Kenmore Elite 45986 Front Load Washer Logo
Posted on Dec 22, 2007
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Kenmore Elite Heavy Duty Washer

At two years old my Kenmore washer spin cycle went haywire. I tried balancing it many times, but nothing helped. It made a horrible noise when spinning. Now the washer is three years old and the wash cycle has gone haywire. It makes a sound like ball bearings wearing against each other. I have been a life-long buyer of Kenmore appliances, but I will not buy another since they are all made in China and they have no quality controlled products. What washer would you recommend I buy if I want some quality?

  • soonergal Feb 10, 2008

    Just found this great site. Our Kenmore Elite has recently begun to shake violently during spin cycles. It also makes a horrific noise that sounds like it is coming from the drum. could it just be out of balance? Or possibly a shock problem ? If either, what is the fix? The washer & dryer are only 3 yrs. old with use of a 2 person family. Thanks, BBE

  • Deely Feb 10, 2008

    Re: First post:

    I had a repair man come out to fix my washer and all it was, was a loose screw that held the motor bracket. After the screw came loose the washer made horrible noises and then the motor fell out and hit the floor. The repairman reattched the bracket and motor, and after that it worked fine. Cost $175 for a loose screw.

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  • Posted on Feb 13, 2008
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I was told by 3 technicians that this is a common problem with these Kenmore front loaders and it is the bearings. The are shot and this is a huge problem with these machines. There is nothing to do but replace the whole internal assembly for about $800. All 3 technicians told me to bring the machine to the gutter and go buy a new one.

With Sears not willing to help me out with this I just might go buy another Kenmore product.

  • iwannahelp Feb 13, 2008

    I was told there is no option other than replacing the internal assembly for about $800.

    3 technicians suggested I bring the unit to the gutter and go buy a new one.

    I called Sears corporate offices and they are not willing to do anything for me.
    I will never buy another Sears product.

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Comment by soonergal, posted on Feb 10, 2008 Just found this great site. Our Kenmore Elite has recently begun to shake violently during spin cycles. It also makes a horrific noise that sounds like it is coming from the drum. could it just be out of balance?
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This is how my problem started out. I did everything the book said to do about balancing and nothing worked. It was caused by the loose bracket around the motor. Check those bracket screws and see if they are in tight. If not, then make sure everything else is tight while you are in there. If you don't see any obvious problem then you may have to call a repairman.

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So is there a solution to the spin cycle solution?

  • Anonymous Feb 10, 2008

    So is there a solution to the spin cycle problem

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Whirlpool is still made in USA, I think. Avoid electronic timers and geegaws you don't need.

  • Anonymous Feb 10, 2008

    Usually, the spin cycle problem is user caused. Wet clothes are heavy. Often, they get arranged badly during the wash/rinse cycle in a way that in not well balanced. Sometimes, the machine is simply overloaded..with towels or jeans, for instance. Try to move the wet clothes around a bit to balance them. Also, if the machine's feet are not leveled to the floor...the machine will not be able to use the feature which assists in compensating for imbalance. If you think the machine is faulty, run it through a wash/spin without any clothing in the drum. If you still have an issue with an 'empty' machine, get a service person in.

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