Washing Machine Repair (Cheap and Easy)

Rating:
Summary: Are we talking about the same book?
Review: I found this book to be most UNHELPFUL. The diagrams are worthless and appear to come from other service manuals (without the explanation). I was quickly able to diagnose my problem of a faulty break (as this appears to be common in front access GE washers; however, the explanation of how to fix this problem is so scant (and, isn't this why we buy this book?) and mixed together with the explanation as to how to fix three other problems, I don't believe a disassembly could be achieved with the information given. At one point, it tells you (if the problem is the brake) to skip the next three steps. First off, the steps are not numbered. Second important point are ommited, and third, you would never be able to determine where the FORTH step starts.

Then he covers cost. The replacement part $75.00 ("but don't worry, the part comes with directions for installation", which is good because the book doesn't), Two or three "expensive special design tools" are needed to properly disassemble the basket. Price of these tools are not mentioned. An "Aluminum nut", (which is impossible to remove without another "expensive special design tool") also needs to be removed. Where this nut is, is anyones guess, no diagram or discription is given.

Scant, Scant, Scant. Covers many models in seperate chapters with "scant" information on each.

I learned what I knew in the first place, it would be more economical (with guaranteed results) to replace the washer than to attempt to fix it. If i did attempt to fix it, I would need instructions from another book.

Rating:
Summary: Good But A Few Problems
Review: I used this book to fix a jammed Maytag pump and replace the destroyed pump belt ($15 incl. s/h thanks JOWAYNES PARTS SUPPLY COM). I probably saved beaucoup bucks, so I can't complain TOO much. However the book could be better organized and the illo's aren't much. It is necessary to flip back and forth between some parts of the book in order to review one problem. Furthermore, when I removed the front cabinet plate the clips sprang off and I had to pretty much wing it in putting 'em back - they seem to be holding but an illustration would have been helpul...

If you don't have the confidence to just leap right in and start toolin' around, though, this book is a LOT better than nothing!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent diagrams and directions for the do-it-your-selfer
Review: My GE Washer had leaked most of its oil from its transmission out onto the floor. The washer was still working and washing clothes, albiet the transmission was starting to sound a little worn out. Given the cost to have it repaired (by a repairman) was greater than the cost of a new machine. I decided I'd have to fix it myself or buy a new washer.

So I flipped the washer on its side and started to work on it. 20 minutes later I had oil up to my elbows and had come to the realization that there was no way I was going to get the transmission out of this thing and get it back together. Since my goal was to fix it, not disassemble it into an unusable piece of junk, I put the motor back on and put the washer back into service.

Now I don't like being beat by a dumb piece of machinery. I searched the web for some more info and eventually ran across this book on Amazon.

Well the book came in. I skimmed the section on GE Washers and went to work. 15 minutes and one stubborn torx screw later I had the transmission out. Exchanged it for a rebuilt tranmission the next day. Got home that evening and 20 minutes later I had the new transmission in and the machine up and running.

Bottom line - knowledge is power! This book has excellent diagrams and clear instructions. Knowing how to do the repair is 90% of the job. I certainly had no idea how to do it. You do need some mechanical ability and a good toolset (sockets, WD-40, torx driver, etc), knowledge how to use the tools and some common sense. But, you don't need to be a Nascar motor tech to get the job done.

Bottom line - if you can change the oil in your car - you can certainly do this repair.

Rating:
Summary: Saved me $60 and got an old washer running again
Review: My mom's old (and I mean old) Sears washer wouldn't fill with water on any cycle. After making sure all the water connections were clear and on, I still couldn't get the water to flow into the tub. I went straight to Amazon.com and purchased this book. Spent the afternoon reading it, and discovered the water is let into the machine by way of a coil. I switched the hot water coil with the cold water coil, and now the washer works perfectly. We don't use hot water in this particular washer, so it made no difference. I keep this book on my workbench book shelf at all times now. This book is easy to understand for those with basic mechanical understanding.

Rating:
Summary: Saved me $60 and got an old washer running again
Review: My mom's old (and I mean old) Sears washer wouldn't fill with water on any cycle. After making sure all the water connections were clear and on, I still couldn't get the water to flow into the tub. I went straight to Amazon.com and purchased this book. Spent the afternoon reading it, and discovered the water is let into the machine by way of a coil. I switched the hot water coil with the cold water coil, and now the washer works perfectly. We don't use hot water in this particular washer, so it made no difference. I keep this book on my workbench book shelf at all times now. This book is easy to understand for those with basic mechanical understanding.