hour to go and get the belt. I would recommend giving it a go as it didn't really seem possible to screw it up worse than it already was by working on it.

Oh and plus one for your rep with the spouse having pulled this off without procrastination, making matters worse or having to pay for a repair guy.

Ruttiger · 11-08-2009, 07:37 PM

Bump.

I've become a slum lord but before my first tennant moves in next week, I've got a nasty rattle in my washing machine that I should get fixed. It sounds as though there is something loose rattling around inside somewhere, but it only pops up during certain cycles, not constant. Any ideas what this might be? I may be the least electronic/mechanically inclined person on CP, so if it gets any more involved than opening the lid, kicking it a few times, and swearing then it's likely beyond my capabililities. So tips on a repair person might be useful as well.