Kenmore Vibrates bad during spin cycle

[drange]

Hello,

This is my first time troubleshooting and repairing a washing machine, but I do have a good mechanical and troubleshooting back ground.

Make: Kenmore Washing Machine
Model 110.92586210
approx: age 5+ years (rough guess)

As my title suggests, the machine vibrates badly during the spin cycle. Not to the point that it jumps around but it is pretty loud. This will happen even with out any clothes loaded and it is only noticeable during the spin cycle. Also after the spin cycle, when I open the lid and take note of the position of the drum, it is leaning to one side. I can try to position it correctly by hand, this helps a tad with the leaning, but it is still noticeably leaning.

I checked if the whole machine was level and it is for the most part. Kind of difficult to get it perfect with the auto-leveling feet on the back. I opened the machine up and discovered a couple things. All springs are present and are attached to their brackets. Some show a-lot of wear, the counter balance spring in particular. On the hook side of the counter balance spring it has been worn away more then half way through on both hook ends. The bracket it hooks into also shows some wear. The brackets for the 3 suspension springs show wear, the spring them selves only show a little wear. I did not take the tub off to inspect the tub wear pads.

I am planning on buying new springs, mounts, and tub wear pads from http://www.repairclinic.com/Kenmore-Washing-Machine-Model-11092586210-ID-177148-Parts (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&P=1)

Before I invested money, I wanted to get this forums opinion on the matter.

Thanks, let me know if I need to provide additional information.

[jeff1]

Hi,

Some common vibrating trouble makers...
http://www.applianceaid.com/washer-suspension-help.php


Also after the spin cycle, when I open the lid and take note of the position of the drum, it is leaning to one side. I can try to position it correctly by hand, this helps a tad with the leaning, but it is still noticeably leaning.

Leaning to the right?...
http://www.applianceaid.com/direct-drive-washer-spring-help.php


All springs are present and are attached to their brackets. Some show a-lot of wear, the counter balance spring in particular. On the hook side of the counter balance spring it has been worn away more then half way through on both hook ends. The bracket it hooks into also shows some wear.

Maybe drill a new hole and try a new spring and bracket...

391 Bracket, spring (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=671181)

392 Spring, tub counterbalance (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=1549326)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tbBnr4aCGjc

jeff.

[thefixer]

That is not the correct bracket for the rear counterweight spring. All Whirlpool parts manuals have this shown wrong. The correct bracket is this one.

http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Support-Bracket/64065/671181 (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=671181)

[jeff1]

All Whirlpool parts manuals have this shown wrong

Thankx for the heads up.

jeff.

[drange]

Thank you both for the reply.

I am planning on replacing all springs, brackets, and tub wear pads just so I can cover all the ground and somewhat refurbish this washing machine. It was given to me by my parents and I hope to have it for some time ( fingers crossed )

Couple questions:

What is the difference between these tub wear pads and which one should I buy?

Suspension pad kit (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=2979)

and

Tub wear pads (pkg of 3) (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=2978)

Current plan.

Buy this list of parts:
1 Spanner wrench (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=1021707)
3 Suspension springs (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=671098)
3 Bracket for Suspension spring (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=671183)
1 Counterbalance spring (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=1549326)
1 Bracket for counterbalance (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=671181)
2 Screw leveling legs (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=1202371)
and
which ever tub wear pad I should get.

I will drill a new hole for the counterbalance spring and replace the above parts. What are the chances that all of this will solve my 'vibrate' problem?

and Yes, it does lean to the right.

When replacing the tub wear pads, would it be a good idea to replace the tub seal (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=3118)

Also, are there any more commonly worn out parts I should replace while I am at it?

I hope to remove rust from the frame and paint it, but I am not sure if I will feel like doing it after all of this lol

thanks again for the help!

[jeff1]

What is the difference between these tub wear pads and which one should I buy?

Both. Inner and outer pads, both are used on your washer.


What are the chances that all of this will solve my 'vibrate' problem?

Excellent.


When replacing the tub wear pads, would it be a good idea to replace the tub seal

While all apart, yes you might as well.


lso, are there any more commonly worn out parts I should replace while I am at it?

Check it first, but motor coupler is a very common part for wearing out.

394 Drive motor coupler (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=1195967)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9K1KHEogf3c


I hope to remove rust from the frame and paint it, but I am not sure if I will feel like doing it after all of this lol

LOL....a little black spray paint does make the frame look nicer!

jeff.

[drange]

Thanks Jeff, you have been alot of help.

I did see that the balance ring on top of the wash basket could be a problem. What can I do to check if this needs to be replaced?

I found other parts that might be worth replacing, but you being the expert I shall ask you.
gasket (http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Gasket/359449/539997?modelNumber=110.92586210)
bearing and seal kit (http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Bearing/285203/470615?modelNumber=110.92586210)

Does the above kit include these few items below?
- shaft seal for transmission (http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Shaft-Seal/8577376/1181094?modelNumber=110.92586210)
- shaft seal (http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Shaft-Seal/356427/3176?modelNumber=110.92586210)
- bearing (http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Bearing/8546462/1180081?modelNumber=110.92586210)

I kinda feel that I am replacing more than what I need to at this point. Washer seems to work fine except the vibrating. It dosent leak but I mention these seals because I know once you take something apart seals are likely to not seal anymore.

I dont have a huge budget for this, I just want to get it right the first time and not have to continue fixing it in the near future.

At this point I am going to buy the following, unless further knowledge is shared for me to alter it.
I am at $90 bucks for:
1 Spanner wrench
3 Suspension springs
3 Bracket for Suspension spring
1 Counterbalance spring
1 Bracket for counterbalance
2 Screw leveling legs
both sets of tub wear pads
motor coupling
and the tub seal

Seems reasonable for me, if you were in my shoes, would you add or remove anything from the above list?

Thanks again

[jeff1]

I did see that the balance ring on top of the wash basket could be a problem. What can I do to check if this needs to be replaced?

Check for sloshing water sounds as tub stops from spinning or just grab the assembly and give it a shake.....hear some sloshing, yes and all is ok with the balance ring.


I found other parts that might be worth replacing, but you being the expert I shall ask you.
gasket
bearing and seal kit

Nope and nope, not needed.


Does the above kit include these few items below?
- shaft seal for transmission
- shaft seal
- bearing

Yes, the bearing and seal kit has those in it.


I kinda feel that I am replacing more than what I need to at this point.

Probably none of these will be needed!

jeff.