Trust me, they know it. Unfortunately, we've gotten into a disposable mentality. Make it as cheap as possible for as much as you can get for it. The strange thing they still make a dryer (curved lint screen) that was, for the most part, designed in the 60s.
Take a look at Speed Queen, all metal construction, ours is mow past 10 years with no problems.
Our washer and dryer have had the odd issue but when we bought them the guy said get an extended warranty and that's paid off. He said he didn't normally recommend them but did for laundry appliances
I got 3 batteries from Subaru via class action. And over $100 from led display class actions. And Subaru is fixing a parasitic battery drain on 4 years of cars because of a class action saving customers $1000 per car.
I'm a whirlpool tech in the Caribbean and I can tell you that the first series of that model washer had many issues. In my country whirlpool dominates all other brands. I've had front load whirlpool washers since I started working with them almost a decade now and I've never experienced any major issues. I think it may have just been a bad model
Plastic bearing doesnt cause that lol. Whered you get that information?
Theres ball bearings in the gearcase, yes. Theyre covered by a rubber seal adhered with high temp adhesive that does not budge.
The only reason theyd go out in two years is:
A) Its a fluke of the bearing itself. It happens, but its rare. Very rare.
B) You've been either overloading the crap out of it, or you've gotten it out of balance numerous times, enough to create slop between the seal and shaft to let water into the bearing.
Seems like the amateur techs want to blame the user, while the actual Whirlpool techs call this a shite model.
Don’t really care either way, it is what it is. 2 year old washer that is going to go into a landfill because Whirlpool can’t make a decent product.
Whirlpool warranty tech six years, owned three of these VMW machines personally before going Speed Queen. Family kept overloading it. They'd last 2-4 years max.
Have had these machines blown apart down to the wire and screw. Rebuilt them out of four different models. Seen the gearcase split in half and studied the common points of failure and why they happen.
Fun fact: Ive seen bearing failure on Speed Queen, 40yo Maytag, and old reliable direct drive Kenmores.....all from misuse.
You can pull an 18-wheeler cargo trailer with a Toyota Camry. Its built to tow, it has the torque capability. But its not rated for it, and it will murder the trans.
How big is the load though. Thats the thing.
Im not trying to insinuate its completely your fault. We wash the crap out of clothes for a family of five, bedsheets and comforters included. But theyre not built like a Wascomat or Dexter....its a $600 Whirlpool.
Like buying a cheap laptop and trying to use it like a gaming PC.
I mean, we do wash bed sheets. Are you not supposed to wash your sheets in a washer? No comforters though.
Anyway, we wash the same way as our last washer, which was a 600 dollar Samsung. That one lasted 10 years and we only got rid of it because the dryer broke and we bought a matching new set.
The fact the Samsung lasted surprises me.
On the other hand, ten years ago appliances werent built so crappy. Nowadays youre lucky if the Samsung shocks last a year.
If you are handy there are probably YouTube videos showing how to change the bearings. I did mine on our 12 year old LG. It isn't easy but it is doable. I usually buy the 5 year service agreement for major appliances just in case I get a lemon.
Did appliance repairs for years... Have seen many practically me whirlpool washers needing new gearboxes, clutches and shifter motors. Do yourself a favor... Get a Speed Queen and don't look back.
I have a WTW5000 Whirlpool washer that I bought in 2015. The drain pump went out last year and has been the only repair it’s needed so far. 9 years and counting. Either you were unlucky and got a bad one or it was user error.
Or maybe I have been lucky. 🤷🏼♂️
Top comment on this post is someone inside Whirlpool saying they won’t even sell this machine without an extended warranty.
Don’t think it’s user error, sport.
lol people only want confirmation bias, not the truth. Of course the monster.com temp hire in the sales call center knows more than you.
Couldn’t possibly be this “expert” sales person’s training trying to force the manufacturers extremely expense extended warranties on people as instructed.
In my experience as a sales person techs are incredibly bias on machines, not on the quality of the build, but the ease of repair. Whirlpool laundry is garbage.
You were lucky. It's not just Whirlpool, pretty much all the newer washers are junk. I pulled a two year old GE washer out of a house yesterday. Even the new SpeedQueens have moved to electronic controls which may work better, but aren't really repairable, just replaceable.
In the plus side, they are much cheaper now than they were forty years ago when you factor in inflation.
Idk where you live but here we have consumer protection law that states « Goods have to last a reasonable duration. ». Like appliances have to last at least 10yrs, TVs at least 7yrs, etc.. if it breaks in that window time they have to repair it under warranty even if the manufacturer’s warranty ended. So where I live the extended warranties are a scam and useless to us. You have to fight but once you mention the law they send a repairman in the week.
Either way that s*** for you, appliances are so badly made nowadays.
They live in a place called Neverland with Peter and Wendy and Hook or fantasy Island. Even in the EU warranties are only 2 years with a bunch on non-enforceable, aspirational language…. But 2 years is real warranty. US it is one-year in every state.
Plastic bearing? Never heard that. But yeah gearcases are common repairs. Whirlpools are “good” maybe but you just have to buy the cheaper ones. Because you won’t get any more life out of the more expensive ones. If you want a “better” unit grab a speed queen. But they still have their own problems.
I need to ask this as this is just crazy, what was quoted?????
As a certified whirlpool tech I find it shocking that it would be anywhere near the price of a new unit.
Just FYI I charge (with diag so this is a return trip) 125.
I get the feeling this is some 3rd party “service company” as they are notorious for super high rates but I will wait for a response.
It’s a major component but it only a half hour job.
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/product/4xwhype6kj-0026-110/id-w11185701
+$200 labor
Call someone else.
Allright, thanks. I’ve got a few more days before the new washer comes. I’ll see if I can get some second opinions next week. If the repair price gets down to 400 I will do that. Much better than creating more landfill.
Call Whirlpool and see if they will offer a fixed price repair plan or a repair and protect plan. They are new things they offer where basically you will get your appliance fixed for a cheaper rate guaranteed if you get an extended service plan to cover it in the future. Downside is you need to fork over more money, upside is you have an appliance that is guaranteed to work for years where all the risk sits with Whirlpool rather than you.
Actually pretty much everything on the market today (speaking on washers here) is made to last 7 years the max and thats me being generous. They make them to live up to the warranty and then we end up getting rid of them. I miss my kenmore i bought used! That thing never missed a beat.
My father in law has had the same model for years. Design is OK. Maybe try a different repair company. By chance did you use a credit card that doubles the warranty?
So I actually do blame the manufacturers for this as is is misleading to people as to what these machines can actually by listing of tub volume alone (the only part of the washer that changes as “capacity” increases is tub size, motor, suspension etc is all the same)
For a residential washer, no matter the “capacity”, the actual weight limit is 18lb (Speed Queen is the only exception at 21lbs)
And that is 18lbs of evenly distributed and loosely dropped in clothes (do not compact them) around the outside of the tub in a doughnut (the middle cap of the impeller should be visible for a properly loaded washer)
Mechanical failings of bearings without overloading is insanely rare. As in, 99.999% it is not what happened.
This is a perfect example of marketing and engineering not meshing… I have personally watched senior marketing people of a major appliance manufacture loading the washer the were market wrong… and their job is to sell that machine so of course they want things to brag about. Unfortunately, with corporate structures, they probably have little to no contact with an engineering department approving the actual content of their sales pitches, not would they want to as every brand is doing the same thing… as it is what the consumers demand.
My personal favorite example of this phenomena of different departments not having co rat is with the smart features on LG machines which are called ThinQ. LG’s US marketing people routinely pronounce that Thin Q. It’s clearly meant to be pronounced “Think”
As an aside, this is also why this form is next to useless, because there’s a bunch of people on here spouting out a bunch of absolute BS who have no idea they’re talking outside of reading packages and “Internet research” self justifying their own purchases of overpriced garbage.
So now we have a race to the bottom with every brand trying to out do the others with extremely carefully worded marketing claims that do not reflect the engineering.
So, straight out, you overloaded the crap out of that machine, don’t blame yourself because you were told you could by everyone, including the people who made it.
Are you sure it is gearcase and not the retaining hub at the bottom of the basket. The hub is an inexpensive fix and they will absolutely make terrible noise when the plastic strips. The gearcase isn’t plastic, but when they finally die leak oil.
Also, as many have said, this likely was due to misuse unfortunately. Like your tech said, it is also a shit product. If you use them properly they will last decently even with their poor design.
Ironically many people buy top loaders assuming they will last longer than a front loader. Unless you are buying Speed Queen, current agitator models are just not built to last and manufacturers try to keep costs as low as possible in these models by using cheaper, lower quality components compared to the front loaders.
The only problems with Class Actions are that the lawyers get millions, and you end up if lucky with a $100.
I don’t even care about the money I just Whirlpool to realize they are building garbage products!
Trust me, they know it. Unfortunately, we've gotten into a disposable mentality. Make it as cheap as possible for as much as you can get for it. The strange thing they still make a dryer (curved lint screen) that was, for the most part, designed in the 60s. Take a look at Speed Queen, all metal construction, ours is mow past 10 years with no problems.
Our washer and dryer have had the odd issue but when we bought them the guy said get an extended warranty and that's paid off. He said he didn't normally recommend them but did for laundry appliances
Absolutely build extended protection plans into your thinking when pricing Washers and refrigerators.
I got 3 batteries from Subaru via class action. And over $100 from led display class actions. And Subaru is fixing a parasitic battery drain on 4 years of cars because of a class action saving customers $1000 per car.
I'm a whirlpool tech in the Caribbean and I can tell you that the first series of that model washer had many issues. In my country whirlpool dominates all other brands. I've had front load whirlpool washers since I started working with them almost a decade now and I've never experienced any major issues. I think it may have just been a bad model
Plastic bearing doesnt cause that lol. Whered you get that information? Theres ball bearings in the gearcase, yes. Theyre covered by a rubber seal adhered with high temp adhesive that does not budge. The only reason theyd go out in two years is: A) Its a fluke of the bearing itself. It happens, but its rare. Very rare. B) You've been either overloading the crap out of it, or you've gotten it out of balance numerous times, enough to create slop between the seal and shaft to let water into the bearing.
I believe what they are talking about is the plastic retainer down at the base of the basket that screws into the gear case.
The tub hub wouldnt cause roaring. It would caise the washer to not spin period. Whirlpool is going away from them because they're a bad design.
It does. The gear case drive spinning inside of it makes a hell of a lotta noise.
Then thats the bearings in the gearcase.
The splines of the drive shaft rub on the hub and create the noise, come on man get it together.
Mate, I've serviced well over 700 VMWs in my six years.....if the hub is stripped, it wont spin period.
Seems like the amateur techs want to blame the user, while the actual Whirlpool techs call this a shite model. Don’t really care either way, it is what it is. 2 year old washer that is going to go into a landfill because Whirlpool can’t make a decent product.
Whirlpool warranty tech six years, owned three of these VMW machines personally before going Speed Queen. Family kept overloading it. They'd last 2-4 years max. Have had these machines blown apart down to the wire and screw. Rebuilt them out of four different models. Seen the gearcase split in half and studied the common points of failure and why they happen. Fun fact: Ive seen bearing failure on Speed Queen, 40yo Maytag, and old reliable direct drive Kenmores.....all from misuse. You can pull an 18-wheeler cargo trailer with a Toyota Camry. Its built to tow, it has the torque capability. But its not rated for it, and it will murder the trans.
If doing a couple loads of laundry each week from a family of 4 is overloading the machine, 🤷♂️
How big is the load though. Thats the thing. Im not trying to insinuate its completely your fault. We wash the crap out of clothes for a family of five, bedsheets and comforters included. But theyre not built like a Wascomat or Dexter....its a $600 Whirlpool. Like buying a cheap laptop and trying to use it like a gaming PC.
I mean, we do wash bed sheets. Are you not supposed to wash your sheets in a washer? No comforters though. Anyway, we wash the same way as our last washer, which was a 600 dollar Samsung. That one lasted 10 years and we only got rid of it because the dryer broke and we bought a matching new set.
The fact the Samsung lasted surprises me. On the other hand, ten years ago appliances werent built so crappy. Nowadays youre lucky if the Samsung shocks last a year.
We did have the shocks replaced, but Samsung actually paid for that. And we had a new pump around year 7. It was not without faults.
If you are handy there are probably YouTube videos showing how to change the bearings. I did mine on our 12 year old LG. It isn't easy but it is doable. I usually buy the 5 year service agreement for major appliances just in case I get a lemon.
Did appliance repairs for years... Have seen many practically me whirlpool washers needing new gearboxes, clutches and shifter motors. Do yourself a favor... Get a Speed Queen and don't look back.
I have a WTW5000 Whirlpool washer that I bought in 2015. The drain pump went out last year and has been the only repair it’s needed so far. 9 years and counting. Either you were unlucky and got a bad one or it was user error. Or maybe I have been lucky. 🤷🏼♂️
Top comment on this post is someone inside Whirlpool saying they won’t even sell this machine without an extended warranty. Don’t think it’s user error, sport.
I have only been an appliance repair technician for a decade. I guess you are a better expert than me on these things. 🤷🏼♂️
lol people only want confirmation bias, not the truth. Of course the monster.com temp hire in the sales call center knows more than you. Couldn’t possibly be this “expert” sales person’s training trying to force the manufacturers extremely expense extended warranties on people as instructed.
In my experience as a sales person techs are incredibly bias on machines, not on the quality of the build, but the ease of repair. Whirlpool laundry is garbage.
You were lucky. It's not just Whirlpool, pretty much all the newer washers are junk. I pulled a two year old GE washer out of a house yesterday. Even the new SpeedQueens have moved to electronic controls which may work better, but aren't really repairable, just replaceable. In the plus side, they are much cheaper now than they were forty years ago when you factor in inflation.
Wouldn't this be covered under warranty? Have you called them?
1 year warranty 🤣🤡
Idk where you live but here we have consumer protection law that states « Goods have to last a reasonable duration. ». Like appliances have to last at least 10yrs, TVs at least 7yrs, etc.. if it breaks in that window time they have to repair it under warranty even if the manufacturer’s warranty ended. So where I live the extended warranties are a scam and useless to us. You have to fight but once you mention the law they send a repairman in the week. Either way that s*** for you, appliances are so badly made nowadays.
I wanna live where you live!
They live in a place called Neverland with Peter and Wendy and Hook or fantasy Island. Even in the EU warranties are only 2 years with a bunch on non-enforceable, aspirational language…. But 2 years is real warranty. US it is one-year in every state.
Plastic bearing? Never heard that. But yeah gearcases are common repairs. Whirlpools are “good” maybe but you just have to buy the cheaper ones. Because you won’t get any more life out of the more expensive ones. If you want a “better” unit grab a speed queen. But they still have their own problems.
Google Whirlpool washer airplane noise
Oh Trust me I know all too well. I change gearcases/bearings on whirlpools for a living. The new ones are not made like the old ones sadly.
They do use plastic gears in their transmission on top load, but no there is no such thing as plastic bearings. I totally get the frustration though
I wonder if the tech called it a 'plastic bearing' meaning junk, poor quality?
Not many of the old reliable brands are reliable any more!
I need to ask this as this is just crazy, what was quoted????? As a certified whirlpool tech I find it shocking that it would be anywhere near the price of a new unit. Just FYI I charge (with diag so this is a return trip) 125. I get the feeling this is some 3rd party “service company” as they are notorious for super high rates but I will wait for a response.
600-650. Edit: which is less than the cost that washer, but I don’t want to invest that kind of money into a washer that died in 2 years.
I presume this is parts and labor, yes?
It’s a cough “high” quote…..
It’s a major component but it only a half hour job. https://www.searspartsdirect.com/product/4xwhype6kj-0026-110/id-w11185701 +$200 labor Call someone else.
Allright, thanks. I’ve got a few more days before the new washer comes. I’ll see if I can get some second opinions next week. If the repair price gets down to 400 I will do that. Much better than creating more landfill.
Call Whirlpool and see if they will offer a fixed price repair plan or a repair and protect plan. They are new things they offer where basically you will get your appliance fixed for a cheaper rate guaranteed if you get an extended service plan to cover it in the future. Downside is you need to fork over more money, upside is you have an appliance that is guaranteed to work for years where all the risk sits with Whirlpool rather than you.
Actually pretty much everything on the market today (speaking on washers here) is made to last 7 years the max and thats me being generous. They make them to live up to the warranty and then we end up getting rid of them. I miss my kenmore i bought used! That thing never missed a beat.
My father in law has had the same model for years. Design is OK. Maybe try a different repair company. By chance did you use a credit card that doubles the warranty?
So I actually do blame the manufacturers for this as is is misleading to people as to what these machines can actually by listing of tub volume alone (the only part of the washer that changes as “capacity” increases is tub size, motor, suspension etc is all the same) For a residential washer, no matter the “capacity”, the actual weight limit is 18lb (Speed Queen is the only exception at 21lbs) And that is 18lbs of evenly distributed and loosely dropped in clothes (do not compact them) around the outside of the tub in a doughnut (the middle cap of the impeller should be visible for a properly loaded washer) Mechanical failings of bearings without overloading is insanely rare. As in, 99.999% it is not what happened. This is a perfect example of marketing and engineering not meshing… I have personally watched senior marketing people of a major appliance manufacture loading the washer the were market wrong… and their job is to sell that machine so of course they want things to brag about. Unfortunately, with corporate structures, they probably have little to no contact with an engineering department approving the actual content of their sales pitches, not would they want to as every brand is doing the same thing… as it is what the consumers demand. My personal favorite example of this phenomena of different departments not having co rat is with the smart features on LG machines which are called ThinQ. LG’s US marketing people routinely pronounce that Thin Q. It’s clearly meant to be pronounced “Think” As an aside, this is also why this form is next to useless, because there’s a bunch of people on here spouting out a bunch of absolute BS who have no idea they’re talking outside of reading packages and “Internet research” self justifying their own purchases of overpriced garbage. So now we have a race to the bottom with every brand trying to out do the others with extremely carefully worded marketing claims that do not reflect the engineering. So, straight out, you overloaded the crap out of that machine, don’t blame yourself because you were told you could by everyone, including the people who made it.
Are you sure it is gearcase and not the retaining hub at the bottom of the basket. The hub is an inexpensive fix and they will absolutely make terrible noise when the plastic strips. The gearcase isn’t plastic, but when they finally die leak oil. Also, as many have said, this likely was due to misuse unfortunately. Like your tech said, it is also a shit product. If you use them properly they will last decently even with their poor design.
Building back better got ya.
Ahh the old removable agitator model. Whirlpool still owns whirlpool. Yes whirlpool washers bearings are not as good as other brands.
What’s crazy is this seems to be a common thing and they don’t fix it.
That is a new model. We won’t even sell that model unless the customer buys an extended warranty .
My new used house came with a whirlpool washer/dryer. It's about 10 years-old, but it's trash. I assume they've always been bad.
Wish mine lasted 10 years 😢😢
I’m just praying for it to die so I can get something I want. It is the most asinine design.
use less soap..over soaping causes bearing failure
Unit has an automated soap dispenser.
Ironically many people buy top loaders assuming they will last longer than a front loader. Unless you are buying Speed Queen, current agitator models are just not built to last and manufacturers try to keep costs as low as possible in these models by using cheaper, lower quality components compared to the front loaders.