[jimlp1]

Kenmore 80 Series, H/D, Super Capcity Plus top loading washer. Excessive vibration during Fast SPIN cycle, moderate vibration during Slow SPIN cycle. I've replaced the 3 base pads as 1 was missing, I put down over an Inch of Fir plywood on the floor, under the washer. While replacing the base pads, I had the basket & tub removed as there was calcium deposits built up on both, which I removed. While cleaning the basket, I heard a liquid sloshing sound coming from the BROWN ring on the Baskets top rim. I'm assuming this is the BALLAST which is appearantly filled with salt water by the Manufacturer. It seems that some of the BALLAST liquid has leaked out, throwing the machine off balance during the SPIN cycle. Is there any way of re-plentishing this liquid? If so, How much should be added? I cant afford a new washer or a new basket at $155.00 +/-
Thanks, James.

[bettyboop]

It's supossed to slosh, the liquid goes to oppsite side of imbalence. If it was full of liquid it wouldn't balance anything. There's no place for it to leak out.
Are you sure, all the parts (triangle shaped plate) are aligned to bottom of the tub?All 4 springs working properly?The back feet lubed and free to move? Good solid floor? Direct drive washers vibrate badly on carpet or spongy wood floors.
Is the rear spring rusty? Does it keep the tub level with some water in it? These are some of the things that promote imbalance, that I've run into over the years Bettyboop

[jimlp1]

Thanks Bettyboop! Yeah, I bought a Sears/Kenmore repair manual and I've checked everything you've listed here, nothing is loose, the 4 springs are stout, bearings are all good, the floor-well its not concrete but there's over an inch of plywood under the washer. Of course, being in mobile home is a 1 fault I cant repair, it'll probably always vibrate on the spin cycle.

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

For some reason, the direct drive washer transmissions develop a vibration problem after a few years of use.
One fix is to add a helper spring to the back spring. Just use the same holes.
Measure the length of the spring, probably seven inches, if so, add to this spring a GE spring pn wd1x1354

[jimlp1]

Thanks AppGuy! I was thinking about trying another spring on that back location, probably 1 from NAPA auto parts, it looks similar to a clutch spring for a standard transmission, I think that would beef up the suspension a little and perhaps help with the vibration on SPIN cycle.
James.

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

I think the springs I use are double the tension as the one on there, don't make the spring too thick, you will have problems.

[jimlp1]

Thanks AppGuy;
NAPA didn't have an assortment of springs, but Autozone did, i got one and its the same gauge as all the ones on the Tub Suspension. The strength seems to be quite close to them also. It's a Pedal return spring, it cost all of $2.99 plus tax. I'll have to measure and cut it to length, then bend a hook at the cut end and try it. The vibration during SPIN cycle is like an unbalanced load, but it does it even when there's no clothes in the Basket. It's like the Basket is Spinning out-of-round.

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

Are you sure the tub nut is tight on the top of spin basket! Pull agitator and check.
Also make sure the feet are adjusted right.

[jimlp1]

Thanks again AppGuy;
I've re-checked all the nuts, bolts, etc., on the machine everything is tight. SEARS service says it may need to be re-balanced?

[jimlp1]

Hello Everybody! I contacted a local appliance repairman, been in the business 35 years. He mentioned the motor/gear box drive coupling. Sure enough, it was shot and I replaced it and the counter-balance spring. These 2 items helped a lot but there's still some wobble of the tub in the SPIN Cycle even without clothes in it.
I'm concerned that the basket ballast is out of balance, nothing else is wrong! I called SEARS Service, they claim it needs to be re-balanced, does anyone besides SEARS know how to Re-balance this washer?