[jenjochach]

I have a bad feeling. Older whirlpool washer has been making noise for some time when changing cycles (loud "crunking"), but it has continued to work so we put our heads in the sand about it. Tonight, however, went to the basement to find large puddle of water. Checked behind washer, and everythign looks very dry- hose fittings etc all appear normal. Water appears to be coming from underneath machine- and lots of it.

This machine was in the home I purchased about five years ago- it was clearly not new then. So here are my questions:

1. given age of machine and presence of "crunking," is it worthwhile for me to tackle home repair (given that I'm probalby slightly below average when it comes to "handiness," but once I get going I'm pretty stubborn and will stick with it til I get it right)?

2. if home repair out of my league, worth calling someone to repair? and if so, how much am I looking at?

3. should we think about scrapping this and getting a newer model?

thanks in advance,
jjc

[PS Staff - Sheila]

The clunking could be caused by a failing drive coupling.

The water leak could be the pump.

Here is a link to your washer model LXR7144EQ1 to give you an idea of the prices of the parts.

The drive coupling is number 13 and the pump is number 22.

To take the cabinet off the washer follow these steps.

Unplug the washer.

You do not have to move the washer.

Remove the two screws in the console.

Flip the console to wards the wall.

In each corner of the back corners you will see a brass clip.

With a large flat blade screwdriver pry the clips out.

Disconnect the wiring harness.

Lift the lid of the washer and grab inside the opening and tilt the cabinet to wards you.

Lift the cabinet out of the way.