old washer needs repairs; worth the fix?

[Number_35]

Ancient Frigidaire (Electrolux) Front-Loading Washer - Drain Pump Assembly Gone - Worth Replacing?

Guys, pretty much says it all.

We bought the washer, our first front loader, in 2006, and it's been good. I've replaced the door hinge and perhaps the latch assembly, and that's been it.

Today it quit draining. The drain pump assembly was clattering noisily. I removed it (incurring a bloody flesh wound in the process), and found the plastic impeller part to be floppy and worn. The motor itself seems to be strong, but of course the entire thing is sold as a unit only. My first hit came in at $220.77, plus taxes, plus I presume shipping. This could easily come to $270. (All prices in C$.)

I need to price replacement washers, but wonder in general whether it's worth sinking this kind of money into a 19-year-old appliance.

I wish there were some sort of market which sold used parts of this nature - I'd be glad to pay $50.

Anyway, your thoughts?

Edit: Comparable replacements start around $950 at HD, go up to around $1500, and average $1200. 12% sales taxes would be on top of these prices.

Edit #2: I've since found way cheaper alternatives online. I guess the first site I tried was unusually expensive.

 

[k1xv]

if it is 20 years old and you repair it, how long do you think it will be before something else needs to be repaired?

I am using a Kenmore/Whirlpool front loader. Went into service in 2003, its been great, but it can't last forever. And the older it is, the less likely repair parts will be available in the future.

 

[Number_35]

if it is 20 years old and you repair it, how long do you think it will be before something else needs to be repaired?

I am using a Kenmore/Whirlpool front loader. Went into service in 2003, its been great, but it can't last forever. And the older it is, the less likely repair parts will be available in the future.

This is what my wife and I were also thinking, but now that I've discovered that cheaper parts are available, I'm inclined to repair it.

 

[bruckus]

I would fix it if the parts are reasonable. The new washers are cheaply made and unlikely to last as long as the one you have.

 

[Rand]

It probably doesnt owe you anything at this point?
Is there anything interesting on sale?
if not I'd consider repairing it.

I know here costco has clearance washers in store for 400-600 usd LG, samsung, GE etc.

 

[nbpt100]

For the past 2 or 3 years I hear more and more people having problems on new appliances. Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators. All Brand names and things break frequently. They may be under warranty but it is not always hassle free. If you have something older that was made well and you are not abusing it. I would seriously consider fixing it. The Devil you know .......... Only you can decide but give it some good thought.

If you do decide to buy something new buy the extended warranty plan.

 

[Cressida]

Since you've already made the diagnostics and sourced the part I'd go ahead with your plan and replace it.

 

[hemitom]

If the parts are less than $150 I would fix it.

 

[CarLuver]

usually is the labor that makes appliances economically worth to fix. since you are fixing it yourself for $200 i would fix it . not sure what model you have , but the amazon pump if they are correct for your model are very cheap

https://www.amazon.com/W10130913-Re...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[SC Maintenance]

Those old washers were put together so much better. As suggested I would repair it for a couple hundred if you can.

I just replaced a 10 year old Samsung - it had a few problems, but the big one is it was rusting away. Got a cheap Maytag from Costco. Its loud, and vibrates a lot, and I already know its not going to last anywhere near as long as the old Samsung.

 

[Number_35]

usually is the labor that makes appliances economically worth to fix. since you are fixing it yourself for $200 i would fix it . not sure what model you have , but the amazon pump if they are correct for your model are very cheap

https://www.amazon.com/W10130913-Re...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Thanks, I just ordered one off Ebay, for around C$50 delivered. Worth the gamble I think!

 

[frankbee3]

If your old washer has a mechanic switch as opposed to a circuit board, I would be inclined to keep it going by repairing it.

 

[repairman54]

Common wear out part. You can hear them rattling when running for a while before they stop pumping.
Would you junk your car for a water pump?
Look for pieces of gray metal in the sump when you replace it, that is the sign of the basket spider rotting away and if you see that the pin is out of the grenade.
You have done well with that machine.
Every brand uses those little energy efficient pumps, and they wear like that. Not the old days of a belt driven pump and even then, seals failed in them wearing out the bearings.

 

[Number_35]

eBay cancelled my order yesterday. The part was either out of stock or damaged.

I don't usually shop Amazon, but found the part at a good price, and placed an order. It's supposed to be delivered tomorrow.

 

[Number_35]

Common wear out part. You can hear them rattling when running for a while before they stop pumping.
Would you junk your car for a water pump?
Look for pieces of gray metal in the sump when you replace it, that is the sign of the basket spider rotting away and if you see that the pin is out of the grenade.
You have done well with that machine.
Every brand uses those little energy efficient pumps, and they wear like that. Not the old days of a belt driven pump and even then, seals failed in them wearing out the bearings.

Metal in the plastic section of the pump, or on the floor of the washer chassis itself? Thanks!

The pump itself seemed to be clear of debris.

 

[repairman54]

Metal in the plastic section of the pump, or on the floor of the washer chassis itself? Thanks!

The pump itself seemed to be clear of debris.

In the rubber section from the tub to the pump. Some have a plastic tube that acts like a debris protector.

 

[repairman54]

Dang, speaking of washer pumps I just got a LD code (long drain) on my Gen 1 Maytag Bravos top loader. Pumps been noisy for a while, guess it's time to change it since it started working again but by sound, I know its bearings are shot. Got it in stock, just being lazy.

 

[Number_35]

New drain pump installed, seems to work fine. The female-threaded connectors on the old supply hoses leaked upon reinstallation, so I replaced the hoses with new ones from HD. They were at least as old as the washi g machine, and might have dated back to the previous machine (1991), so it was time anyway.

The sump in the drain hose from the tub to the drain pump was free of debris.

 

[Bud_One]

Our washer and dryer are from 1998 , Kenmore brand. I keep repairing them.
Washer blew out a coupling .
Dryer ate a belt , rollers and original motor gave out 2 yrs ago , bearing failed.
A fellow co-worker is on his third set of washer and dryers , has worked with us since 2010.
I say keep em and fix em. Just my 2 cents. YMMV.

 

[Number_35]

Our washer and dryer are from 1998 , Kenmore brand. I keep repairing them.
Washer blew out a coupling .
Dryer ate a belt , rollers and original motor gave out 2 yrs ago , bearing failed.
A fellow co-worker is on his third set of washer and dryers , has worked with us since 2010.
I say keep em and fix em. Just my 2 cents. YMMV.

I put a new heating element in the matching dryer in late 2017. The part was expensive, around C$280 all-in.

It seemed like a gamble at the time, but it's been a bit over seven years now.