THIS! This is what I’ve been looking for but didn’t have the vocabulary until I saw this video. Thank you for “breaking it down” and explaining for us housewives who know HOW we want the machine to work but couldn’t explain WHAT it does that makes it work!!! 🙏🏻
My wife bought our Whirlpool Washer/Dryer set in 1987 (before we'd ever met and married). They're still running today, 34 years later, supporting our now family of four. The only components I've replaced on the washer are the agitator ratchet "dogs" and the plastic water pump. In 34 years! This week it started making some nasty noises, so I've taken it apart while troubleshooting. Haven't found the issue yet, in part because everything I've looked at seems to be working fine (motor, pump, coupling, transmission, clutch, brake, bearings). I even took the transmission apart, but the cog wheels in there (even the large white plastic one) all seem to be in good condition. I'm determined to fix it - once I find the issue. Oh, and it's a Heavy Duty model (it's written on the front panel) and has the 6-pad clutch! My wife is so smart :-)
I have a 1987 Kenmore Limited Edition direct drive washer with electronic controls. In 31 years the only repairs it’s needed were new agitator dogs and a starter for the fluorescent lamp. When it finally fails, I’ll fly you to California to do a refurb. on it! You ROCK!!
I have a 27 yr. old Kenmore DD. As long as parts are still available, I will keep this machine. Its been a great unit and I have only got about $300 invested in repairs, which is nothing for its age.. I have done most of the repairs and maintenance myself over the years, thanks to online videos I have seen. These videos have been great for teaching one how to do your own maintenance and save you big bucks in service calls by a tech. I have looked at the new washers and they just dont compare to my 1997 Kenmore washer and matching dryer. I might add that I have spent around $200 on the dryer over the same period of time. I challenge anyone to compare the longevity of the newer machines to mine, in total cost to keep them going. Id be surprised if you could beat mine.
you are very lucky...I have a Bravo Quiet Series from Maytag 14 years old and the carcass of the machine is all finished rust attacked it and pieces keep falling off I tries to spray with spray silicone but the rust just keeps coming back worst....the washer still works but I am replacing it because the top is all rusted and scared that it falls in the machine and corrupts my clothes especially white
I have a direct drive Whirlpool from 2001. IT. IS. AWESOME. Best washer I’ve ever owned. I bought another one last year on Facebook Marketplace to have spare parts. You are 100% correct. Very very easy to fix. Runs great and washes well. I plan on never buying another washing machine.
My mom has one of the last ones, a Kenmore 90 series that machine ls a workhorse and I'm gonna tell her when it breaks get it fixed don't throw it away
Sharkie626 And that is exactly why they don't make it anymore.i was in Lowe's and this dayum Samsung's are 1900 for washer and 1800 for the dryer. Front loader. And u will need to replace it in 5-7 years
The best thing about this washer is exactly what Eugene said. I have little experience working on washing machines. I repaired my Maytag Dependable Care’s transmission because it only had five moving parts and it was an easy fix. But I figured the Whirlpool direct drive machines out and have a few rental buildings and over the course of a few decades was able to keep them running by myself the last of which I replaced earlier this year after twenty nine years due to frame rust. I can reset the codes on my new machines but after that it’s pretty much guaranteed a service call.
Owned 2 of these washers . The first being a single speed super capacity Whirlpool bought in October 1988. This had the DD super Surgilator where the whole barrel on top lifted off to cleanean the little lint filter on the bottom of the barrel. Great machine that lasted until 2003 when I replaced it with a Kenmore 90 series washer. I think overall I like these better than the belt drives, though I still like the old belt drives but these DD washers are now classics themselves and deserve their place next to their older siblings.
I currently have a WTW5100SQ0.... basic as all hell, but it's a workhorse. The only thing it would ever be replaced by is an older Kenmore 80 series. And in that case, this one would be used for parts, as from what I gather, almost every direct drive is identical internally. And the serviceability... probably the easiest machine I've ever worked on. I fixed one for a friend of mine specifically so he wouldn't make the mistake of losing such a good machine...
Direct drives were discontinued around 2012. I have one that is from 2011 made my Whirlpool but branded as Inglis. It was a reduced water washer. For the wash it used 1/4 less water then a standard washer then for the rinse it's stuck on the small water level. They do this by using 2 water level switches. So to get around this I replaced the 2nd non adjustable one with a adjustable one which required drilling through the control panel. But it now works like a normal direct drive and uses the correct amount of water.
I’ve never owned a direct drive, but I’ll never forget the first time I used one. At the time, I had an amana vm washer. The dryer wasn’t heating so we couldn’t use it. We brought our laundry to my grandparents house which they have a direct drive. When I used it, it was like the best thing ever!
I really can’t get over how he gets into it and does the job 100%. I cleaned up a few washers and air-conditioners myself but not to the level he does by actually taking them completely apart.
I have one of these in my apartment from 2005. It was the original one used in any unit without a stacked washer/dryer. The only common failures they have with them here are the plastic teeth in the agitator break off, and the warm rinse setting quits working. It's a $7 5 minute repair for the agitator. They just don't bother fixing the warm rinse. Mine will squeal like a belt is slipping sometimes if a large load is towels is spinning, but there is no belt. I think the clutch is just slipping slightly.
I purchased a used WP DD made in 1998. I’ve had to replace the water pump( easy and cheap $10) , timer (easy and $90) and plastic transmission gear ( easy with RUclips video and $25 kit) . My Direct Drive is still in service. It will still last longer then a new HE computer controlled front loader.
Another way to tell you are looking at a DD washer is that the lids are bigger than the previous belt drive versions. If the lid takes up nearly the whole top of the machine you are looking at a DD washer. Excellent work Eugene !
@@wizzdizz4233 Yes you are right. I was talking about how to differentiate the old belt drives from DD washers . Some of the early Whirlpool and Kenmore DD washers had control panels similar to belt drives.
Love these vids because I learn something every time. I had no idea, for example, that you could drop a commercial clutch into a residential machine. Good to know in case I need to replace the clutch. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thanks for the heads up on the clutch assembly! When I rebuilt my DD recently, I installed a new clutch assembly. But I noticed it taking longer to ramp up to full spin speed. I had planned to pull the transmission and inspect the clutch but now I know what the issue is! I still have the old clutch and it does have extra pads. I think I'll reinstall it!
I recently retrieved a Kenmore 70 Series Direct Drive that a neighbour tossed out and it is working fine. In Puerto Rico, they are called as "Lavadoras Analogas" due to the old mechanical control and reliability.
Mine was so rusted on the inside and outside, its crazy.. but I cleaned it all out, rust converted all the rust, and did as much as i could and I will use it until it dies.
My Whirlpool form June 2000 still works like new in 2022. It was already in my condo when I moved in 2016. (Got the manufacture date off serial number).Only had to replace the lid switch. A person I know bought a new whirlpool in 2016 and it broke unrepairable by 2020, so yes they are worth buying used or hanging on to.
Have had my 1995 Whirlpool DD washer since it was new, and it still runs great! Did have to replace agitator dogs once, and some sort of device that protects the transmission. Both relatively inexpensive! They don't make 'em like this anymore!
After 19 years I am finally having to replace a few parts on my Whirlpool direct drive washer. Motor coupling broke but I am also taking the opportunity to replace the drain pump, a few springs, and clean the tub. Really is easy to take these things down and swap out pretty much every major part in a matter of minutes.
I have this one or a model very close to it. It's a "whirlpool ultimate care II" I got it 14 years ago after I rented a college house where it was located. It had been left by the previous tenants. So when I moved out I took it with me. 14 years later I still have it. No idea how old it was when I rented that house 14 years ago. I've done all my own repairs on it which included: -Removed lid latch that failed. -Cracked outer tub was easily repaired with epoxy and has held strong for 3 years now. -Dryer belt broke, easily replaced. -Took Washer completely apart to clean the tubs and it looks/smells like new. Keep in mind too that I've abused the hell out of this set over the years. It was free and took me through my college days so I had no respect for it. Plus it's so easy to fix. If something breaks no big deal. Parts are very cheap with the exception of the motor, pump, and outer tub. But if you crack your outer tub you can use epoxy, works great. This whirlpool set is about to be a rental house unit once again as I just moved and we are renting out our old house. Hopefully the new Maytag Commercial model we got will be similar to the old whirlpool in terms of reparability. If not I guess I can swap them back out.
I have five direct-drives on-hand -- mix of KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Kenmore. One is in rough condition. One needs some clean-up but otherwise would be good-to-go. Three are fully refurbed with new tub supports/center bearings, basket drive/brake/clutch, transmission serviced if it was needed (neutral drain kit, new agitator shaft, fresh oil). One of those three is for sale, no interest in over a month.
DADoESofTX I still see a lot of Whirlpool/Kenmore direct drive machines, and a Kenmore belt drive washer from the 80's pops up for sale every now and again in SoCal, but older Maytag machines seems to be the dominator out here in SoCal. I still see a lot of center dial Maytags out here for sale, and hopefully I will be able to get to pair up with the Maytag DE306 Halo Of Heat dryer.
Really glad to see you clean out that outer drum. Went to a local shop to see about some used ones and asked if they clean out the outer drum/tub and they said they do not.
@@imlkrsfn Nah. I've had this same model for 14 years at year 10 the wife said, "we have got to replace it. It smells!" So I did bleach and vinegar treatments several times and it helped kill the smell but when I finally took it apart the thing was nasty! Now, it's like new and probably won't need a good clean for another 10 years. Also, it was super easy to take the tubs out and clean them. Less time than I spent doing bleach and vinegar cycles in vain.
God Eugene You remind me so much of myself when I use to completely take apart a washer and over haul it from start to finish!!! I really wish I could still do that today but health issues prevent me from doing so, so I will just have to watch you and think back to the good old days when I use to get lost in the basement for hours on end doing what I loved best!!! Thanks for the video and have a great night!!!
Hey Mr. Robert wish I could've been around you then. That would have been really fun. I love my appliances especially washers. Must've been an engineer in a past life. I still remember my grandmother's harvest gold hotpoint washer/dryer set. It had a straight vain agitator with the self cleaning filter.
Antonio I had one of those Hotpoint sets in white... It was the deluxe model with the side opening lid and the 2 piece agitator for regular and hand washing... It had 5 small knobs plus the timer knob and a console light, Boy I really loved that set!!!
+Robert Przybylowicz I hope someone has one and that will show the whole washer not just it washing. Grandmother's set was the basic set with timer and load and water temps and the dryer had the timer and temp select. My uncle still had the dryer till 15 years ago. I wish I had gotten it.
Kirk, not to age myself, the first direct-drive washer came out in 75,it blew Maytag out of the water. The only machine that could rival it was the GE-Filtet Flow, which we had. Direct drives are at least 10 yrs older than your reference. Aka, I remember when Kennmore had the commercials,this tec changed the Laundry game. Then Whirlpool Corporation, sold the patent to New Zealand's Fisher Paykel.
I find these washers for free on marketplace and pick them up all the time. I usually change the clutch and the dogs and they’re good to go. They are the best clothes cleaners on the market.
I have picked up curbside direct drive machines that were replaced because they stopped working. Take them home and replaced the coupling and good to go. Love these machines.
I have a machine exactly like this one. (Model GSW9800PW2) Purchased the machine used for cheap a few months ago, and hopefully I'll be able to keep this machine running for a long time. It gets used almost daily in a family of 5. I have replaced the coupler with the HD version, new clutch kit, and new OEM pump. Under heavy use what parts would you recommend I purchase and keep stashed away in order to get many more years of use out of this machine? Have you ever seen a motor failure in these machines? Mfg in 2005 according to Appliance 411.
Nice machine indeed. If you ever get a vintage maytag with the blue green agitator like I think they are from the 70/80s. I've really like the sound and agitation. Great video mate.
I have a Inglis Royal 100 washer and dryer that I bought back in "93. Over the years I had replaced the washer direct drive coupling and the clutch dogs myself. Last month the washer started to vibrates violently in the spin cycle. Past week I have been shopping for a new washer to replace the Inglis. All I see are junk washer out there. May be I should rebuild my old Inglis.
I have a 1992 70 series kenmore. Its been solid - knock on wood. If any when it has a fault, I will repair it. I fully expect this to last forever. I lost a kenmore 90s series direct drive with a white porcelain tub in hurricane Katrina. I'd love to get another one like it.
I believe it was actually 2011 or 2012 they stopped making the DD machines, remember they still had the Inglis/Estate branches of whirlpool that was basically a rebranded direct drive
Whirlpool took Maytag to court, for using thier direct - drive in thier machines, which caused Maytag sales to over pass Whirlpool. Whirlpool ended up buying out Maytag, and they killed Maytsg's qaulity. Happy new year Kirk.
That never happened. They never used a direct drive before the buyout. Maytag killed their own quality themselves towards the end of the 90s. As a result, their sales started suffering, and then they lost over $9,000,000 in 2004. Whirlpool then bought them in 2006. They were never taken to court.
I have a 03 version. Clutch 2-3 times, dogs 2-3 times and coupler once and reattached the springs-rigged a few times. I never took the basket apart as you did in the beginning. Will keep it going as long as possible as these new machines are pure garbage with auto sensing BS and 30 different cycles. I need three cycles, normal, delicate and hand washable that’s it. You can’t even buy a decent Speed Queen anymore either. Thank you for your videos.
My washer is going on 28 years. The only thing I had to replace were two things. The dogs two times and a spring that hooks up to the tub base. Other than that. She’s working just fine. Like you said very easy to work on. One thing I noticed is that my washer does not have a plastic tub. Mine is grayish inside.
So I bought a new maytag washer in 2021 from Menards that was advertised as direct drive. How can this be if production of direct drives ceased over 10 years ago? Model MVWB765FC3. Did they resume production, or have we been taken?
Unfortunately, they have not resumed production. LG uses this phrase as well for lots of their front loaders because the motor is directly attached to the shaft without any belt or pulley. The machine you got certainly is not the same style of the old school "direct drives." Your machine is what is known as a VMW or Vertical Modular Washer.
I own this exact washer, only thing I had to replace was the teeth that make the top agitator turn. Awesome machine and very robust. Where exactly is the self cleaning filter for all the lint?
8:49 A third method (and way easier) to identify a Direct Drive is to open the lid and looks if the top white ring of the tub have a notch on the rear. VMW washers don't have that notch.
My mother has a 2003 Whirpool direct drive, the area to pour bleach has rusted out and rust was getting into the clothes, I refused to have her buy a new washer. So I took plexi glass and cut it down into assymetrical triangular pieces exactly measured as the original bleach fill, screwed them in to the healthy metal of the washing machine, then used special cork in the corners of the plexi glass so no moisture would get through , that was 6 months ago, and it works like a charm, no more rust in the clothes.
Sharkie26.I read this in Consumer Report in 2004,thats why Matag went under, for using Whirlie's direct drive agitators, which sent thier sales through the roof in the early nineties.
Maytag's demise had nothing to do with Whirlpool directly. Apparently the company made some bad business decisions. Shame an iconic brand went under like they did.
呵呵呵呵 we have no toploader washers, because their using to much water/power. The new ones have special eco programms to make it nature friendly.... So the People are thinking their old washer needs to much energy and has to be replaced. I have an old Miele frontloader Washer from the 1990s and I wont replace it!
Love your videos, just found your channel. Question...i. Looking on fb marketplace for an old whirlpool direct drive...do you have any model numbers to help me indentify which ones to look for?. Also do you have any recommendations on dryers and dishwasher and fridges?. Me and my wife loves vintage appliances. We also looking for a vintage stove.
All in the same week my washer, dishwasher and hot water heater all broke down. To keep costs down I bought a new hot water heater but went looking for a used washer. I told the man selling the washer what a week I'd been having and he just gave me a newly refurbished, direct drive Whirlpool, Extra Duty Plus. I had no idea what I had until I saw your video 😮 .... Can you tell me where to find the model number on that machine (1997 is the year).
I could use your help. I have a Kenmore 90 Series washer. After completing one load of wash I started a second. The tub filled with water, agitated then stopped. No matter what setting I put it in nothing happens. No humming, nothing. Another Kenmore 90 series washer was given to me. It agitated but no spin. After checking it out it was only a loose wire. Plugged it in & it went through the cycles. Put a load of cloths in & the only cycle that will now work is the spin. Any help on either one of these would be appreciated. I did notice same series but different timer control model. I did check the lid switch, both are good. I even jumped them to make sure.
Mr. Lorain furniture and appliance... I love your channel. You are very informative and a great teacher. I'm not trying to insult you at all, but, I believe direct drive came out in 1986. My mom had a belt drive Kenmore that she bought in 1982. A buddy of mine had a belt drive Whirlpool bought in 1985. Whirlpool did strange things, there might've been a high end model that came out earlier than 1986. If I'm not mistaken, the belt drive washer basically ran from 1948-1985 with tweaks and changes of course. I thouhght direct drives were 1986-2009.
@@patcola7335 That makes sense.. Just like the 1997 Ford F series. The 150 was changed... The 250 and 350 saw production through 1997. American companies tend to do that.
I wish I had seen your videos before I gave up my 18 year old Kenmore a few weeks ago! It was still working but showing signs of needing repair. I thought it would be really expensive to fix so never called a repair guy. Got a new Maytag piece of crap with no agitator and miss my old machine! Really wish I could get my machine back!
I have Kenmore direct drive washer that I bought back in 1995. My wife has been happy with this washer and trrough all these years all a had to replace was a mechanical timer. The contacts would burned on it and I'd just ordered a new timer online. But after 24 years of service I have to buy a new timer again. The price of it went up to around $150 so I decided to ditch this old washer and shop for a new one and have no idea which one to buy. Do you have any recomendations? My wife is very frugal and suggesting to buy Whirpool top load 3.5 cu ft model WTW 4816FW that is currently selling for $428 BTW the motor and transmission on the old washer is still good i hate throwing it to garbage. If you are in business of fixing washers perhaps you might be interested. I"m suspecting your business is near Cleveland Ohio. I live in Parma
I really like these washers! What I’m afraid of though, is that in the future they’ll get harder and harder to find. And for people that want a new washer, they’ll be stuck with the high efficiency crap nowadays.
I have a Whirlpool washing machine that was bought in 2004. It is called " Ultimate Care II " model. Additional markings are " Quiet Wash I ", " Commercial Quality, Super Capacity Plus, 11 Cycles, 3 Speed Motor, 6 Speed Combination, Porcelain Basket ". It gave my family trouble free service practically everyday since 2004 until a few weeks ago when the timer needed replacement. Would you be able to tell if this is a direct drive washer??? Thank you for any help..................from a new fan in California.
@@LorainFurnitureandAppliance got it, thank you. We'll keep this machine. Never like front loaders nor any of the newer washers on the market. I have the gut feeling that the newer washers are more bling than horsepower. Thank you again.
from 1993 to 2004 own a direct drive washer the only 2 major repairs it got before being replace was a motor replacement old motor burn out and a timer repair still work find till 2004 when agitator would not follow and washer was full of water was replace by a whirlpool duet generation 1 other wise might still have that inglis superb II direct drive washer today with matching dryer but possably with a new agitator and water drain out of the washer but can not go back in time sadly
I had a GE direct drive that lasted a good 15 years. It quit working so I bought a new GE thinking it would be the same. Come to find out it's belt drive and is horrible. Goes out of balance all the time. It's only a few years old, but I am going to get rid of it. I see Maytag offers a direct drive washer model # MVWB835DW and I'm going to buy one of them.
I miss my old Whirlpool washer! What a mistake it was to put it at the end of my driveway! I should have had it fixed. I bought it in 1995 and it lasted until 2017, when one day, it stopped draining. When I moved it from the laundry room, I saw that there was a pile of disintegrated powdery rubber in a small circle in the floor. Not sure what is was, but possibly a worn washer??? Idk.. probably something cheap to replace. But my parents thought the labour costs wouldn’t warrant the service call on s machine that was 22 years old. They thought I shouldn’t waste effort moving it to my new house (since I was moving that summer) and that I should buy s new one. What s mistake!! Ive been without a washer for 6 months (had a rental place that had W/D for 2 years and just moved to a new house this year) because I can’t find a new washer that I feel can actually clean my clothes ! I really miss the old style machines!!!
Yes, many people feel the same. You can still find an old Direct Drive and learn to fix it from many RUclips videos and many cheap parts off the internet.
Western Massachusetts Elevators Wish I could find a reputable used dealer here. Refurbished like this. Someone that would actually do this thorough cleaning and repair! I went to a place that sells used machines and it looked like they had just taken them out of abandoned homes, as is, with rust, dirt, grime, mold... ugh! Nasty! I was so disappointed.
@@IpanemaShirley77 You can also look into the new Speed Queen TC5 Classic Series Washing Machine. It has the old school transmission driven wash action.
I had a Maytag of this era, bought late 1987 or '88, and it was crap. It hardly agitated at all. Maybe some of them were good, mine just didn't cut it. My mom had one of these whirlpools. I noticed the difference because of how much cleaner the whites looked when I would visit and do laundry at her house. I complained to a service guy, and he took a look at mine and said, yes, there were some problems but that some Maytags could be "retrofitted" with a different agigtation, or something like that, not sure if I remember the exact words. Anyway, he looked at mine, and said I was out of luck, mine was what it was and couldn't be helped.
I DIDN'T FIND THE KIT ...THAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT....I HAVE ONE THAT I NEED TO REBUILD"...I NEED A MOTOR / TRANSMISSION...THE PLATE" THE LINES AND THE PUMP...THE TIMER... ETC...ETC..EVEN THE WIRING HARNESS IS GONE"....?
Lorain Furniture & Appliance Should we take our Direct Drive washers apart at least once a year ... to get rid of the dirt that builds up on the outside of the inner basket a d in the outer plastic basket? Or would using something like Affresh once a month get rid of all of that build up...
How can I find parts for ALW880QAW/PALW880QAW and what needs to be replaced to refurbish? The machine started making a loud roar a while ago and now has seized some part which burned off the belt. What is most likely wrong? What was the roar? Where are the repair parts available for these older machines.
I bought my Mom a Whirlpool Imperial direct drive washer in 1991. She had it for eleven years. It was left in the house when my parents moved. I told them to take it with when they moved. In eleven years, not one single thing went wrong with it. It was a great machine. Now the Maytag Atlantis they bought was ten years old and was repaired four times. I also find it interesting how G.E.'s Profile and Maytag's Dependal Care washers were designed to mimic Whirlpool's short vigorous agitation. They should have just stuck with the Filter Flow and the Fabric-Matic. Oh, by the way, the name given to the direct drive was originally the Whirlpool Design 2000. Had to put that in there. LOL
The internal design names / product platform codes are really interesting, but I never saw any support literature old enough to refer to these models as anything other than 'Direct Drive'. Good to know!
Thank you so much!! I can stop looking for a belt now!! lol For whatever reason there was a 6" rubber belt just kind of dangling around not really connected to anything & it was in bad shape. I could not find a video with my washer (the exact one in the video) for weeks now. I'm a mechanics daughter (yeah I know I should've realized there wasn't a belt, lol) & I refuse to call a repair person! lol Also, thanks for showing how to wash inside the washer where that dirt smudge on clothes comes from when you wash them. Now, I have to go put the kitchen sink back together.
I have a whirlpool bought in 2009 (wtw5500sq2). Direct drive, almost the same modele as the video. I know i need to replace the agitator dog because they are broken, but i have another issue. Sometime it spin and sometime not, and yesterday night i realised when the motor stops to spin, the basket keep spinning for a long time. The basket is really loose, maybe too easy to turn by hand. Where do i need to look for those problems ? Transmission, clutch, brake or many of these ??
I wish I'd live close to your store ! I would buy from you ! But I live an hour away . Bought the SQ model ATR 5000WN which has an agitator , but it's the one connected to the tub and I h ate it .......it does not agitate the clothes . I didn't realize this when i looked at it in the store and they didnt tell me this . It just sprays water out of the little holes and kinda swishes the clothes around . I called the store and they will take it back and let me get the classic one if i plunk down another $100 . I suppose i will do that instead of wishing i would have for the next 20 years . Hate these newer washers . I loved my 2012 model .
Not so easy to open up the cabinet on later direct-drives, to replace the lid safety-switch with that long harness that connects under the control-panel! IIRC, the earlier Whirlpools had the harness plug in right on the switch.
Dude and old whirlpool/kermone/Maytag/koblenz whasher machine, those machines are a friking tank, almost indestructible, i really love those machine easy to fix and work in it, in fact those machines were the most recommended for years, until 2014 or so, the weak point in places with tons of corrosion is the spider or well that base where the tub sits, if get corroded that's it for that poor machine unless you find a replacement or a donor machine, also as I wrote in the first paragraph, this model was launched under different brands, the ones I remember with this same mechanism and worke in it were, koblenz, kermone, Maytag, and whirlpool, i think general electric too but I don't remember if was the same stuff, also another tip for recognize this machines, some models came with a legend in the front "all metal drive" with 2 gears before the name
And the Americans say they don’t like front loaders because of mould, that machine at the start was filthy, with no internal heater, so most are used on cold wash Dread to think what was growing in the bottom of that machine
How did I come to a RUclips video trying to find out what a direct drive washer is and end up listening to my favorite musical piece.
THIS! This is what I’ve been looking for but didn’t have the vocabulary until I saw this video. Thank you for “breaking it down” and explaining for us housewives who know HOW we want the machine to work but couldn’t explain WHAT it does that makes it work!!! 🙏🏻
My wife bought our Whirlpool Washer/Dryer set in 1987 (before we'd ever met and married). They're still running today, 34 years later, supporting our now family of four.
The only components I've replaced on the washer are the agitator ratchet "dogs" and the plastic water pump. In 34 years!
This week it started making some nasty noises, so I've taken it apart while troubleshooting. Haven't found the issue yet, in part because everything I've looked at seems to be working fine (motor, pump, coupling, transmission, clutch, brake, bearings). I even took the transmission apart, but the cog wheels in there (even the large white plastic one) all seem to be in good condition. I'm determined to fix it - once I find the issue.
Oh, and it's a Heavy Duty model (it's written on the front panel) and has the 6-pad clutch!
My wife is so smart :-)
Wow. That reliability is a miracle. Did you find the fault?
We must have the same washer. My Whirlpool is 37 years old. It seems pretty tough and cheap to keep.
I have a 1987 Kenmore Limited Edition direct drive washer with electronic controls. In 31 years the only repairs it’s needed were new agitator dogs and a starter for the fluorescent lamp. When it finally fails, I’ll fly you to California to do a refurb. on it! You ROCK!!
I have a 27 yr. old Kenmore DD. As long as parts are still available, I will keep this machine. Its been a great unit and I have only got about $300 invested in repairs, which is nothing for its age.. I have done most of the repairs and maintenance myself over the years, thanks to online videos I have seen. These videos have been great for teaching one how to do your own maintenance and save you big bucks in service calls by a tech. I have looked at the new washers and they just dont compare to my 1997 Kenmore washer and matching dryer. I might add that I have spent around $200 on the dryer over the same period of time. I challenge anyone to compare the longevity of the newer machines to mine, in total cost to keep them going. Id be surprised if you could beat mine.
you are very lucky...I have a Bravo Quiet Series from Maytag 14 years old and the carcass of the machine is all finished rust attacked it and pieces keep falling off I tries to spray with spray silicone but the rust just keeps coming back worst....the washer still works but I am replacing it because the top is all rusted and scared that it falls in the machine and corrupts my clothes especially white
I've been watching more and more of these videos. Why have I become fascinated with washing machines all of a sudden? Keep them coming!
I know what you mean. I'm not into mechanical things AT ALL--and yet, I can't quit watching!!
So have I! That's weird.
I'm into them too!
Me too!
Not so much fascinated but admire the simplicity of design....and again no degree in rocket science needed.
Just repaired my Roper direct drive washer. Your presentation is absolutely valid. No rocket science. Straight forward.
I have a direct drive Whirlpool from 2001. IT. IS. AWESOME. Best washer I’ve ever owned. I bought another one last year on Facebook Marketplace to have spare parts. You are 100% correct. Very very easy to fix. Runs great and washes well. I plan on never buying another washing machine.
My mom has one of the last ones, a Kenmore 90 series that machine ls a workhorse and I'm gonna tell her when it breaks get it fixed don't throw it away
Why it is so great.
1. Washes great
2. Reliable
3. Very easy to service.
Sharkie626
And that is exactly why they don't make it anymore.i was in Lowe's and this dayum Samsung's are 1900 for washer and 1800 for the dryer. Front loader. And u will need to replace it in 5-7 years
And it has an agitator!! (instead of these modern "hIgH eFfIcIeNcY" pulsators.
The best thing about this washer is exactly what Eugene said. I have little experience working on washing machines. I repaired my Maytag Dependable Care’s transmission because it only had five moving parts and it was an easy fix. But I figured the Whirlpool direct drive machines out and have a few rental buildings and over the course of a few decades was able to keep them running by myself the last of which I replaced earlier this year after twenty nine years due to frame rust.
I can reset the codes on my new machines but after that it’s pretty much guaranteed a service call.
Owned 2 of these washers . The first being a single speed super capacity Whirlpool bought in October 1988.
This had the DD super Surgilator where the whole barrel on top lifted off to cleanean the little lint filter on the bottom of the barrel. Great machine that lasted until 2003 when I replaced it with a Kenmore 90 series washer.
I think overall I like these better than the belt drives, though I still like the old belt drives but these DD washers are now classics themselves and deserve their place next to their older siblings.
@@1911beauty 5-7? try 2-4 these new washers are trash
I currently have a WTW5100SQ0.... basic as all hell, but it's a workhorse. The only thing it would ever be replaced by is an older Kenmore 80 series. And in that case, this one would be used for parts, as from what I gather, almost every direct drive is identical internally. And the serviceability... probably the easiest machine I've ever worked on. I fixed one for a friend of mine specifically so he wouldn't make the mistake of losing such a good machine...
Direct drives were discontinued around 2012. I have one that is from 2011 made my Whirlpool but branded as Inglis. It was a reduced water washer. For the wash it used 1/4 less water then a standard washer then for the rinse it's stuck on the small water level. They do this by using 2 water level switches. So to get around this I replaced the 2nd non adjustable one with a adjustable one which required drilling through the control panel. But it now works like a normal direct drive and uses the correct amount of water.
You can bybass the switch without doing that
I’ve never owned a direct drive, but I’ll never forget the first time I used one. At the time, I had an amana vm washer. The dryer wasn’t heating so we couldn’t use it. We brought our laundry to my grandparents house which they have a direct drive. When I used it, it was like the best thing ever!
Wow the washer looks absolutely terrific you really do a fantastic job and take pride in your work.
His series on rebuilding a classic range was amazing
I really can’t get over how he gets into it and does the job 100%. I cleaned up a few washers and air-conditioners myself but not to the level he does by actually taking them completely apart.
You have to check out his restoration on a vintage gas range. He brought it back to the masterpiece that it was when it was made.
My dorm has these under the maytag label.
I wish there were more people just like him.
I have one of these in my apartment from 2005. It was the original one used in any unit without a stacked washer/dryer. The only common failures they have with them here are the plastic teeth in the agitator break off, and the warm rinse setting quits working. It's a $7 5 minute repair for the agitator. They just don't bother fixing the warm rinse. Mine will squeal like a belt is slipping sometimes if a large load is towels is spinning, but there is no belt. I think the clutch is just slipping slightly.
I purchased a used WP DD made in 1998. I’ve had to replace the water pump( easy and cheap $10) , timer (easy and $90) and plastic transmission gear ( easy with RUclips video and $25 kit) . My Direct Drive is still in service. It will still last longer then a new HE computer controlled front loader.
Another way to tell you are looking at a DD washer is that the lids are bigger than the previous belt drive versions.
If the lid takes up nearly the whole top of the machine you are looking at a DD washer.
Excellent work Eugene !
Not true the newer lid locking whirlpools have large lids as well.
@@wizzdizz4233 Yes you are right. I was talking about how to differentiate the old belt drives from DD washers . Some of the early Whirlpool and Kenmore DD washers had control panels similar to belt drives.
Love these vids because I learn something every time. I had no idea, for example, that you could drop a commercial clutch into a residential machine. Good to know in case I need to replace the clutch. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thanks for the heads up on the clutch assembly! When I rebuilt my DD recently, I installed a new clutch assembly. But I noticed it taking longer to ramp up to full spin speed. I had planned to pull the transmission and inspect the clutch but now I know what the issue is! I still have the old clutch and it does have extra pads. I think I'll reinstall it!
I recently retrieved a Kenmore 70 Series Direct Drive that a neighbour tossed out and it is working fine. In Puerto Rico, they are called as "Lavadoras Analogas" due to the old mechanical control and reliability.
Love the way you do your videos and convey your message. You set the bar high as well as a great example.
Mine was so rusted on the inside and outside, its crazy.. but I cleaned it all out, rust converted all the rust, and did as much as i could and I will use it until it dies.
My Whirlpool form June 2000 still works like new in 2022. It was already in my condo when I moved in 2016. (Got the manufacture date off serial number).Only had to replace the lid switch. A person I know bought a new whirlpool in 2016 and it broke unrepairable by 2020, so yes they are worth buying used or hanging on to.
Can't beat the Classics!
Have had my 1995 Whirlpool DD washer since it was new, and it still runs great! Did have to replace agitator dogs once, and some sort of device that protects the transmission. Both relatively inexpensive! They don't make 'em like this anymore!
What’s the model? Is there a video on yt? Thanks.
After 19 years I am finally having to replace a few parts on my Whirlpool direct drive washer. Motor coupling broke but I am also taking the opportunity to replace the drain pump, a few springs, and clean the tub. Really is easy to take these things down and swap out pretty much every major part in a matter of minutes.
I have this one or a model very close to it. It's a "whirlpool ultimate care II" I got it 14 years ago after I rented a college house where it was located. It had been left by the previous tenants. So when I moved out I took it with me. 14 years later I still have it. No idea how old it was when I rented that house 14 years ago.
I've done all my own repairs on it which included:
-Removed lid latch that failed.
-Cracked outer tub was easily repaired with epoxy and has held strong for 3 years now.
-Dryer belt broke, easily replaced.
-Took Washer completely apart to clean the tubs and it looks/smells like new.
Keep in mind too that I've abused the hell out of this set over the years. It was free and took me through my college days so I had no respect for it. Plus it's so easy to fix. If something breaks no big deal. Parts are very cheap with the exception of the motor, pump, and outer tub. But if you crack your outer tub you can use epoxy, works great.
This whirlpool set is about to be a rental house unit once again as I just moved and we are renting out our old house. Hopefully the new Maytag Commercial model we got will be similar to the old whirlpool in terms of reparability. If not I guess I can swap them back out.
I have five direct-drives on-hand -- mix of KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Kenmore. One is in rough condition. One needs some clean-up but otherwise would be good-to-go. Three are fully refurbed with new tub supports/center bearings, basket drive/brake/clutch, transmission serviced if it was needed (neutral drain kit, new agitator shaft, fresh oil). One of those three is for sale, no interest in over a month.
DADoESofTX I still see a lot of Whirlpool/Kenmore direct drive machines, and a Kenmore belt drive washer from the 80's pops up for sale every now and again in SoCal, but older Maytag machines seems to be the dominator out here in SoCal. I still see a lot of center dial Maytags out here for sale, and hopefully I will be able to get to pair up with the Maytag DE306 Halo Of Heat dryer.
It’s the best because it’s everything you wanted on a washer, and it has oil so it last longer
Really glad to see you clean out that outer drum. Went to a local shop to see about some used ones and asked if they clean out the outer drum/tub and they said they do not.
Takes a lot of work to do that. If you soak it with bleach and vinegar for a few days it should clean it pretty well
@@imlkrsfn Nah. I've had this same model for 14 years at year 10 the wife said, "we have got to replace it. It smells!" So I did bleach and vinegar treatments several times and it helped kill the smell but when I finally took it apart the thing was nasty! Now, it's like new and probably won't need a good clean for another 10 years. Also, it was super easy to take the tubs out and clean them. Less time than I spent doing bleach and vinegar cycles in vain.
God Eugene You remind me so much of myself when I use to completely take apart a washer and over haul it from start to finish!!! I really wish I could still do that today but health issues prevent me from doing so, so I will just have to watch you and think back to the good old days when I use to get lost in the basement for hours on end doing what I loved best!!! Thanks for the video and have a great night!!!
Hey Mr. Robert wish I could've been around you then. That would have been really fun. I love my appliances especially washers. Must've been an engineer in a past life. I still remember my grandmother's harvest gold hotpoint washer/dryer set. It had a straight vain agitator with the self cleaning filter.
Antonio I had one of those Hotpoint sets in white... It was the deluxe model with the side opening lid and the 2 piece agitator for regular and hand washing... It had 5 small knobs plus the timer knob and a console light, Boy I really loved that set!!!
+Robert Przybylowicz I hope someone has one and that will show the whole washer not just it washing. Grandmother's set was the basic set with timer and load and water temps and the dryer had the timer and temp select. My uncle still had the dryer till 15 years ago. I wish I had gotten it.
I wish I could tinker with these.
Kirk, not to age myself, the first direct-drive washer came out in 75,it blew Maytag out of the water. The only machine that could rival it was the GE-Filtet Flow, which we had. Direct drives are at least 10 yrs older than your reference. Aka, I remember when Kennmore had the commercials,this tec changed the Laundry game. Then Whirlpool Corporation, sold the patent to New Zealand's Fisher Paykel.
I believe the first DD washers came out in 1981 in the smaller 24 " versions before going to full size 27" in 1986.
@@patcola7335 yep
I find these washers for free on marketplace and pick them up all the time. I usually change the clutch and the dogs and they’re good to go. They are the best clothes cleaners on the market.
This is the coolest washer videos ever!
I have picked up curbside direct drive machines that were replaced because they stopped working. Take them home and replaced the coupling and good to go. Love these machines.
I have a machine exactly like this one. (Model GSW9800PW2) Purchased the machine used for cheap a few months ago, and hopefully I'll be able to keep this machine running for a long time. It gets used almost daily in a family of 5. I have replaced the coupler with the HD version, new clutch kit, and new OEM pump. Under heavy use what parts would you recommend I purchase and keep stashed away in order to get many more years of use out of this machine? Have you ever seen a motor failure in these machines? Mfg in 2005 according to Appliance 411.
Nice machine indeed. If you ever get a vintage maytag with the blue green agitator like I think they are from the 70/80s. I've really like the sound and agitation. Great video mate.
My grandma has a 96 Supreme direct drive and it's only needed 2 repairs. A new lid switch and new agitator dogs. Both of which I did myself.
I'd like to see a heavy-duty cycle on it.
I have a Inglis Royal 100 washer and dryer that I bought back in "93. Over the years I had replaced the washer direct drive coupling and the clutch dogs myself. Last month the washer started to vibrates violently in the spin cycle. Past week I have been shopping for a new washer to replace the Inglis. All I see are junk washer out there. May be I should rebuild my old Inglis.
Did you keep it?
most likely, self leveling feet got stuck, given age, the centering springs or teflon pads may have went
One or more wear pads, part number 285744 may have broken off. Easy repair, keep the good old washer.
Grande Cache Appliance Repairs
rebuild it
I have a 1992 70 series kenmore. Its been solid - knock on wood. If any when it has a fault, I will repair it. I fully expect this to last forever. I lost a kenmore 90s series direct drive with a white porcelain tub in hurricane Katrina. I'd love to get another one like it.
I believe it was actually 2011 or 2012 they stopped making the DD machines, remember they still had the Inglis/Estate branches of whirlpool that was basically a rebranded direct drive
Thank god my dorm has these direct drives under the maytag name! None of this HE crap!
My mom currently has a 2007 Whirlpool direct drive. NO PROBLEMS IN 13 YEARS!!
Whirlpool took Maytag to court, for using thier direct - drive in thier machines, which caused Maytag sales to over pass Whirlpool. Whirlpool ended up buying out Maytag, and they killed Maytsg's qaulity. Happy new year Kirk.
That never happened. They never used a direct drive before the buyout. Maytag killed their own quality themselves towards the end of the 90s. As a result, their sales started suffering, and then they lost over $9,000,000 in 2004. Whirlpool then bought them in 2006. They were never taken to court.
I have a 03 version. Clutch 2-3 times, dogs 2-3 times and coupler once and reattached the springs-rigged a few times. I never took the basket apart as you did in the beginning. Will keep it going as long as possible as these new machines are pure garbage with auto sensing BS and 30 different cycles. I need three cycles, normal, delicate and hand washable that’s it. You can’t even buy a decent Speed Queen anymore either. Thank you for your videos.
My washer is going on 28 years. The only thing I had to replace were two things. The dogs two times and a spring that hooks up to the tub base. Other than that. She’s working just fine. Like you said very easy to work on. One thing I noticed is that my washer does not have a plastic tub. Mine is grayish inside.
So I bought a new maytag washer in 2021 from Menards that was advertised as direct drive. How can this be if production of direct drives ceased over 10 years ago? Model MVWB765FC3. Did they resume production, or have we been taken?
Unfortunately, they have not resumed production. LG uses this phrase as well for lots of their front loaders because the motor is directly attached to the shaft without any belt or pulley. The machine you got certainly is not the same style of the old school "direct drives." Your machine is what is known as a VMW or Vertical Modular Washer.
The narrow and taller auger design is the best, they really move the clothes around.
Again I’m on the bus and skipped over all my notifications to get to this video
Thank you for sharing all this knowledge!
I own this exact washer, only thing I had to replace was the teeth that make the top agitator turn. Awesome machine and very robust. Where exactly is the self cleaning filter for all the lint?
Another way to tell if it's a direct drive Whirlpool is it will NOT have a start button and a row of lights next to it.
And listen to how it sounds during agitation. Especially on high speed.
I now have a direct drive maytag centennial washer dryer set at the office love it i will not be trading the machine anytime soon.
I would not be where I am today without this washer design.
is there a model still in production that is belt free?
8:49 A third method (and way easier) to identify a Direct Drive is to open the lid and looks if the top white ring of the tub have a notch on the rear. VMW washers don't have that notch.
I never known a more dramatic washing machine in my life.
I think the best washers Whirlpool ever built was the direct drive variety.
The Belt drives that preceded them were far better built. Though the direct drives I think were excellent. I owned two of them.
My mother has a 2003 Whirpool direct drive, the area to pour bleach has rusted out and rust was getting into the clothes, I refused to have her buy a new washer. So I took plexi glass and cut it down into assymetrical triangular pieces exactly measured as the original bleach fill, screwed them in to the healthy metal of the washing machine, then used special cork in the corners of the plexi glass so no moisture would get through , that was 6 months ago, and it works like a charm, no more rust in the clothes.
Sharkie26.I read this in Consumer Report in 2004,thats why Matag went under, for using Whirlie's direct drive agitators, which sent thier sales through the roof in the early nineties.
Maytag's demise had nothing to do with Whirlpool directly. Apparently the company made some bad business decisions. Shame an iconic brand went under like they did.
wish they continued making direct drive top loaders instead of the high efficiency crap nowadays! these washers cleaned much better as well
yeah and the Calypso and Neptune
stupid regulations drive those company to make high efficiency crap .
no high efficiency washer is sold elsewhere than the north American.
呵呵呵呵 Oh than I should introduce you to germanys laws
@@moeddl really? how “high efficiency” are those German washers are?
呵呵呵呵 we have no toploader washers, because their using to much water/power. The new ones have special eco programms to make it nature friendly.... So the People are thinking their old washer needs to much energy and has to be replaced.
I have an old Miele frontloader Washer from the 1990s and I wont replace it!
Love your videos, just found your channel. Question...i. Looking on fb marketplace for an old whirlpool direct drive...do you have any model numbers to help me indentify which ones to look for?. Also do you have any recommendations on dryers and dishwasher and fridges?. Me and my wife loves vintage appliances. We also looking for a vintage stove.
All in the same week my washer, dishwasher and hot water heater all broke down. To keep costs down I bought a new hot water heater but went looking for a used washer. I told the man selling the washer what a week I'd been having and he just gave me a newly refurbished, direct
drive Whirlpool, Extra Duty Plus. I had no idea what I had until I saw your video 😮 .... Can you tell me where to find the model number on that machine (1997 is the year).
I could use your help. I have a Kenmore 90 Series washer. After completing one load of wash I started a second. The tub filled with water, agitated then stopped. No matter what setting I put it in nothing happens. No humming, nothing. Another Kenmore 90 series washer was given to me. It agitated but no spin. After checking it out it was only a loose wire. Plugged it in & it went through the cycles. Put a load of cloths in & the only cycle that will now work is the spin. Any help on either one of these would be appreciated. I did notice same series but different timer control model. I did check the lid switch, both are good. I even jumped them to make sure.
Mr. Lorain furniture and appliance... I love your channel. You are very informative and a great teacher. I'm not trying to insult you at all, but, I believe direct drive came out in 1986. My mom had a belt drive Kenmore that she bought in 1982. A buddy of mine had a belt drive Whirlpool bought in 1985. Whirlpool did strange things, there might've been a high end model that came out earlier than 1986. If I'm not mistaken, the belt drive washer basically ran from 1948-1985 with tweaks and changes of course. I thouhght direct drives were 1986-2009.
The first dd washers were the smaller 24" units and they came out in 1981-82. The larger 27" dd super capacity washers came out 1986-87.
@@patcola7335 That makes sense.. Just like the 1997 Ford F series. The 150 was changed... The 250 and 350 saw production through 1997. American companies tend to do that.
Refresh my memory, what years did Whirlpool come up with neutral drain?
Besides Speed Queen, is there a reliable, simple, good top load washer sold today that you would recommend?
I'm curious to know why direct drive washers were discontinued.
I wish I had seen your videos before I gave up my 18 year old Kenmore a few weeks ago! It was still working but showing signs of needing repair. I thought it would be really expensive to fix so never called a repair guy. Got a new Maytag piece of crap with no agitator and miss my old machine! Really wish I could get my machine back!
I really don’t think Whirlpool started making the direct drive DAA washers until the late 1980s. 1988 comes to mind for some reason.
The earliest DD washers were 24" that came out 1981-82.
I have Kenmore direct drive washer that I bought back in 1995. My wife has been happy with this washer and trrough all these years all a had to replace was a mechanical timer. The contacts would burned on it and I'd just ordered a new timer online. But after 24 years of service I have to buy a new timer again. The price of it went up to around $150 so I decided to ditch this old washer and shop for a new one and have no idea which one to buy. Do you have any recomendations? My wife is very frugal and suggesting to buy Whirpool top load 3.5 cu ft model WTW 4816FW that is currently selling for $428 BTW the motor and transmission on the old washer is still good i hate throwing it to garbage. If you are in business of fixing washers perhaps you might be interested. I"m suspecting your business is near Cleveland Ohio. I live in Parma
buy timers on E BAY
I really like these washers! What I’m afraid of though, is that in the future they’ll get harder and harder to find. And for people that want a new washer, they’ll be stuck with the high efficiency crap nowadays.
speedqueen
I have a Whirlpool washing machine that was bought in 2004. It is called " Ultimate Care II " model.
Additional markings are " Quiet Wash I ", " Commercial Quality, Super Capacity Plus, 11 Cycles, 3 Speed Motor, 6 Speed Combination, Porcelain Basket ". It gave my family trouble free service practically everyday since 2004 until a few weeks ago when the timer needed replacement. Would you be able to tell if this is a direct drive washer??? Thank you for any help..................from a new fan in California.
@@LorainFurnitureandAppliance got it, thank you. We'll keep this machine. Never like front loaders nor any of the newer washers on the market. I have the gut feeling that the newer washers are more bling than horsepower. Thank you again.
@@EndOfThings77
Just the fact that washers no longer have the 'HEAVY DUTY' badge stamped on the machines today is very telling.
from 1993 to 2004 own a direct drive washer the only 2 major repairs it got before being replace was a motor replacement old motor burn out and a timer repair still work find till 2004 when agitator would not follow and washer was full of water was replace by a whirlpool duet generation 1 other wise might still have that inglis superb II direct drive washer today with matching dryer but possably with a new agitator and water drain out of the washer but can not go back in time sadly
I had a GE direct drive that lasted a good 15 years. It quit working so I bought a new GE thinking it would be the same. Come to find out it's belt drive and is horrible. Goes out of balance all the time. It's only a few years old, but I am going to get rid of it. I see Maytag offers a direct drive washer model # MVWB835DW and I'm going to buy one of them.
I miss my old Whirlpool washer!
What a mistake it was to put it at the end of my driveway! I should have had it fixed. I bought it in 1995 and it lasted until 2017, when one day, it stopped draining. When I moved it from the laundry room, I saw that there was a pile of disintegrated powdery rubber in a small circle in the floor. Not sure what is was, but possibly a worn washer??? Idk.. probably something cheap to replace. But my parents thought the labour costs wouldn’t warrant the service call on s machine that was 22 years old. They thought I shouldn’t waste effort moving it to my new house (since I was moving that summer) and that I should buy s new one.
What s mistake!!
Ive been without a washer for 6 months (had a rental place that had W/D for 2 years and just moved to a new house this year) because I can’t find a new washer that I feel can actually clean my clothes ! I really miss the old style machines!!!
Yes, many people feel the same. You can still find an old Direct Drive and learn to fix it from many RUclips videos and many cheap parts off the internet.
You can always buy a used Whirlpool Built Direct Drive Washing Machine.
Western Massachusetts Elevators Wish I could find a reputable used dealer here. Refurbished like this. Someone that would actually do this thorough cleaning and repair! I went to a place that sells used machines and it looked like they had just taken them out of abandoned homes, as is, with rust, dirt, grime, mold... ugh! Nasty! I was so disappointed.
@@IpanemaShirley77 You can also look into the new Speed Queen TC5 Classic Series Washing Machine. It has the old school transmission driven wash action.
@@elevatorproductionsbymaxpassa yes I am well aware, but that machine costs about $2800 Canadian, for JUST the washer!
The Maytags of this era are DD also right? Some of the Maytags have stainless drums
I had a Maytag of this era, bought late 1987 or '88, and it was crap. It hardly agitated at all. Maybe some of them were good, mine just didn't cut it. My mom had one of these whirlpools. I noticed the difference because of how much cleaner the whites looked when I would visit and do laundry at her house. I complained to a service guy, and he took a look at mine and said, yes, there were some problems but that some Maytags could be "retrofitted" with a different agigtation, or something like that, not sure if I remember the exact words. Anyway, he looked at mine, and said I was out of luck, mine was what it was and couldn't be helped.
I DIDN'T FIND THE KIT ...THAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT....I HAVE ONE THAT I NEED TO REBUILD"...I NEED A MOTOR / TRANSMISSION...THE PLATE" THE LINES AND THE PUMP...THE TIMER... ETC...ETC..EVEN THE WIRING HARNESS IS GONE"....?
They actually stopped making direct drives in 2010, then HE belt drive.
False 2012
Lorain Furniture & Appliance
Should we take our Direct Drive washers apart at least once a year ... to get rid of the dirt that builds up on the outside of the inner basket a d in the outer plastic basket?
Or would using something like Affresh once a month get rid of all of that build up...
These are my favorite washing machines
How can I find parts for ALW880QAW/PALW880QAW and what needs to be replaced to refurbish? The machine started making a loud roar a while ago and now has seized some part which burned off the belt. What is most likely wrong? What was the roar? Where are the repair parts available for these older machines.
I have 1 of these machines; it works great and it's quiet. So, why did they quit making this machine? I don't remember you mentioning it in the vid.
Because it was too reliable.
Planned obsolescence
I bought my Mom a Whirlpool Imperial direct drive washer in 1991. She had it for eleven years. It was left in the house when my parents moved. I told them to take it with when they moved. In eleven years, not one single thing went wrong with it. It was a great machine. Now the Maytag Atlantis they bought was ten years old and was repaired four times. I also find it interesting how G.E.'s Profile and Maytag's Dependal Care washers were designed to mimic Whirlpool's short vigorous agitation. They should have just stuck with the Filter Flow and the Fabric-Matic. Oh, by the way, the name given to the direct drive was originally the Whirlpool Design 2000. Had to put that in there. LOL
The internal design names / product platform codes are really interesting, but I never saw any support literature old enough to refer to these models as anything other than 'Direct Drive'. Good to know!
I have one too. Wonder if Whirlpool still makes em?
Thank you so much!! I can stop looking for a belt now!! lol For whatever reason there was a 6" rubber belt just kind of dangling around not really connected to anything & it was in bad shape. I could not find a video with my washer (the exact one in the video) for weeks now. I'm a mechanics daughter (yeah I know I should've realized there wasn't a belt, lol) & I refuse to call a repair person! lol Also, thanks for showing how to wash inside the washer where that dirt smudge on clothes comes from when you wash them. Now, I have to go put the kitchen sink back together.
I have a whirlpool bought in 2009 (wtw5500sq2). Direct drive, almost the same modele as the video. I know i need to replace the agitator dog because they are broken, but i have another issue. Sometime it spin and sometime not, and yesterday night i realised when the motor stops to spin, the basket keep spinning for a long time. The basket is really loose, maybe too easy to turn by hand. Where do i need to look for those problems ? Transmission, clutch, brake or many of these ??
I wish I'd live close to your store ! I would buy from you ! But I live an hour away . Bought the SQ model ATR 5000WN which has an agitator , but it's the one connected to the tub and I h ate it .......it does not agitate the clothes . I didn't realize this when i looked at it in the store and they didnt tell me this . It just sprays water out of the little holes and kinda swishes the clothes around . I called the store and they will take it back and let me get the classic one if i plunk down another $100 . I suppose i will do that instead of wishing i would have for the next 20 years . Hate these newer washers . I loved my 2012 model .
Not so easy to open up the cabinet on later direct-drives, to replace the lid safety-switch with that long harness that connects under the control-panel!
IIRC, the earlier Whirlpools had the harness plug in right on the switch.
Are you saying that no one makes direct drive washers anymore?
It's February, 2022. How many direct drive top loaders are there for sale? I'm in the market for one after reading this!
Why did they stop making Direct Drive Washers?
Where can I find one machine like this in Kuwait??
Oh no, I didn't lubricate the drive block, is that ok?
Do you have the part number for the commercial clutch?
Is this the Whirlpool Ultimate Care 2?
I like the 80s Kenmore there easy to fixs . and great uints
😂😂😂 the music while cleaning it 😂😂😂
Dude and old whirlpool/kermone/Maytag/koblenz whasher machine, those machines are a friking tank, almost indestructible, i really love those machine easy to fix and work in it, in fact those machines were the most recommended for years, until 2014 or so, the weak point in places with tons of corrosion is the spider or well that base where the tub sits, if get corroded that's it for that poor machine unless you find a replacement or a donor machine, also as I wrote in the first paragraph, this model was launched under different brands, the ones I remember with this same mechanism and worke in it were, koblenz, kermone, Maytag, and whirlpool, i think general electric too but I don't remember if was the same stuff, also another tip for recognize this machines, some models came with a legend in the front "all metal drive" with 2 gears before the name
And the Americans say they don’t like front loaders because of mould, that machine at the start was filthy, with no internal heater, so most are used on cold wash Dread to think what was growing in the bottom of that machine
Personally, I would like to get my hands on one of these so I can tinker with them and identify each part by touch and find out what they do.
The older direct drives came with the 6 pad clutch