[accebynnel]

We have a GE Washer, WJSR2080T5WW and it's roughly 11 years old. But used for only 8. We have lifted the lid and watched the washing machine go through several full cycles. It fills, drains, agitates, spins, etc like it's supposed to. However it has started to make a ratcheting sound during the agitate cycle. Any help in trouble shooting this sound would be greatly appreciated.

[kayakcrzy]

It sounds to me like the air bell that the agitator sits on is stripped out. The part # is WH49X10042. You have to get the agitator off to get it, which could be a problem, after 11 years. The way to get the agitator off is to grab on to the base and pull. Tom ApplianceEducator.com

[accebynnel]

Originally Posted by kayakcrzy

It sounds to me like the air bell that the agitator sits on is stripped out. The part # is WH49X10042.

Ok, I replaced that part this evening. Even though the old one looked ok, since the part was only $5, I figured I'd go ahead and replace it. Good news, the part was not expensive. Bad news, the washing machine still makes a ratcheting sound while it agitates the clothes. Any more suggestions?

The sound only happens during the agitate cycle. When we open the lid and push down the switch so the cycle will continue to run, the machine is still working correctly but with the annoying sound effects.

[kayakcrzy]

The best way to diagnose at this time is take the agitator off, and fill up the washer, on a low level, and see if it make the noise, without the agitaor. If it does it is most like is the transmission. If it does not make a noise, replace the agitator. Tom ApplianceEducator.com

[accebynnel]

Ok.. now I'm stuck, literally. My father arrived and has agreed to help with our washer repair. He's done his before and said this should be no big deal. Yeah right! We've gotten off the agitator and air bell easily. Now we're to the hub nut, and we know it's a left-handed thread, but the bugger won't move. Liquid wrench, a pipe wrench and a rubber mallet have all been used. He's been applying liquid wrench to the hub nut for atleast 7 hours now.. letting it soak for a minimum of 30-60 minutes each time. Then attempts the pipe wrench and mallet, finally repeating the liquid wrench and waiting some more. Any suggestions on how to get the nut off before we all go nutty trying?

He says he believe there is some corrosion between the disimliar metals (Aluminum nut and steel metal output shaft) maybe the culprit.

[kayakcrzy]

Once you got the agitator off did you, turn the washer on a small load of water only, and see if the shaft of the transmission, went back and forth? In your last e-mail you did not indicate if you did or not. The nut can be hell. Tom

[accebynnel]

When I had tested the machine w/o the agitator. Yes, the transmission shaft moved back and forth. The test load was just water on a small load setting. (We can choose water levels of small, large, super.) It still made the same noise.

But now I can throw you for a loop. Today I was doing a load of laundry, and set the machine on gentle speed. During the agitation cycle, it attempted to make the ratcheting sound a few times. But then ran quietly like a swiss watch. I've noticed that occasionally this happens, be it on gentle or normal speed of the past month or so.

Quick history of our machine: First time I ever heard the ratcheting sound was roughly 1.5 yrs ago. It did it for a day while my Mom was visiting. She left, and the noise stopped. I figured maybe a few little pebbles or something got in the machine from my son's pockets. Then, occasionally over the next year it would have happened on one or two loads and then again, silent for weeks/months. It's been happening more frequently now, hence the reason that I've decided it could finally be diagnosed and repaired.

[kayakcrzy]

The only thing I could think of, is something gets stuck in the pump, or you have a gear sliping inside the transmission. I would have to hear it. Sometimes its hard to diagnose some problems from my kitchen table. Tom ApplianceEducator.com

[accebynnel]

Need to hear the sound? lol Used my MP3 player to record it. This is on the small load setting, normal speed, without the agitator in.

Click here to listen. (you will probably have to click on the play button when the new window opens)

Curious to hear what you think. Please keep in mind, it only makes this sound during the agitate cycle. So I'd like to think the pump isn't functioning at that time, therefore it wouldn't be the cause.

[accebynnel]

Ok, we got the transmission. Tore apart the machine, put it all back together. Started a load of just water to ensure no leaks. Machine fills and drains, but won't agitate or spin. In fact, the motor doesn't make a sound, a twitch, nothing... just sits there. I am able to hand turn the belt, which you can then see the spinner basket turn in the tub. I've double and tripled checked all wire connections. After the machine has filled, I've gone so far as to push in the timer knob and pull it back out to try and get it to start. That's when I hear a rapid, "click click click" coming from the timer assembly. Is this normal? Any help would again be greatly appreciated. I'll answer any questions in helping to figure this new issue out. Thanks in advance.