How to test a tranny...

[demerson]

Model Number: WTW5700SW0


Howdy,

First, thanks for having such a rockin forum for us appliance newbs to venture into our own repairs.

So last week the wife said the clothes were sopping wet after a wash and a couple of tests showed that 'Spin' mode wasn't doing much.  3 of 4 tries you could hear the motor, but the basket just sat there yawning.  One of the tries is spun a bit, but upon lifting the lid the basket was violently shifting back and forth.

So after researching these sites and dismantling here's what I've come up with...

1.  There are no obstructions in or around the basket.
2.  All the springs appeared in tact.
3.  Removing the pump and motor, the coupling was in absolutely PERFECT condition.
4.  Next I pulled the agitator and dropped the tranny.  The clutch looks to be fine.  Compared to the 'bad' clutch pics I've seen on here, mine looks clean, no oil, it looks brand new...

So...  this leaves me with the transmission....  So if I manually turn the spindle on the transmission where the motor connects to it I get almost no turning action on the tall rod that extends up into the basket.  After turning it for a bit, to top might start to turn ever-so-slightly but that's about it.

Does this mean the transmission is forked, or is that just a bad guess on my part?

Let me know if you need pics of any of this mumbo-jumbo.

This machine is only about a year and a half old so I was hoping to save a buck and not have to buy a new one.  Either way I have a whole new respect and understanding for the gory insides of a washing machine.

Thanks all.

[Repair-man]

You have successfully eliminated all but the transmission as suspect. I could only pray that half of these rookies  would be this thorough before asking questions!


Sounds like the gears are stripped by your description.

[demerson]

Good deal.  I'm just glad I could get a pro's opinion before dropping $150 for the transmission.  I know I could open'r up and swap out the bad gear(s) for probably a quarter of that, but this is about as much taking apart and putting back together I can handle!  And frankly, I'm saving a few hundred bucks over a new washer anyway.

I was happy I had little trouble getting the washer back together so the missus will have some washing functionality until the part gets here.

Thanks much.

[RegUS_PatOff]

depending on the condition of the rest of the machine,
but here's this place, sells rebuilt transmisions all the time...

[whirlpooltech]

Forget the rebuilt one, spend the extra money and get the job done right the first time.