[Jim G]

Our Kenmore top-load, direct drive washer fills with water but won't go any further. We can hear the motor hum but it doesn't sound like it's working. The washer neither agitates or spins. What next? Thanks.

[bettyboop]

your motor coupling(u-joint) has broken, take off motor and replace coupler

[Jim G]

Thanks for the suggestion but I already checked out the coupler and it's OK. In fact, I had to replace that last year. I should have noted that when the washer is intact (all together), there is no movment of any parts when the motor hums including the motor. I took the motor and transmission out of the washer and turned the motor shaft in both directions with a wrench. In one directon, the clutch turned. In the other direction, the shaft cycled in both directions as if in the aggitate mode. I then hooked up the wiring to it. It runs in the pump mode but when the timer shifts to the spin mode, the transmission thunks and all it does is hum; no movement whatsoever. I disconnected the wiring at this point and slightly rotated the motor shaft again in both directions. At this point I could hear and feel some grinding noise in the tranny. I'm guessing something is broken in there and the tranny needs to be replaced. I'm not sure if I can purchse parts to repair the tranny or if, indeed, I need to replace it. Does this sound like the transmission to you?? Thanks again for your help.

[Jim G]

Update...I replaced the gearbox and had the same problem. Now I have disconnected the motor and hooked up the electrics. It runs in one setting but when I rotate the selector switch to another setting it just hums. Am I correct in assuming it's the motor now?? Thanks.

[bettyboop]

It's motor time! You know bad trans I've seen that make a motor hum? -o- !

[Jim G]

Update II....took the motor to a service/parts store and the service tech didn't even need to put it on the bench to test it. He determined from the sound when rotating the shaft that the motor was kaput. I should mention that when rotating the motor shaft in one direction it appeared fine but when rotating the shaft in the opposite direction I could feel the motor stick or grab slightly inside. As I mentioned above, I originally thought it was the gearbox when I was rotating the motor shaft and the gearbox was mounted to the motor. Anyway, the motor is on order and I'll post an update when I'm able to install it. Thanks again for the involvement!

[Jim G]

Update III... Yup! That means bad news. Installed a new motor and no change. This led me to think the start capactor is bad so, what the heck, let's replace that, too. Well, I did that tonight and I'm in no better shape than I was two weeks ago. Motor still only hums. I should mention that it does run quite well if I give the coupler a twist to get it started. Hence, the start capitor. But I've had to call the Sears guy because in a couple days I'll have to start wearing my summer shirts again up here in Syracuse where it's been in the 20's this week. If anyone has any other suggestions I'd be willing to listen. Hey, maybe I should think about changing the leg levelers???