Kenmore Front load washer balancing act

[Moonmaedyn]

I have a brand new front load Kenmore washer (model #417.44102300) that "supposedly" self balances the loads. Well, this thing makes the whole house do the shimmy. Doesn't matter if I have fifteen towels in there or two hankies.

I had basically the same model for years and I remember having a similar problem when I first got it. When Sears came out, they ended up replacing the concrete balasts and then said that this particular model actually had problems and they had issued a "repair" recall.

I was hoping that the problem (s) had been corrected, but apparently not. Is there somewhere I can look to see if this model has been issued a recall? Or should I just call Jim (drat, he probably only does fridges)?

[Dan O.]

quote:Originally posted by Moonmaedyn
Kenmore washer (model #417.44102300)

That Kenmore model washer was built by Frigidaire.

quote:this thing makes the whole house do the shimmy. Doesn't matter if I have fifteen towels in there or two hankies... Sears came out, they ended up replacing the concrete ballasts and then said that this particular model actually had problems and they had issued a "repair" recall.

What could happen on older units is when it went out of balance, the cement counter weight would hit the door switch and break it. That is why the counterweight was redesigned and is shipped along with the replacement door switch.

quote:I was hoping that the problem (s) had been corrected, but apparently not.

I don't know of any inherent problems with the suspension on that design on washer. For noise/vibration problems on a brand new washer the first thing to do is ensure all the shipping braces have been removed from the unit. Check the installation instructions.

The next thing to check is the flooring the washer is on. Most washers (and especially most front load models!) require *very* stable flooring like concrete. If used on an wooded upper house floor, something may be needed to strengthen it or the washer's location changed to directly over or very near a load bearing or outer house wall. You can read some appliance installation tips at the following link.

- Time and Money Saving Appliance Installation Tips
LINK > http://www.appliance411.com/links/jump.cgi?ID=623

quote:Is there somewhere I can look to see if this model has been issued a recall?

"Recalls" occur for safety related issues only. But you can find what recalls have been issued for major home appliances in the Appliance411 'Appliance Links' section of my site linked below under "Recalls".

JFYI

Dan O.

https://www.Appliance411.com/?ref411=Kenmore_Washer

The Appliance Information Site
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