The Virtual Repairman's Appliance Help

[IanMaize]

Whirlpool Ultimate Care II, Model # LSQ8520JQ1. Fills, drains, does not agitate or spin. During what is supposed to be the spin cycle, there is a clicking noise from the bottom of the washer that sounds like a bicycle with playing cards in the spokes. So, the cycle continues, with no actual rotation of the tub during the spin cycle, and fills/drains, etc.

I read the posts about "Whirlpool washer won't agitate, spin, or drain", posted by Scott on 2/22 of this year. I was very impressed with the level of assistance that seems to be provided on this forum, and I hope my $12.00 buyin will garner me the same.

Troubleshooting so far has been to remove the timer and clean the contacts, as Scott said worked for him. Alas, no joy with the spin cycle. I also checked between the inner and outer tub for blockage, as suggested by Virtual Repairman, without seeing anything obvious.

I have removed the cabinet, and the gold-ish colored thing with flanges on the bottom that I am assuming is the clutch (?) spins relatively freely in both directions.

Well, that's what I've done so far. My thought from reading the forum is that perhaps I should try the drive coupler. I'll give it a day to let the forum work, but that will probably be my next try.

Thanks in advance,

Ian Maize
[email protected]

[Virtual Repairman]

Hi Ian;

Based on your description, it does indeed sound like the drive coupling may have failed. Replacing this part is cheap and relatively easy, as described on the Drive Coupling page on our website.

The fact that the motor runs and the unit will fill and drain eliminates items like the timer, motor and pump from the list of suspects. The only thing one should do with timers is to spray an aerosol contact cleaner on the contacts if they appear blackened, and this is only a last-ditch effort to get a few more days use from the timer. It would eventually fail if the contacts had been pitted or burned, regardless of the cleaning. We seldom do any contact cleaning like this in the professional setting as we have learned of the futility of this procedure as a lasting solution.

After replacing the drive coupling, let us know if you still have problems, and we'll take it from there, OK? Regarding the $12.00 you spent here....you can't put a price on this kind of personal help. That $12.00 will go a long way in the future when you have other appliances fail. I'm surprised you would make a comment like that. Have you priced a service call lately?

[IanMaize]

To all,

I certainly didn't mean to imply that I thought my $12 would be wasted. Just wasn't sure how the forum worked yet, and didn't know if I might get more/faster responses as a 'paid' customer rather than a mere visitor. As the timestamps show, I definitely got quick, appropriate assistance.

Thanks again,

Ian Maize

[IanMaize]

Virtual Repairman,

Thanks for your prompt assistance and accurate assessment! I did buy the part locally since, with a 16-month old daughter, I really can't wait for shipping, but the directions on the web site were VERY easy to follow, and now the washer works without a hitch!

Total expense: $26.96. Definitely money well spent!

Sincerely,

Ian Maize

ps. The repair instructions specified a 5/16" nut driver for the motor bolts. I don't know if there are multiple sizes out there, but mine was in fact 1/4". It only cost me a trip to the garage to get the other size, but if someone were actually purchasing a nut driver for the task, I wouldn't want them to have to make another trip to the store.

[Virtual Repairman]

Glad it worked out for you, Ian. Regarding the nut size on the motor straps, I guess Whirlpool is following the belt-cinching trends of the rest of corporate America and making their products with smaller (cheaper) screws now. For 18 years, the nuts have always been 5/16".

Happy Holidays to you!
VR