Screeching noises from washer -> Time to get new washer?

[JEDI]

i have a 15yr old Admiral brand top loading washer.

recently it began to make screeching noises during the agitator cycle. (before the spin cycle)

the spin cycle sounds normal.

Found this using google:
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4814272_high-pitch-whine-washing-machine.html

- worn motor bearings
- grease has thinned out around the bearing and it's making the noise because of rubbing.


Suggestions? THX!

 

[Rastus]

Look around for a motor. Some of them are suprisingly inexpensive. They are a pain to change though.

 

[dan4patriots]

if you have a wife- you already have a washer

 

[spidey07]

Look around for a motor. Some of them are suprisingly inexpensive. They are a pain to change though.

This. Could be the agitator dogs if spin cycle works.

 

[JEDI]

This. Could be the agitator dogs if spin cycle works.

agitator dogs ?

 

[spidey07]

Google it. It's plastic cams in the agitator itself. I went through a bad motor recently. It was a two speed motor that rapidly switched between hi and low. The low speed coil was bad.

 

[GregGreen]

Call an appliance repair guy. No need to replace if all it needs a little grease or something else cheap.

 

[BoomerD]

Agitator dogs shouldn't cause a screeching noise. The top of the agitator just stops working.
Sounds like a bad motor or transmission.
While it's something that CAN be repaired, it may not be worth the cost of having someone do it. (and not likely to be easy for anyone who's not a GOOD handyman.

 

[Squisher]

15 yrs. is the end of a washer's lifespan.

http://repair2000.com/lifespan.html

 

[Udgnim]

your washer houses a necromorph baby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li_xI3mosGE

 

[bruceb]

You got 15 years out of the machine. It did it's time. Buy a new one, it will have more features, work better and use less electric and water. Probably clean clothes better. Just avoid Sears models. They do work, but some tend to wear out clothes faster.

 

[DrPizza]

"More features"?? I can't recall the last time I changed the settings on my washing machine.

Call an appliance repair guy.

Given the value of your washing machine, vs. the cost of having an appliance repair come out, that makes no sense to do.

Last thing you can do: Take the case off the washing machine & bypass the lid switch. Listen to where the sound is coming from. If yours is a machine with a belt, it could be as simple as that - a $15 part & simple enough that 50% of the people with an IQ over 100 can fix it. (wow, that means... 25% of people; but you post here, so it's likely you fall into that category.) If it's definitely coming from the motor, well, you *might* be able to fix it; you might find a cheap enough replacement motor (really not that hard to change out), but it's probably time for a new washing machine.

Tip: "free delivery and removal of your old washing machine!" Screw that - as long as you have the case out, rip out the wiring, take that motor off, and fold up the rest of the metal (the outer case will fold/bend up easily.) Easy enough to put the pieces in the trunk and drop it off at a scrap dealer. Motor is worth more, if removed from the machine, because of the high copper content.