Problems with GE front load Washing Machine / Fix

Update: This fix failed after a few days of use. The epoxy cracked in the same place the aluminum had cracked. I think if you used like 6 layers of fiberglass and way more epoxy it would hold.
Huge Problem with almost all makes of front load washing machine defect! Trying to fix the spider arms GBVH5

[@AllMyHobbies]

Just want to make a comment so it ended up failing again after a few days I did make another video but it was fully cracked and when I took out the second time I realized how bad it was it was like wobbling. The bearings are fine both sides I know people ask about that I took both bearings out and replaced them with brand new high-quality bearings just in case that was definitely not the problem and for my make and model you cannot buy it separately I know there are some models that you can like Samsung

[@econewswithnancypearlman3483]

Thank you for this video. In the course of attempting to repair ( or decide to replace ) this lady had used for 22 years, I found your video and commentary. These machines present serious problems. One, if the machine leaks, DO NOT call a repair service. Take out the detergent dispenser, examine for cracks. If an overload causes the drum to strike the detergent dispenser, the plastic breaks, the machine leaks water, a user who does not understand how to determine a part failure will call for a plumber. Hundreds of dollars. The lady using her GE front loader spent hundreds of dollars on a plumber, then an authorized GE repair person, who could not offer any help. He did not open the machine. The company does not stock parts. So why try? He billed $130 for the non-service call. I took out the detergent dispenser, saw several cracks, sent the lady out to buy the best quality repair tape from her local hardware store. $15. Taped the dispenser, no more leakage. When her machine developed a high-cyclic-rate banging, I ran the machine empty. Confirmed the fast banging. She called the GE repair service. This time, before requesting a service rep, she asked, "Do they stock parts for repair?" "Can't tell you if we've got the part until the service person determines the problem." In other words, they don't stock the parts but they charge $130 to tell the consumer that they can't repair an old machine as they don't stock the parts. I will not attempt to repair the GE machine. I found a new discounted machine. The lady will buy the washer and we will replace the broken machine. Again, thank you for your video and commentary. You did not fail. You succeeded in saving me many, many hours of struggle. And the lady will not waste her money on can-do-nothing expensive service calls.

[@AllMyHobbies]

Thx glad it helped.

[@russelgarcia825]

I feel you pal. I had the same problem with my ge space maker a couple weeks ago. I searched online for the drum assembly and bearing with seal kit but drum assembly was a special order for all appliance stores because they don't have it in stock. I called several companies to check the ETA and I was told it would take 4 to 6 weeks or more for the special order to arrive due to COVID19 restrictions and protocols, then I said "thank you very much", hung up and went out and bought a new one. Thanks for sharing this video, it's an essential troubleshoot information others should know as well. Great context!

[@philoso377]

You are not alone. I agree that all front load models were mfg w/aluminum part - spider assembly. Ours just died after 20yrs w/corrode and broken spider assembly.

[@scott4172]

20 years is a good run for a washing machine though. That’s good service

[@SteveAsche]

I wish I had seen this before I went through everything you described. I took my machine apart and the spider is cracked completely through. What a huge pain.

[@ruthsmith6920]

Sir, thank you for sharing and showing us all correct info and mistakes.

[@gregkranc7745]

wow just got done doing the exact same thing, same problem, this sucks. good luck and thanks for letting me know that I'm not the only one with this same issue. good luck..

[@mikeelu6503]

So I just replaced my GE washer which is about 14 years old. I didn’t want to pay the extra money to have them haul it away. So I completely disassembled it and was going to bring it to a scrap yard. I removed the three pointed support and it was caked on with I guess minerals from the hard water, detergent. It also was bang around a lot with certain loads bearings seemed fine. The four shock supports didn’t seem to have any resistance like a regular car shock, not sure how there supposed to work. I looked closely at the three pronged support and there were no cracks, nothing was corroded just caked with detergent and maybe hard water. What I would suggest is that you regularly do a drum cleaning I know I will with my new one. Maybe the previous owner washed something in your washer that was corrosive.

[@stevenmeyer137]

Thanks for the great information. Amazing effort. Convinced me to just replace the 13 year old front loader. If I had the time I would attempt a fix.

[@AllMyHobbies]

Steven Meyer thx. good choice. i fix everything around my house but this is the one thing i would just replace knowing what i know now. we have a top load machine now.

[@aundriaeli2877]

Sir, I apprrciate you for making this video. Thank you for all of your research. Please design a new washing machine! Thank you in advance

[@66jaws]

After watching your very informative video, im buying a new machine. Thanks for making video!

[@Z-Ack]

permanent fix: 1) soak aluminum spider in muriatic acid for 10 mins 2) pull out of acid, coat with baking soda to neutralize acid (prepare to add baking soda to the acid soak in order to dispose of it correctly 3) use actions or alcohol and a clean brush to get baking soda off and clean then dry 4) purchase "alumiweld" braising sticks and a propane torch and any kind of acidic or water based flux. 5) heat cracked areas after flux is applied, dip rod in flux, apply to cracked areas making sure alumiweld flows into crack ( is obvious, either it will be bunched up on top when didn't get hot enough or will wet or drip n flow in the crack if enough flux has been applied and temp reached. alumiweld holds just as strong as before in this condition (filling.. welding with it like to make a T , not so much lateral strength, but after sand and clean you can't tell if done right.. 6) get some kind of dielectric compound or nylon washer to separate the two disymeler metals to avoid future metal sex and std transfer..

[@KevinJones-oz9pj]

Metal sex and std transfer lol

[@Dirty_Bear22]

Z Ack can’t be avoided, the water used for washing will force the metals to interact, slowly rotting the aluminum into a brittle mess. The solution is to buy washers with stainless steel or sealed cast iron spider arms.

[@ScantPear]

Just throw that shit away

[@GB-jc1ek]

Thanks for explaining the problem so well 🙏

[@choodooloo8]

Thank you for this video, you saved me days of headache. I'm going to check with GE for manufacturer's warrenty options and if no avail, buying a new washer.

[@thedarkphire33]

I just came back from the same kind of service call. I literally had to tell the guy his machine was trashed because of the spider in the back. All front loads run the risk of having the issue.

[@lisaloveschuble2359]

I’m on the second set of this brand. Looks almost identical. I decided to go with the same since the area I have for it was all custom built and a different brand wouldn’t fit the area. Immediately began experiencing the same panel control problems as the older one. Living with it but hating it completely. Why are these companies getting away with building crap that doesn’t last anymore? This should be completely criminal.

[@engineerglen]

What you have here is planned obsolescence, last week I took my washer apart just as you have here and I have the same issue with the spider. One of the arms is totally cracked off, my only fix was to buy a new washer and dryer set.

[@AllMyHobbies]

engineerglen i would have to agree with you. and replacement really is the only option after about 10 more loads my spider are cracked right throw the epoxy. If i was to do it again i would probably not wast my time kr i would use like 5x more fibreglass in the epoxy. probably matt not chopped strand. there is a huge amount of force on the spider are apparently.

[@lostc0z]

Imo, I think if we wanted manufacturers to get back to quality, would be first pick a brand to stop buying and also get the EPA to pay attention how much waste it is with so many people junking their washers to go buy a new one. I'm no fan of the EPA but they seem to be always meddling with regulations that change things around. Maybe they could regulate for quality so we don't end up with a garbage product😐

[@philwarner6604]

I had replaced Our 17 year old GE Profile front load washer bearings and seal 5 years ago and when it started to make the jet plane sound on spin recently I ignored it too long until the tub started banging on spin and by then the spider shaft was worn down. the spider itself was still solid but the shaft was necked down considerably. I think there was some other material than steel where the inner bearing sits on the shaft, and the shaft was much smaller than the bearing ID there where the bearing had siezed. I wrapped the inner part of the shaft with .005" thick brass strips super glued to the shaft to build it up and carefully sanded it to the exact bearing Id and installed new bearings and seal and thought it would be good for another 5 years. It lasted only a couple of wash cycles before the drum began banging again and was loose in the plastic tub. My point is that the bearings should be replaced as soon as they begin making noise and before the tub starts banging. I know that was not your problem, but for those whose spider may still be OK, a new set of bearings may take care of it. I haven't disassembled the GE again yet; I gave up and bought a 10 year old Whirlpool Duet set to get caught up on the laundry that had built up while I messed with the GE. BTW, the GE plastic tub had Frigidaire part numbers on it; the stainless drum had no part numbers that I could find.

[@favoriteuncleturtle]

My GE front loader making the same jet engine noise now. wondering if its even worth the effort or just replace with the proven top load

[@SauloPadilla]

Thank you so much for your post and video. I just took mine apart and found out that the vibration caused by the drum issue worn the plastic tub piece. A fix would mean replacing the tub and drum flange piece - over $500, plus my labor. So dissapointed with @GeneralElectric #GeneralElectric - this machine otherwise is brand new! Thanks again!

[@AllMyHobbies]

Saulo Padilla your welcome thx for watching.

[@brunoshow124]

That's exactly why I'm keeping the 30 year old Maytag top loader I have. I recommend you go and buy a speed queen, they cost more but its not a POS.

[@DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell]

Go see reviews of Speed Queen. For some reason they are now some of the Worst performers when it comes to stain and soil removal. Shame.

[@cadonbarton5690]

I have a Whirlpool Duet HT 3,8 cu.ft washer from 2004 and its holding up great, no spider arm problems. I will be upgrading soon to the LG brand front loaders.

[@vasylmyniv8365]

Thank you so much for your video. You helped me a lot.

[@kwd57]

I don't know if this is true or not, but an appliance repair guy told me the reason these spiders corrode, is from using too much or expired fabric softeners and also too much soap. He said around 2018 the manufacturers added the cleaning cycle to help remove the residue off the spider.

[@patrickwulfekuhle2815]

Good video and great effort. Sorry to hear it did not work.. Thanks for sharing. Yeh.. Looks like this 12 year old washer needs replacement with a new one.

[@KingNeptune68]

Thanks for confirming. I have the same issue. but mine is not salvageable. the shaft is completely broken.

[@sl1820]

Thank you so much for the video. Have the same model and the same exact problem.

[@ScantPear]

People need to make stainless steel spider arms

[@RoddRvw]

I have one of this in Brazil that presented the same problem. We opened and discovered that the defect was only the breaking of the screws that fix the spider. I'm buying stainless steel screws to make the trade and will never break again. When this happens, the basket becomes misaligned and descends. It leans on the rubber and so it makes smoke.

[@JB91710]

This is what I'm doing now. Mine was getting something like grease onto my cloths so I figured it might be a baring also. Just got the front off and I'll be attacking the tub tomorrow. Bummer about the spider! I have a feeling I'll be looking for a top load washer.

[@keilder8543]

At least one potentially huge problem with fixing the spider arm is that you are very likely throw off the balance of the unit. Curious to know how it turned out.

[@ItsVideos]

The springs, shocks and counterweights can compensate for quite a bit of imbalance. "All My Hobbies" problem was that the spider was beyond repair.

[@edisondelilaj8869]

The Spyder can be tig welded and repaired than can be painted with al prime to protect it

[@HikeAZ48]

Love this, same thing happened here

[@arshadmahboob]

Same exact thing happened to my GE (gfwn1100h0ww) washer. I looked through the feed pump pipe from the top (after removing the top panel) and saw the COMPLETELY broken spider (3 lay arm). Everything else in this washer never had issues but this fix is super expensive; which is sad. Once these 3 lay arms broke, the drum became hard to spin which broke the drum belt. This washer did last me for about 7 years but I do wish GE changes future models and fix this issue so the equipment can last at least 10+ years.

[@javiermontes3777]

I used resin for fiberglass to fix mine and now my clothes and washing machine smell like fiberglass. What can i do to get rid of the smell.

[@davep9488]

The bloody manufactures have us round a noose, Why are they not selling us one with a Stainless Steel spider or giving us the option of buying a decent metal spider instead of the whole washer unit. That's so piss poor. Next machine I buy will be one with a Stainless Steel spider. My Haier FL is 10 years old but I only use a eighth of washing powder + baking soda + vinegar (apparently its the washing powder that causes the corrosion on the spider).

[@davidribroma2425]

I'd pay a bit more for a SS spider. Next we'll see some guy making one in his home forge

[@anthonygaunt8974]

You can buy the spider separately as for the bearing there’s two bearings it’s usually the inner bearing that goes

[@AllMyHobbies]

some company’s like samsung you can get separately but my ge machine you can not.

[@art58wong]

I had the exact same symptoms on my 16 year old Samsung washer. Luckily the spider arm can be bought for $200. It took 2 full days to clean all the soap scum from the plastic tub and steel drum. Now I understand the importance of using as little detergent as possible and performing cleaning cycles. After changing 3 bearings, 1 spider arm, 4 shocks and carefully levelling the feet the unit vibrates too much and shuts down when it spins above 200 rpm. The drum turns smoothly by hand but something is out of balance between the drum/tub and motor. I'm on the verge of getting a new machine but if anyone has a suggestion please get in touch.

[@rkafulani]

Thank you so much ❤

[@tacktackdriver3162]

Stuck bolts overcome with penetrating oil and a propane torch BEFORE stripping the heads.

[@befrankpls]

You really have the patience to work on. With that fibre coating done, did your clothes after washing cycle, not itch at all? I have a similar problem and was thinking a lot as to how to coat this spider arm. Regards from Antonio from Goa, the state of India.

[@AllMyHobbies]

Ya i was thinking the same thing i painted it after. But in the end the fiberglass failed. I ended up getting a new machine. I think adding more metal and welding would be a better solution

[@Body_zenso223]

Omg I am going through the same thing so what type of Apoxy

[@mickeythibodeaux713]

I had the same problem with my GE changed the bearing and thought it worked. I ran it and rinse and spin cycle and it worked, so I tried a few towels and it was working OK still heard the noise, then on the final spin cycle it started smoking again, very disappointed.... So by watching and seeing the comments I'm pretty sure it's the spider too

[@polarispolaris5077]

Have you thought of seeing Metal Work Solderers? Can they solder-design similar spider, made stainless steel ? Have you ?

[@alexfal8206]

Ive got a bearing issue but i found the spider for sale $140 so they are out there my one may be a later model

[@richzapata2611]

Ugh -- 10 hours of work for a few days use !! The fun of the challenge !!!

[@user-rk2ol1ob7m]

Hi! Did you fixe it ?

[@michaelhaiducek2648]

They designed the spider to corrode on all these front loaders. Top loader Whirlpool & Kenmore NEVER have catastrophic failures like this. Any problems on them can be fixed in 10 minutes with a part costing under $20. It's very sad how companies united to get away with planned obsolescence on all front load washers & refrigerators. Spending more on other brands won't help. You must disassemble the new washer & paint the spider with por paint before using, or just replace the whole unit every 5-10 years, or go back to reliable top WP loader or go to laundromat! We are all pawns in Wallstreets planned obsolesce games!

[@daveallen840]

Do not use baking soda and or vinegar to clean your machine. Mine was making a little noise so I decided to clean it. Now it makes a lot of noise. Washer not for this world

[@chumleye1112]

Planned obsolescence, those spiders will go anywhere from 3yrs up - mine about 6 yrs - this was about 6 yrs ago. I had a beautiful Kenmore HE3 that the spider went on - reasearched the crap on it and nobody sells the whole assy has to be bought. I tried going the warranty route and Sears said they had to send someone out to look at it and it to verify what I already discovered and they said it would be covered under the drum warranty but I had to pay the labor which was very $$$. To compound the problem the part from Whirlpool was under backorder and I waited a for a month and it still was so I had to go buy a new washer. Guess what - bought a high end Maytag - now about 6 yrs old and same symptoms happening - this washer I have to disassemble the drum to find out but exact same symptoms and I emptied the pump screen and there was some aluminum pieces in there - Same shit same pile. These are all built to be replaced in a few years - simple fix - build steel spiders instead of aluminum but they wouldn't sell as many. All the major manufacturers build them the same (except for Bosch - or so I have heard but they are very $$$$.

[@ufartface]

the basket and spider is sold as one part number so its lifetime warranted

[@TippyPuddles]

I just replaced my spider, lg tromm. Sipder broken all three legs.

[@RoddRvw]

How many years of use?

[@Body_zenso223]

I am having a problem with mine

[@chaverria]

Did this ever work? I just got a new basket in the mail... but I thought I was ordering bearings... and that’s what they sent me. I have the same washer. Would like to ask some questions if you have time about your rebuild?

[@AllMyHobbies]

It ended up failing again. I think i used the incorrect epoxy for the job. And i missed one od the cracks that as important. I believe if i had the time i could of fixed it for good. But my wife over ruled and we bought a new top load machine. The bearing are not the problem you can replace them. But if you have a new spider that would be good.

[@jaysmith7526]

@@AllMyHobbies I think your axel was bad and wobbly and fixing the holes didn't fix the problem.

[@hombrenuevoacts1728]

Samsung waher had that issue. It looked like it was rotten.....I guess they don't want prepping to make an electric generator....

[@robloxperalta9646]

I'm just going to buy a new one

[@robertkeefer2128]

Wow the bearings went bad in my WhirlpoolDuet washer and they only sell the drum with the bearings in it 400.00 after hours of research Eby had the bearings and seal kit 70.00 bucks

[@jimmoore7442]

American manufactures dont make the spider available seperately!

[@librarain6111]

my drum is sooo wobbly and looks too far from the rubber seal which is getting more water than my actual tub is now. Not sure if I have same issue as you since I also have a blockage somewhere I believe. I just unblocked fab softener but i think I have hose blockage to since basket clean filling with suds but no soap during wash. Well, this sounds like a Class Action Lawsuit. i'm so pissed that i have to deal with this and a cracked windshield on my car right no. urgh

[@AllMyHobbies]

madame xxx wow thats crazy i just had a dump truck throw a rock and crack my windshield like 2 days ago! and fyi i'm about to post another video my repair failed after about 10 loads. i took it apart again and the fibre glass was cracked i think it would take like 6-8 layers of fibreglass unlike the 2 i did. ended up buying a top load.

[@librarain6111]

Awh, that bites :( Will check out your other vid. hopefully it will save me some heartache. Such a shame they charge so much for crap that doesn't stand up, no matter how pretty it looks. I guess I just need to pull landlords pint size front load out the garage n upstairs...pain in the arse.

[@tacktackdriver3162]

@@AllMyHobbies I have our Frigidaire FL apart now, with new bearings, seal, and shock absorbers already purchased. Our first broken, corroded spider was replaced under warranty, but this one is now badly corroded. I'm contemplating wrapping the arms in fiberglass or Kevlar cloth and marine epoxy, but not sure it's worth the effort. I noticed that the ENDs of the arms aren't nearly as corroded as the hub area. I suspect that diverting some of the rinse water to spray the hub area of the spider, would go a long way to extend the life of a new spider (assembly $403 min+shipping+tax). Otherwise I may follow your lead to a top-loader. What did you choose? How do you like it?

[@joameshill1433]

We called our shaky shaky smokey smoke. The machine last 8 yrs and it start leaking out the front door after 2 or 3yrs . Same as this one will never buy other front again

[@kurtsaik]

This was me and one thing you have going for you is space. Great video, but 2 x 4’s might work better for you. Pitch it, both your future self and wife will thank you. Also, the metal needs to be neutralized to stop future breakdown. You are just both creating a cocoon for future breakdown and risk of personal injury.

[@seantube21]

I had the exact same spider corrosion problem with an 18 year old GE washer. It's not a "Profile" series, so Daniel's solid recommendation below won't work as my warranty is one year on everything. That said, I'm buying a new GE washer this week and will be ripping it apart (brand new), removing the spider arm and powder coating it. Take your planned obsolescence and shove it up your a$$ GE, Whirlpool, LG and anyone else who intentionally makes the spider arm out of uncoated cast aluminum, knowing it won't fail within the first few years of warranty coverage but is also highly likely to fail within 10 years.

[@patriciocontreras3856]

I am looking at possibly purchasing a new GE GFW450ssmww washer. My exact thought was either to treat the spider when i get the washer, or have one manufactured out of quality metal. please let me know how you make out with the coating.

[@seantube21]

@@patriciocontreras3856 That's the exact same model (GFW450ssmww) I'll be buying later this week. If you plan on buying it from Lowe's go to eBay and grab yourself a 10% coupon (I bought one for $2.00) earlier this week. It will save you roughly $60 for the washer. I'm not sure if I'm going to powder coat from day #1 or if I'll wait for the one year warranty to expire before doing it. Either way, I'll try and update here.

[@Tanner772]

@@seantube21 use this website for coupon generator mmerson.com/ use the 5000 coupons for unlimited 10% off codes

[@phiksit]

I would use POR15 paint as shown in another Scott Synder's video. Powder coat always seems to delaminate, especially in wet environments.

[@attattatt]

My used spider arrives next week a nd I plan to coat it with something before installing it. Currently thinking permalac but have not finished researching yet. Got my used part off of ebay.

[@john94si]

Mine did the same.. almost $1k and 3 yrs later.. junk

[@joameshill1433]

U too mine lasted 5 or 6

[@1975mikestone]

What is the update

[@charlesmarques8954]

Having exactly the same problem my GE machine. Replaced booth yesterday after it developed a leak. During replacement realized that inner drum wasn't stable and is noisy. Turns out that the inner drum spider support is damaged. Trying to find the one but every time use model number flwcvh6260fww for the search I'm getting a "model not found" response that then points me where to look for the number .. maddening.

[@micswashereiguess]

There from 2008. There was a lawsuit in 2014

[@TheCreedBratton]

I have one of these and I hate it!

[@ItsVideos]

It looks like you repaired it with road kill. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tatersinc]

I had a GE also and the spider completely cracked and disintegrated. Ended up getting rid of the whole thing. GE you are STUPID for not selling just the spider and making it out of such crappy materials!!!!!!!!!!

[@malikhedir5586]

Never buy Samsung or LG for household appliances (washing-machine, dryer, fridge) the quality is too random preferred brands like Bosch, Siemens or Miele which are of very good quality.

[@jimmoore7442]

Never use more than 2 tblspns of detergerent. This is what results!

[@burntdog8277]

Just came home ask my son whats that smell I washed clothes and while it was spinning it start smoking fml!!!

[@AllMyHobbies]

Ouch I feel your pain definitely a broken spider

[@burntdog8277]

Yupp going to home depot not even gonna have the tech come out they charge 100 bucks just to come out and if it's what was wrong with yours jut bite the bullet and get a new one its always something!!!!!🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

Always one screw lol

[@VIheavyequipment]

oh wow your like a super home owner lol