FU: Washer problem

[Catzilla]

I moved the washer and found this underneath: http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/I...SAV405DEWW
The side of the pulley is pretty scraped up and the center bearing is missing. I'm puzzled. The bottom of the washer is covered with the exception of a 3" hole in the center. I have to remove the cover and figure this out.

[deckeda]

Weird. So, a pulley fell off but without its metal center? Sounds like it's on a spring-loaded idler arm and the pin the pulley was on is now what the belt is negotiating. That could explain why it still works, but not well.

[Catzilla]

deckeda wrote:
Weird. So, a pulley fell off but without its metal center? Sounds like it's on a spring-loaded idler arm and the pin the pulley was on is now what the belt is negotiating. That could explain why it still works, but not well.

Exactly, heres the idler arm:http://www.partselect.com/Models/SAV405DEWW/Parts/PS2027756-Whirlpool-27001028-Idler-Lever.htm?SourceCode=20&SearchTerm=SAV405DEWW&ModelNum=SAV405DEWW&fSearchTerm=MOTOR-PUMP-AND-IDLER-ASSEMBLY&ModelID=289934&mfgModelNum=&ManufactureID=1&Selected=56074&Position=4&mfg=Maytag&Type=Washer&Mark=4
Looks like the axle/pin faces downward allowing the pulley to fall off. I just can't believe it made it out of the washer.

[WHiiP]

So, is it FIXED? ? ? :pimp:

[Catzilla]

Tomorrow I take it apart and perhaps order a belt and a pulley.

[deckeda]

The hole in the bottom of the washer is there to let the pulley escape when it falls off.

Or possibly it could be for another reason.

I see a slot in the pin, so you've lost an e-clip or c-clip of some kind ... that secures the pulley.

I'd be inclined to go ahead and also order a new idler arm. If the pin is less than "whole" the new pulley may slip off prematurely (as opposed to when it "should" slip off?).

[cbelt3]

FWIW, idler pulleys are definitely poorly installed these days... I had a dryer with this same problem. The idler pulley was 'held on' with a spring that wasn't much better than a ballpoint pen spring. I ended up adding a sheet metal screw to the design. Cheap moron designers. I blame 'design for manufacturing cost' as opposed to 'design for reliability' standards.

I see that kind of stuff here at work. Fortunately our warranty is 5 years (!) and as a result the machines are designed to last for at least 10. And be maintainable. Customers pay a bit more as a result, but it is what it is.

[deckeda]

cbelt3 wrote:
... Cheap moron designers. I blame 'design for manufacturing cost' as opposed to 'design for reliability' standards.....

Well, the second part, not probably the first part (engineers.) A guy designs it and gets shot down my Accounting or whatever as costing too much.

[Speedy]

deckeda wrote: A guy designs it and gets shot down my Accounting or whatever as costing too much.

No, not costing too much but lasting too long.