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Top Loading HE Washer Out of Balance Question

9 years ago

I'm trying to choose between a new front loader washer and a top loader (HE). The biggest complaint I read regarding the LG models, is that they get out of balance easily.

Is this out of balance situation caused by too small of a load? My wife usually washes small loads, especially since there's only two of us any more in the house.

Do you have any suggestions on how to prevent this?

Thank you,
Chris

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Comments (10)

sparky823
9 years ago
I would get the front loader. Better all around. Or a SQ if you want a top load but it will not be HE but it(SQ) for sure will not get off balance.
crypkema
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks. It's a shame we have to replace the unit. We bought the top-rated Consumer Reports models for a washer and a dryer back in 1983, and ended up with a Whirlpool dryer and Maytag washer. Both have worked perfectly the entire 31 years. The washer got some rust spots, but they quit flaking off rust and that was it. The dryer is the part that finally died. The timer switch that you turn to set the dryness you want finally developed some dead spots. And unfortunately, you can't get a replacement part it seems.

So since we will be replacing the dryer, we decided to replace both units. All for a part costing probably less than $50 if I could find it.

We were initially looking at a front-loader...then thought the top loader would be better since it would be more like what we already had. Then I get to looking at the owner reviews and there are so many people who can't get the load to wash because of the load becoming unbalanced.

So back to probably getting a front loader...

Chris
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hvtech42
9 years ago
Whirlpool still uses the same dryer design today as they did when you bought yours, I would think there is still some sort of timer available that would work but I could be wrong. I believe there are also repair services that can fix timers, I've never tried one though.

What's the point of replacing both if one machine is broken? None of the washers today are anywhere near as well made as your Maytag. If I were you, assuming the dryer is unrepairable (which I kind of doubt) I would replace it with the exact same thing: a brand new Whirlpool, 29 inch wide with the lint filter on top (NOT their 27" with lint filter in the door) and I would leave the washer be. Then, if the washer conked out I would replace it with a modern front loader (NOT a modern top loader). It's one thing if water conservation is very important to you or your community (in which case you should have replaced it with a front loader a long time ago) but it doesn't sound like that's the case here. The tone of your post suggests you like what you have and don't want to give it up, so why do it if you don't have to?
practigal
9 years ago
Have you checked at automaticwasher.org? They seem to know where to find seemingly out of print parts....
sparky823
9 years ago
Try looking for the timer on Ebay.

I would let the Maytag run as long as it will.
crypkema
Original Author
9 years ago
I found a timer. I'm not sure why I couldn't before, because this time when I looked, I found it in several places.

This is such a relief! The old set was from two different manufacturers, but matched pretty well. A new dryer, would've looked strange next to the old washer. The new washing machines just don't leave me with any confidence. If this fixes it, I'll be so happy.

Thank you all for your help. The link to automaticwasher.org was really helpful too.

Chris
enduring
9 years ago
I have an old maytag from 1988 and it is going strong. I have it in the basement and it is only used several times a week now. We had to replace a belt last year but that is it!
User
9 years ago
Keep your current pair as long as you can! You cannot find anything today made as well as your current set. Not even Speed Queen. Whirlpool and older Maytags are work horses and pretty easy to repair.
michgirl53
9 years ago
I purchased the Maytag Bravos XL HE top loader 3 months ago. I only have had one unbalanced load, and that was a king sized foam blanket. I do small and large loads without any problems. Just load as directed, evenly distributing the load and you should have no problems. Good luck!
mfrog
9 years ago
I've had problems with my LG set for 4 years now. Sears says there is nothing wrong with it, but the washer spends 20 minutes or more trying to balance itself even when the washer is empty.
None of the other repair places will come out because none of them will deal with LG, they say that LG will not stand behind their product.
I replaced the dryer with a $100 craigslist dryer. The dryer took 3 hours to dry one small load of cotton shirts etc. Jeans & towels never did dry completely. Please do not buy an LG. mfrog

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