Comments for ApplianceJournal.com

Comment on Why Kenmore Front Load Washers Fail by woody

woody — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:12:18 +0000

David: In our business unfortunately we have to combine the cost of parts and labor to give an estimate for repair. I am not aware of any machine, unless you are doing it yourself that justifies putting bearings and spiders(shaft). Parts alone run in the hundreds as you know. So we really don’t get into that repair very often. But there have been TWO standouts that we don’t see requiring bearing repairs and they are the BOSCH Vision laundry and the ASKO European size laundry.

The BOSCH unfortunately has exited the VISION machines from production because of the dumping of appliances by the Koreans LG and Samsung on the US market. They just can’t make a profit. Whirlpool is actually suing and has won one case already in regards to dumping appliances. In the meantime, what I liked as the best machine in the market place is now an Edsel or a classic.

The Asko has the ability to be serviced as it is not welded but it is still a labor intensive repair. I have only done the repair twice in 20 years and that was in a warranty situation. But the early Asko’s had quirky other problems that made them less desirable but they seem to in recent years resolved those issues and it is a pretty steady machine with a three year warranty.(If you register the product). It’s size turns a lot of people off but they are excellent at cleaning. I think a couple of the reasons they don’t fail in the bearing area are because they do have a smaller basket, they are all stainless steel in the construction of the tub and spider, and their seal is a “triple lip” seal.

Some of the other brands you have in Canada are not sold in our area so we really have little experience with them. Sorry, I would just be speculating.

My opinion of the ASKO is ONLY for the smaller European size machine. DO NOT construe my comments about that machine to the larger XL Asko washer which is made for ASKO by Daewoo, a machine which I do not have a high opinion of.

If I had to replace a machine today most likely I would buy the Whirlpool built laundry (not their 24″ machine). Right now it is the lesser of the evils (lol).

Comment on Why Kenmore Front Load Washers Fail by David F

David F — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:56:30 +0000

Woody
Thank you for your reply. I agree, and understand about Tony’s objectives. I cannot say I blame him.
Your prices are for the US, I live in Canada, and we almost always get ‘stung’ a little harder for the same item.
With the Frigidaire models that can use the ‘tub kit’ referenced above fitting that is relatively cheap repair. I have fitted one to a relative’s machine and the last time I checked the price it was less than the drum and spider alone. For my own two Frigidaire built machines I am afraid I am a bit ‘bloody minded’ and object to giving Frigidaire and Sears anymore money than I absolutely have to keep them going. I know eventually I am likely to have to swallow my pride on that one.

Changing the subject, are you aware of any machine, readily available in N. America that has what the Europeans are calling a ‘welded tub’ where you cannot ‘get into’ the outer drum to perform repairs. That could be quite an expensive ‘repair’ unless the bearings are accessible from the ‘outside’ as I understand some early AEG washers were, but I also understand that they were taper roller bearings, something of a ‘Rolls Royce’ type of thing for a domestic washer.

Comment on Why Kenmore Front Load Washers Fail by woody

woody — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:23:24 +0000

David F: I agree with you about the dryer taking longer to dry in the case Tony mentioned. But Tony is only trying to milk a little bit more life out of his washer without having to listen to the deafening noise of the high spin.

As to your second comment if I had a machine with a bad bearing due to moisture leak it would be imperative that the shaft be replaced also. But I frankly would never advise a customer to replace those parts on a machine more than 5 years old. These are NOT expensive machines to dump $300 plus into: Look at the replacement cost keeping in mind you get an entire new machine with a new warranty and these prices INCLUDE shipping.

Abt Electronics & Applian… $550.00
Sears $699.90
Number1Direct $549.00
AJ Madison $620.10
US Appliance $529.00
A-1 Appliance Parts $405.99
Appliances Connection $544.00
Menards $599.00
Abe’s of Maine $599.40

Comment on Energy Smart: How You Can Save With Appliances by cash loans

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Comment on Why Kenmore Front Load Washers Fail by David F

David F — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:08:46 +0000

Woody – I agree with you that paying a repairman the ‘going rate’ to renew bearings and seals likely negates any savings to be made when the rear section of the outer tub is about $130.00, as in the case of the Frigidaire built Kenmores. However it would appear to be a little more cost effective when one has to purchase both the front and rear halves of the outer drum, as in the Whirlpool built models that utilise part number 280255 listed at $289.99 plus the add ons by Sears Parts Direct. The models in question, as far as I can ascertain, do however have spider that is available separate from the drum. This would make bearing and seal renewal together with a new spider a more viable course of action but of course an authorized repairer would be unlikely to perform an unauthorized repair.