Clunking sound when washer agitates

[mhs92]

Our two year old, GE washing machine, Model WPRE6100G0WT makes a 'clunking' noise when it agitates, about a second apart.  Each time it agitates, we presume.  This is not the 'usual' nosie of gears shifting, etc.  This is a new noise that should not be there.  The sound is about the loudness of taking your knuckles and rapping them on the top of the machine.  We tried rebalancing cloths, etc. It just clunks.

No other problem with the machine. Spin is fine, no unusual noises during the spin.  Water drains fine, hoses are new high quality. The washer works in all other respects.

Any help that someone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

michael

[JWWebster]

Probably the drive coupling part # wh43x10009

[krazytech]

If the coupling or (Air Bell) is bad you will be able to move the agitator or it will be loose.
I would also check your Shaft & mode shifter, part # WH38X10017


It should read 98 ohms.. between to two wire that connect on to the motor.. be sure to unplug the washer...

[mhs92]

I pulled out the agitator and replaced the drive coupler.

I don't think this was the problem.  I pulled off the front panel, so I could watch.  Here's what I found:

The shipping rod is missing.  Should it be there?

As the machine agitates, the tub is slipping right and left by an inch or two, from the torque of the agitation, causing a noise a bit like a cat howling.  The motor is shifting back and forth between the Chassis Rod Brackets.

Just looking at it, it seems that if the shipping rod were there, passing through the Platform and Chassis brackets, it would be providing the support to prevent the shifting.

It almost as if the installer removed the shipping rod, which should have been left in place.

I'm also getting a leak somewhere.

Again, you help here would be greatly appreciated.

michael

[JWWebster]

the shipping rod? I was thinking maybe the bungys were worn but the rods get weak and the scrubs sometimes rubbs the base.pictures and manual

[krazytech]

shipping rod should be removed.. I would still check your Shaft & mode shifter. It should read 98 ohms.. between to two wire that connect on to the motor..

[mhs92]

Thanks.  I think I understand, in concept.  You are suggesting that the resistance may not be high enough to fully disengage the teeth on the cam shifter, cuasing the tub to shift laterally slightly during agitate.

Can you give me a bit more info on the measurement?  I've enclosed Page 25 of the Service Manual.  Looks like the two wires are the yellow/orange pair on the narrow white connector, second from the right, next to the large blue connector?

Do I need to remove the connector?  Or, just touch the meter pins to the solder points on the top, on the board?

Any safely warnings?

What next, if the measurement is under 98 ohms?

Again, thanks, michael.

[JWWebster]

mhs92 I wonder if it would be a lot of trouble to post the entire manual?
Looks like it is a new design I am not familiar with.

[mhs92]

I would, no problem.

But, the site has a size limit, and I'm way over.