Ha! After 50 years of fixing appliances it never ceases to amaze me how complicated engineers make things these days all in the myth of saving energy. My wife constantly complains how stupid these front loaders are. Just damp laundry flopping around. Good thing I saved her old top loader from 35 years ago that still works fine. Now that you have it completely apart, ship it back to the factory and tell them to shove it! Enjoyed watching your mechanical skills figuring it out. Sign of a good mechanic…
I have never done this kind of repair. And would never have attempted it without Rays video. Our machine is just over 5 years old and to have to throw it out because the repair shop said it was too expensive to repair seemed like a tremendous waste. So I decided to attempt this repair.....My spider completely disintegrated in the way that Ray describes it. I ordered the part from the UK. Took about three weeks to get it. Then I fixed the part exactly the way it was recommended. The machine is back together and working. Absolutely Amazing! Thanks so much for making this detailed video. I rescued our machine from the recycling bin and saved $1,000 dollars by not having to buy a new one. Very satisfying!
Thanks for the help Ray!! It was a project that I was nervous to tackle, but I could not find a replacement washer of the same size. You definitely helped a ton!
Thanks so much Ray. I have the exact same model washer with the same problem. I didn't know if I wanted to tackle it myself. Now I have the confidence to go through with it. I hope I can find the parts. Thanks, Dean.
Prior to installing the bearings: Put the bearings in the freezer for a bit, they will shrink slightly, and installation will be easier. Another shade tree mechanic trick!
Thanks Ray. That was an excellent video. I see bottom reply reply that you can only spin it on Medium. Don't you think the epoxy putty caused this problem as it affected the balance of the new spider arm ? Just making comment. Also I did not see the part no of the 3 screws holding the spider arm to the drum. Please advise. Thanks again.
My replacement spider popped in nicely when I seated two of the arms and lightly pulled the basket rim outwards, pushing the third arm down. It's possible that the mechanical lock between arm and basket dimple is structurally useful. I smoothed my spider and put three coats of 2-part epoxy on it. Regarding out of balance spiders due to nom-uniform mass distribution, it seems to me that the basket and laundry load would contribute more to bearing loads.
how did you balance the extra weight of the epoxy and fiberglass? I didn't see you address that in the video. Maybe I missed it. At 1000+rpm I'm worried that a few ounces out of balance would make a huge deal.
I use mine on medium speed haven't had a problem if you're worried about using high and ultra high speed I suggest just buying a new one and not epoxying at all you'll just have to replace it every couple years
A butane torch was handy so I used that on the spider arms. I rounded the 2 of the 3 bolts with little effort, but with the heat and vice grips, I got it all off, thanks! (Also heated the stripped bolts so that they would expand and contract.)
Around @59:10 I'm surprised you didn't put a bead of sealant all the way around sealing gasket before putting the 2 halves together just to make sure of outter tub is water tight. Great video 👍👍
I got it together, thanks to your video:) But now the spin cycle is more violent than ever, with additional knocking, so I'll be back at it. The basket is tight to the drum so I guess I'll look at the shocks. You showed it spinning but how was it when you added clothes? Mine was a bit off-kilter like yours (always was) but the spin was fine when empty.
Great video. Thanks for taking the time to record it. You definitely are a great appliance tech. I have the same washer and I think it just developed the same problem. Your video convinced me to just replace my washer rather than pay for a diagnosis and complex repair.
Thank you so much for this video! But I ran into a problem;) I did not take the motor off as you suggested and it hung so lopsided (heavily weighted in back) that I propped it up to take off the motor after all. However, when I try to loosen the center bolt, the lid spins along with the tub. I don't know how you did it. If I stick something in the holes of the lid, I might do some damage. I must be missing something?
Put the socket on it make sure ratchet is in loosening direction and smack the ratchet with the hammer in the direction that will get it loose enough to get it out or you can use it impact socket
Is it definitely counter-clockwise? I have been at it for 3 days. I've jammed a screwdriver into one of the three holes and the cover is also held by leaning into a rubbermaid bin. I've tapped and wacked hundreds of times with both a mallet and hammer. I can try to borrow an impact tool but at this point I am not confident. Wondering is a torch might help if I can cover up the plastic. hmm. @RayFixesAll
Hi, sorry, the internet says this piece "spider arm DC97-14370E" is for Samsung, is it compatible or there is another code for General Electric. Thanks so much.
Hi, I finally received the spider arm but my bearings are fine so I can keeping them. I'm just stuck on a little thing. There is a thin o-ring that fits against a thin metal ring that came loose inside the bearings area when I removed the old spider arm. I assume the best way to place them is to fit them on the shaft but I don't know which goes first, the rubber ring or the metal. If I had to guess, the rubber was closest to the opening...but it's just a guess. I'd sure appreciate an opinion if you have one:)
@@RayFixesAll That makes sense...but I feel like I'll have to open it up again anyway to replace the spider arm again;) I'm not doing the epoxy thing this time.
@@RayFixesAll Yikes. I had no idea. I was just going to leave them in place. They seem fine. There is just the tiny o-ring issue. I guess I missed something. Thanks.
All parts used in video are in description with there part numbers and what machine models they fit 😊
Can you tell us where you purchased the replacement parts please. If you can add the website link to each part that will be very helpful!
Ha! After 50 years of fixing appliances it never ceases to amaze me how complicated engineers make things these days all in the myth of saving energy. My wife constantly complains how stupid these front loaders are. Just damp laundry flopping around. Good thing I saved her old top loader from 35 years ago that still works fine. Now that you have it completely apart, ship it back to the factory and tell them to shove it! Enjoyed watching your mechanical skills figuring it out. Sign of a good mechanic…
Thanks glad you enjoyed it
Which is the best front load washer?
Bosch or LG?
I have never done this kind of repair. And would never have attempted it without Rays video. Our machine is just over 5 years old and to have to throw it out because the repair shop said it was too expensive to repair seemed like a tremendous waste. So I decided to attempt this repair.....My spider completely disintegrated in the way that Ray describes it. I ordered the part from the UK. Took about three weeks to get it. Then I fixed the part exactly the way it was recommended. The machine is back together and working. Absolutely Amazing! Thanks so much for making this detailed video. I rescued our machine from the recycling bin and saved $1,000 dollars by not having to buy a new one. Very satisfying!
You're very welcome glad it helped
Thanks for the help Ray!! It was a project that I was nervous to tackle, but I could not find a replacement washer of the same size. You definitely helped a ton!
You're welcome
Thanks Ray!! I was able to partially disassemble my machine and learned it was the damper shock! So didn't need to removed the tub or anything!!!
Cool glad it helped you
Thanks so much Ray. I have the exact same model washer with the same problem. I didn't know if I wanted to tackle it myself. Now I have the confidence to go through with it. I hope I can find the parts. Thanks, Dean.
I found bearings on Amazon and arm on eBay
Prior to installing the bearings: Put the bearings in the freezer for a bit, they will shrink slightly, and installation will be easier. Another shade tree mechanic trick!
Thanks Ray. That was an excellent video. I see bottom reply reply that you can only spin it on Medium. Don't you think the epoxy putty caused this problem as it affected the balance of the new spider arm ? Just making comment.
Also I did not see the part no of the 3 screws holding the spider arm to the drum. Please advise. Thanks again.
Part numbers are in the description and the way I look at it most of the time when you put load it it's not going to be balanced anyway
Very helpful. Thank you for making this video!
My replacement spider popped in nicely when I seated two of the arms and lightly pulled the basket rim outwards, pushing the third arm down. It's possible that the mechanical lock between arm and basket dimple is structurally useful. I smoothed my spider and put three coats of 2-part epoxy on it. Regarding out of balance spiders due to nom-uniform mass distribution, it seems to me that the basket and laundry load would contribute more to bearing loads.
how did you balance the extra weight of the epoxy and fiberglass? I didn't see you address that in the video. Maybe I missed it. At 1000+rpm I'm worried that a few ounces out of balance would make a huge deal.
I use mine on medium speed haven't had a problem if you're worried about using high and ultra high speed I suggest just buying a new one and not epoxying at all you'll just have to replace it every couple years
A butane torch was handy so I used that on the spider arms. I rounded the 2 of the 3 bolts with little effort, but with the heat and vice grips, I got it all off, thanks! (Also heated the stripped bolts so that they would expand and contract.)
Nice hopefully you get it working
Thanks! Waiting on the spider arm and some bolts. @@RayFixesAll
Great job, now with the money you saved on the washing machine get yourself a new pair of sneakers 👟 😂😂😂
Lol true
I would also paint it so that it doesn’t corrode
Around @59:10 I'm surprised you didn't put a bead of sealant all the way around sealing gasket before putting the 2 halves together just to make sure of outter tub is water tight. Great video 👍👍
I don't like putting ceiling on the gasket in case I ever have to take it apart again then I would have to buy a new gasket every time
I got it together, thanks to your video:) But now the spin cycle is more violent than ever, with additional knocking, so I'll be back at it. The basket is tight to the drum so I guess I'll look at the shocks. You showed it spinning but how was it when you added clothes? Mine was a bit off-kilter like yours (always was) but the spin was fine when empty.
After repair I can only use it on medium spin these machines are not made to spin that fast to begin with try medium and see if it works for you
@@RayFixesAll Yes, it's a real shaker. Will do. Thanks again for such a thorough and easy to understand video.
I don't see the part number for the bolts (3 - spider to drum). Did I just miss that somewhere?
Great video. Thanks for taking the time to record it. You definitely are a great appliance tech. I have the same washer and I think it just developed the same problem. Your video convinced me to just replace my washer rather than pay for a diagnosis and complex repair.
Thank you so much for this video! But I ran into a problem;) I did not take the motor off as you suggested and it hung so lopsided (heavily weighted in back) that I propped it up to take off the motor after all. However, when I try to loosen the center bolt, the lid spins along with the tub. I don't know how you did it. If I stick something in the holes of the lid, I might do some damage. I must be missing something?
Put the socket on it make sure ratchet is in loosening direction and smack the ratchet with the hammer in the direction that will get it loose enough to get it out or you can use it impact socket
Ahh, I see. I thought you hit it because it was extra tight. Thank you!@@RayFixesAll
You're welcome
Is it definitely counter-clockwise? I have been at it for 3 days. I've jammed a screwdriver into one of the three holes and the cover is also held by leaning into a rubbermaid bin. I've tapped and wacked hundreds of times with both a mallet and hammer. I can try to borrow an impact tool but at this point I am not confident. Wondering is a torch might help if I can cover up the plastic. hmm. @RayFixesAll
@ellecools a torch would definitely work you're trying to break loctite from the factory impact socket will work the best
Hi, sorry, the internet says this piece "spider arm DC97-14370E" is for Samsung, is it compatible or there is another code for General Electric. Thanks so much.
No it's the rite part they used Samsung spider arms in these ge models mines running great
@@RayFixesAll interesting information, thanks so much
@hansvasquezm you're welcome
What website can I buy this parts from
Search part numbers and description on eBay that's where I got mine from
Hi, I finally received the spider arm but my bearings are fine so I can keeping them. I'm just stuck on a little thing. There is a thin o-ring that fits against a thin metal ring that came loose inside the bearings area when I removed the old spider arm. I assume the best way to place them is to fit them on the shaft but I don't know which goes first, the rubber ring or the metal. If I had to guess, the rubber was closest to the opening...but it's just a guess. I'd sure appreciate an opinion if you have one:)
I personally would not reuse old bearings you already have it apart you might as well replace it with new
@@RayFixesAll That makes sense...but I feel like I'll have to open it up again anyway to replace the spider arm again;) I'm not doing the epoxy thing this time.
Yeah but you still have to bang the bearings out with a hammer then bang them back in again up to you I just wouldn't do it
@@RayFixesAll Yikes. I had no idea. I was just going to leave them in place. They seem fine. There is just the tiny o-ring issue. I guess I missed something. Thanks.
Thanks!
Thank you
So my dude's out of laundry for 3 weeks
@@timandgobbles I used laundry mat while I waited for parts
Flattening the dimples in the basket where the spider connects wasn't necessary with the replacement spider I got.
I didn't want to scratch the paint
Not worth fixing it. I put in all the effort to change the spider and bearing and ran 2 cycle then the inverter board blew out.
Oh man that sucks same thing happened to my duet washer and they don't make the board anymore