Amana ALW480DA Top Load Washer
Problem for Amana ALW480DA Top Load Washer

Replaced broken washer belt, but drum still won't spin.




By ktjo1 on Aug 24, 2009

" "
Today, my Amana washer started smoking and set off the smoke alarm in the house. It smelled like burning rubber. I took off the bottom front panel and found a busted washer belt. Replaced it as instructed here in the Solutions section (remove motor, replace belt, reattach motor, etc). Put wet clothes back into the drum. It spun for about 45 seconds. Then made a click sound (like static electricity) and stopped. The motor was hot. I found that after it cooled a minute or two, it would try to spin again, but just couldn't get going before it clicked off again. I can move the agitator in the drum manually counterclockwise very freely, but when I move it clockwise, I can only turn it about 1/4 of a turn before it seems to wedge in place. Any ideas what this could be caused from? I checked and rechecked my work.
Comments:

Aug 26, 2009

- It turned out to have been the belt. My husband bought an automotive belt. I had him return it and install the proper Whirlpool replacement belt. The drum spins fine now. It needed the ability to "slip" as another person posted here. Now the drum leaks, but only when it is agitating or in high spin mode. Uuuuugggggghhhhh!

Best Solution

posted on Aug 24, 2009
Very Helpful)

roberta3fan

Rank: Guru 
Rating: 88%, 166 votes
you may have a bad bearing in a pulley,could be motor coupling. Take belt off and spin motor shaft and pulley both ways if it's free, then its more than likely not the motor. Now spin the drum with belt off and see if it does the same as with the belt on if it does it has to be a bad bearing or coupling to the drum. hope this helps
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" Thanks for your input. I'll look into it. If the problem is a bearing, is it an easy fix or should I start saving for a new washer? " - ktjo1

Solution #2

posted on Aug 24, 2009
Very Helpful)

service2go

Rank: Guru 
Rating: 88%, 20 votes
worn clutches
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" Will check into the clutches. Are they an easy fix or should i shop the local estate sales for a "new" washer? " - ktjo1

Solution #3

posted on Oct 21, 2009
Not Rated)

zee28

Rank: Apprentice 
Rating: 0%, 0 votes
replaced the belt, and idler pulley on my ge dryer, but the drum does not turn, it slips on the idler pulley, can i stiffen the spring?

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