GE Washing Machine -- Very loud during spin cycle

[Silt]

Hi all,

Recently my GE Washing Machine has begun to be very loud only during it's spin cycle, during normal wash/agitating it sounds normal. Not sure if this is a sign of a problem, but the drum seems to have alot of play in it...meaning it pretty easily moves side to side and up and down. I'm guessing the bearings in it are shot from some limited googling I did.

If it is the bearings, what's the ball park figure I can expect to pay for a repair? I'm guessing for the cost of repair I could probably spend a little more and just get a new machine.

Any advice?

Thanks,

Silt

[buffalobill]

[Doug]

If you are talking about the entire drum or tub moving too easily from side to side or around, you may have one or more broken mounting springs. Most washers have three heavy springs that run from the tub stuts to the washer base. Thee springs center the tub and help steady it during the spin cycle. I've seen them rust apart and have even seen the washer bottom rusted so badly that the springs have broken loose.

It's an easy check, just remove the front panel (with power disconnected, of course).

Doug

[nospamtodd]

Newer GE washers (withing the last 10 years or so) that start to growl during spin have a main bearing problem, and this will probably turn into a main seal leak problem too, if not already. My current quandary is whether it is possible to replace just the bearing (a very cheap part, but time-consuming to install), or if a gearcase is necessary as well. Now that you know what it is, you can call around and find out how much it costs to replace it.

[Bob F]

Front panel? Most washers I've worked on only open at the top or back. (Top load)

Bob

[Rain]