October 2012 UPDATE: My washer was making a terrible grinding noise during the spin cycle. I knew that the transmission, also known as the gearcase or gear box, was the problem, and that the transmission and clutch needed to be replaced. Most of the time (90% or more) the problem with direct drive washers is the motor coupling, and I have instructions and detailed photos below describing how to replace it, quickly and easily. Rather than clutter up this page, I decided to put the transmission replacement instructions and photos on another page, where you can also see the before and after video and hear the grinding sound my washer was making, in case you have the same problem.
Click here for my free Kenmore washer transmission replacement guide. otherwise, keep reading this page. FEBRUARY 2010 UPDATE: New improved instructions! My motor coupling failed again last weekend. I've replaced it several times in the past, but it has been nearly five years since I last did so, which was when I originally created this web page. While using these instructions to do the job I realized that some steps were not as clear as they could be. In order to make this repair even easier for you to do (and trust me, it is very easy. and requires minimal tools), I took some additional pictures and have added them below. I have also revised the text to make it more descriptive.
Washer repairs are easy to do and will save you a lot of money by doing it yourself. I suggest that you read these entire instructions before proceeding. It may help to print them out and have them on hand next to the washer while you do the repair.
Note that these repair procedures apply to many different models of top loading direct drive washers, not just Sears Kenmore. The motor coupling shown below will fit most direct-drive (i.e. no belt) washing machines made by Whirlpool since 1984. These include washers produced under the brand names of Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Roper, Estate by Whirlpool, Kirkland Signature (Costco), Inglis (Canadian), Kenmore (Sears) and others.
Problem: Washer fills and drains, but it will not agitate and it will not spin.
Most likely cause: Broken direct drive motor coupling.
Problem: Washer fills and drains, it will agitate but it will not spin.
Most likely cause: Broken lid switch
For someone who has never done this before but is reasonably handy, it will take less than one hour to replace a motor coupling. The part can be purchased online for $5 including shipping. Replacing a lid switch takes even less time. The only tools required are a flat blade screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, and a 1/4", socket wrench or nut driver.
Important! Do not tilt the washer on its side or turn it upside down. Doing so will cause transmission oil to leak out, and then you will have a real problem on your hands and you may have to replace your transmission.
The washing machine shown in these pictures is a Sears Kenmore 90 Series. It is a top loading, direct drive model. It is not belt driven. The model number is 110.26912691. We bought it new from Sears in 1998.
Inside the lid is a toll free telephone number to call if the washer needs service. This sounds very convenient, but there are several problems. One problem is the cost to get a technician to come to your house (at least $60 just to walk in the door), the hourly labor charge (don't ask!), and the cost of parts which are significantly marked up over what you can buy them for online. The other problem is, even if you wanted to pay the outrageous labor charges and waste money on overpriced parts, it could involve waiting two weeks for a service appointment, and who wants to go to a laundromat for two weeks? I don't know about you, but with two teenagers in my house I'm doing about 75 loads of laundry per month. I can't afford to be without my washer for one day let alone a week or two! OK, enough talk, on with the repair!
Click on any of the images for a larger view.
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