How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP6286937 / WH16X26910 Suspension Rod

My washer is model GTW680BSJ1WS. I noticed the new GE model Gtw685bslws same specs as mine but it has an agitator. After some homework I ordered the 1) agitator base assembly. Wh43x25447 (AP6024287) 2) Auger assembly. WH43x25448 (AP6024667) 3) Cap agitator short WH43x25443 (AP6237536) . Total $63.45 plus tax and I installed it easily. My machine is a much better machine now it agitates the clothes as the old machines did, and does a better job on the balance before the spins. Just a heads-up you could check. This is info only worth looking into. 

I replaced all the suspension rods and springs. Figured it was a good place to start. One rod was worn through the plastic outer cover. Figured that was the problem. But, the tub still hits the side of the tub during light agitation. I have realized that there should be a bumper pad on the inside of the body. This must deaden the noise. I am missing one on the left side. II have ordered and will be putting on in hopes of getting rid of the noise. The repair was easy once I made a hooked tool with a handle to pull the rods up and then clamped them while I placed the top piece. 

Replaced suspension rods and drive belt. 30 mins to change all the parts out and running like new. 

I replaced the suspension rods. Always remember that the videos you watch are by people who have done this a lot, but generally they were spot on. The biggest pain is in supporting the lid because GE designed a really dumb solution. An appliance with no hinges. That took a bit of MacGyver action for me and my tight closet area. So I screwed hooks to the wall behind the washer and shelf above, and connected bungee chords to support the lid by hanging it. I didn't have that support if I brought it further out of the closet. The rear suspension rods were a pain in the butt to remove because it was hard to hold on to the rod and hoist it into place for the connection while leaning over the machine. It was really hard to hold by hand-I was using my propane refueling gloves with great grip-so I used a vise grip and clamped it on around a wash cloth, and then it was easier to lift the rod through the opening from below. The front rods went in very easy and without having to use the vise grips. Replacing all rods solved about 95-98% of the problem. It just shimmies a little during the final spin. 

I replaced 4 stabilizers around the tub. 

Researched the causes of the machine being out of balance, called AppliancePartsPros.com and talked to a customer service rep who concured with my findings that the Suspension Rods were failing and were the probable cause. Ordered all four replacement rods and a main drive belt as the one in the machine was well worn, the belt housing cover was covered in rubber shavings. Replaced all these after delivery of the parts which arrived approx four days from the order date and the machine is back to normal. Excellent service and will order again from this company. 

I was quoted $331 to replace the suspension rods. I ordered all four rods and a new drive belt for $ and repaired it myself. It took about an hour total and was pretty easy. Now it's running like new! 

New Rods and springs 

Just Change new once because it was making loud noise whiles spinning 

Replaced the suspension rods