My front load washer repair and change host valve.

First sorry for using English. My chinese type is really really slow.

Anyway, my front load washer was bought in 2002 as new (kenmore).  For passing two weeks, it make really big sound during the final spin.  It is more like helicopter taking off.  I have to put my body weight on the top it to prevent it taking off.   Also the basket swing motion seems to be too much.

LD said it is time for a new one.  I said that please let me take a look.  After googling, I kind of know there are two possibilities: 1) bearing is out, or 2) spider arm(s) (I will show what it looks like) broken.  Later is costly.

I was taking everything apart.  Unfortunately, this require take the tube (plastic thing in the center) out and disassemble it.
Make no mistake. The tube is very heavy.  It contains two pieces of concrete blocks to increase the weight. So it will be stable when basket spins.

Took the pully out. I had to be careful it is soft metal.

Below is spider which has three arms and made of thick aluminum.  The center gear called shaft.


It was very clear after opening the tube. Spider shaft broken into few pieces.  At this moment, I was facing two choices: 1) buy a new one which cost about $699 for front load. or 2) order the part then put them together and hopefully it will work.

I googled more. I found this is common problem for front load model. People have spider broken in 3.5 to 6 years.  Comparing to them, I am very lucky to last 11 years. But we only use like every 2 or 3 days.  Now I knew even I buy a new one. I would still be facing this issue.  I was searching spider shaft.  No one sell spider shaft only for Kenmore. It goes with basket which is $260.  LG is the brand can sell only spider but does not fit for kenmore. 

I deicided to buy new basket and install it and put them back together.


I used rust preventing paint to sray on spider. This will slow down corrosion process from detergent water.

It works fine. It is better than new. It will last at least another 11+ years.  I was wondering why the manufactory does not put coat of protection for only 5 bucks and could last twice long.  I guess they want you money. I told sears about this. They try to sell me a solution that they claim can wash off residue what I mention. I tell them forget it.  I will buy another brand if I ever need washer.

I was about end of the story and just found out my faucet is leaking.

I rushed to Lowes bought these two.





show you a tip how to patch dry wall. I use a small piece of wood siding left from another project. Other plywood works but real wood can be split easily when size is small. 



What a day! Thank you. I hope you can learn from my experience. I know what I will be looking for when I shop a washer machine.