Whirlpool Washer Leaking Oil

[jr_ece]

I first found oil puddled under the washer when I temporarily moved it. I've torn the washer down and found the oil splattered on the inside walls of the cabinet as well as "spray" marks on the top of the gearcase and clutch. The clutch is pretty well soaked in oil. Pulling the gearcase apart revealed about 5 oz of oil remaining. The top cover seal appears to be stretched, and has a visible gap between it and the shaft on one side where the oil appears to be spraying from.

With that said, I found posts here on the forum stating the gearcase is leaking because water has leaked from above and displaced the oil. As a result, the gearcase, clutch, and drive tube needs to be replaced.

The questions: Why? Why not replace the seals in the gearcase and drive tube, then flush the gearcase with a cleaner, refill with oil (plain ole 90W?) and get back to washing? I guess I would also want to get the agitator kit, inspect the dogs for excessive wear?, and inspect the motor coupler for execessive wear? Is there something like a worn bushing or bearing that caused the gearcase seal to "stretch"?

Model LSQ9564JQ0

[Mr. Fix-It]

I don't think you need to worry about the drive tube if you don't have a tub leak. You can replace the seals on the tranny I'm not sure about the oil you use though. As for the clutch you can degrease it and still use it if it has enough pad left on it . Good Luck

[jr_ece]

I appreciate the help. How do I know if I've had a tub leak? Will it be obvious enough like the gearcase oil on the floor? What I was attempting to point out in my first post was some of the other threads on here imply I have a tub leak which in turn flooded the gearcase displacing the oil out of the gearcasing.

So maybe I have tub leak first and foremost?

Thanks again.

JR

[Mr. Fix-It]

If there was as big a gap in the tranny seal as you said ther would probably be water in the gearcase if you had a tub leak.

[jr_ece]

I'll plan to at least replace the gearcase seal and refill with new oil. Does anyone know if I can use any 90W oil?

Does anyone have any thoughts on this approach or my other questions? In other words, should I replace other seals and parts as preventative maintenance?

[JWWebster]

You can use GS 90. Replace the shaft seal Mr AJ has one cheap enough.

Tranny seal

oil seal kit

[jr_ece]

1) I took a look at the agitator dogs from the top (semi-transparent cam on this model), and they are non-existent. They have simply disintegrated into small chunks of plastic. I attempted to  disassemble the agitator by holding the bottom half of the agitator with my feet while pulling on the upper half as detailed on this site. Nothing. It won't move. Is this model different somehow?

2) GS 90?

[JWWebster]

GS90 is nothing more than motor cycle gear oil. it will work. You can buy the actual oil for the tranny if you wish, gear oil is $2 , the FSP# 350572 pint of oil is 20 bucks you do the math LOL. Yank apart the upper and lower agitator and replace the dogs FSP# 80040 around 5 bucks. FYI and those of you who live in Yorma linda FSP means factory specified part a trade mark of the whirlpool corp. 


WHIRLPOOL 350572 Gear Case Oil, AP3072960

[jr_ece]

Ok. Just wanted to be sure we were talking the same 90W oil. I am not familiar with the prefix "GS".

Here is the game plan so far:
1) Replace the seals in the gearcase
2) Refill the gearcase with 90W oil. I assume you fill up the gearcase with the top cover off, install the gearcase cover and your done. Does anyone have input on this?
3) Degrease clutch with (brake?) cleaner
4) Replace agitator dogs

Seals are ordered.

If anyone else wants to chime in with other things to check while I've got this tore down it would be appreciated.

[Al Capone]

Direct Drive Gear Case - Transmission Photos

[JWWebster]

You can easily remove the clutch liner with a pair of pliers. Just squeeze the spring and all comes right out; makes for easy cleanup. Use some perma-tex 2 on the gearcase cover.

[AJ]

I assume you fill up the gearcase with the top cover off, install the gearcase cover and your done. Does anyone have input on this?

That is correct.
Here is what one looks like full of oil with the top removed.

[jr_ece]

All of the inputs are appreciated! Great forum for sure!
Hopefully we'll have this thing back up and running this weekend.

[jr_ece]

...Yank apart the upper and lower agitator and replace the dogs FSP# 80040 around 5 bucks.

I've yanked and pulled, but no give yet. I'm yanking hard enough the agitator base is flexing pretty good where I am holding it down with my feet.

[whirlpooltech]

Here is a video I found on YouTube that shows you how to replace the agitator dogs.