The difference in this old Whirlpool washer after I finally replaced the spider arm

Honestly, this thing was shaking so bad you could hear it from the driveway. I put it off for a week because I hate dealing with rusted bolts. When I finally got the tub out, the old spider arm was completely cracked through on two legs. I put in a new stainless one, reassembled everything, and ran a test load. Ngl, it went from sounding like a jet engine to just a quiet hum. Has anyone else had a spider arm fail that dramatically on a direct drive model?

3 comments

3 Comments

dylanrodriguez6d ago

My old Maytag from 2005 did the exact same thing last winter. The vibration was so intense it actually walked about two feet across the laundry room floor during the spin cycle. I found the spider arm had rusted completely through where it connects to the tub, just a total failure. That quiet hum after the fix is the best sound, like getting a brand new machine for just the part cost and your own sweat.

robin8966d ago

Oh man, that walking machine is a classic sign... been there. When my washer started shaking itself to death, I replaced the spider arm but also checked the shocks and the bearing seal while I had it apart. One of the shocks was totally shot, no resistance at all. Putting in all three parts as a set made it run like new again. It's a bit more work upfront, but it keeps the new spider from getting wrecked by the same old wobble.

the_rose6d ago

That quiet hum is a relief for sure, but honestly, a part failing that bad usually points to a bigger issue. Those spider arms don't just crack on their own without some serious off-balance loads over time. Even with the new part, if the bearings or the suspension rods are worn out, you might just be buying yourself a little time before the next big shake. Seen it happen before.