[Saber]

Hi, My kenmore washing machine during the final spin (mostly) starts making a thumping noise. I did a cycle without clothes in it and the noise was still there and huge. When I took off the back and watched it...it seemed that the big pully in the back that the belt rides on seemed to not spin in a perfect circle. The noise seems to be coming from inside the tub. It is a front loader. It moves quite freely back and forth. Can you help me figure out what I need to replace and how to so it. Thanks, Saber

[PS Staff - Sheila]

You may have a bad tub bearing.

You will have to remove the pulley and check the bearing.

Here is a link to the parts of your washer model 417.80042990.

[Saber]

So do I just undo the bolt, to release the pully and remove the bearing? Do I need special tools? How do I do this? Thanks Saber

[PS Staff - Sheila]

To check the bearing all you have to do is remove the pulley.

To replace it you will have to take the washer apart remove the inner tub.

If you take a look at the breakdown you will see that is a major job and will take some time but if you are mechanically inclined you should be able to do it.

[Saber]

Hi Sheila,
It's been awhile (got side tracked by health) but I findly got around to taking off the back and the bearing is leaking only alittle bit. Is it still the problem or is something else going on?
Also, are there directions anywhere for taking the washer apart? I am good at repairing things however, am much better when there are actual directions on how to do it.
Thanks,
Saber

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Can you supply the model number of your washer? The model number that you have supplied is for your dryer.

I will then be able to supply instruction on how to remove the tub to replace the bearing.

Hope you are feeling better.

[Saber]

Thank You. The part model number is 417.40042990.
Saber

[Saber]

Hi Sheila,
I hope that I gave you the right parts number, I haven't heard from you.
Saber

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Sorry for the delay.

Disconnect the washer from the electrical supply.

Shut off the water and disconnect the water supply hoses from the water valve.

Remove the top panel.

Remove the rear access panel from the washer.

Disconnect the motor wiring harness connector block and the ground wire. Remove the wire tie to free the harness from the tub.

Remove the pressure fill tube from the water level control.

Remove the front access panel.

Loosen the clamp securing the sump hose from the tub and remove the bellows style hose from the tub.

Remove the wire spring clamp from the air bell.

Remove the air shock upper securing pins by depressing the locking tab while pulling the pin to remove it. The procedure is much easier if a deep 1/2", 6 point socket is used to compress the locking tab of the plastic pin. Push the socket onto the tapered end of the pin as far as it will go to compress the locking tab. Use Pliers to grasp the head of the pin and pull to remove. As the pin is removed the socket will drop free.

Pull the upper end of the air shocks free from the tub and position the shocks upright away from the tub for clearance.

Protect the floor and carefully lay the washer on its back.

Remove the fill spout mounting screw from the front panel.

Pull the outer lip of the bellows from the flange on the front panel.

Remove one screw of the suspension spring retaining strap and loosen the other one. Pivot the strap out of the way to permit access to the spring. Remove the suspension springs from the washer cabinet and then from the outer tub. Note: The green end of the spring connects to the cabinet.

Carefully lift the cabinet to clear the tub assembly and set it aside. The automatic dispenser will remain connected to the tub assembly.

To remove the outer tub remove the screws (23) securing the outer tub halves together. Rotate the tub assembly so that the front opening is face down.

Remove the belt by turning the tub drive pulley and rolling the belt off the pulley. The belt is elastic and is designed to give enough to remove and install in this manner.

Remove the pulley from the tub shaft.

Remove the rear motor mounting screws.

Separate the outer tub halves. Caution: Use caution in handling the inner tub,, the outer surface is very sharp. The replacement rear outer tub comes with new bearings,water seal, and seal between halves already installed.

Remove the inner tub from the tub support by removing the bolts (6) securing the three legs. When reassembling, torque the bolts to 24 ft. lbs.

When reinstalling the outer tub tighten the first four screws in an X pattern after that any sequence is fine. The torque of these screws is 75 to 85 in.lbs.

Here is a link to the parts of your washer model 417.40042990.

The tub and bearing assembly part number is PS418071.

[Saber]

Hi Sheila,
Thank you for getting me the directions to take a part my washer they will are just what I needed to finish the job. Again Thank You, you have been extremely helpful! Hopefully I won't need your assistance on this project any longer.
Saber