My wife reported that the washer made a loud bang noise and then sounded like gravel being poured from a truck. Well, I went to the washer, emptied it, and tried just a rinse and spin cycle. Sure enough, as the drum rotated and was making a grinding sound. After a little research here and on YouTube, I went back to the washer and tried to move the stainless tub back and forth (it should NOT move) and it bounced around with ease. So, unfortunately, I believed the Spider broke. Now here was the choice, a 10-year-old washer with a family of four, it gave a good life before it broke, so do I replace or try to fix? I called a repair shop and told them what happened, and they would not touch it.O.K., Now I'm not rich, and currently out of work, so I had more time than money, So I purchased the spider arm, a new drum seal (a MUST HAVE) and 6 bolts (you have to order 6 of the spider bolts) if you just add one to your cart, you only get one.
Now please don't try this repair unless you have the right tools, the capability to actually do it, and some help (getting it around) I moved the washer from the small laundry room to the bonus room next to the laundry, put down a tarp and started the repair. watch the video here, YouTube the repair because there are many models and all are not the same. When you actually get the tub out and undo al the bolts, you will be surprised that (in my case) the Spider arm was a corroded mess. I took it outdoors and power washed the inside of the drum and took off the spider arm (with a hammer) all 6 of the spider bolts broke off, so make sure you have new ones. as the drums dried in the sun, I took off the drain tube from the drum to the drain pump and cleaned that out (it was full of exploded spider parts) cleaned the filter, cleaned the pump, and thew our the water supply hoses (the were stiff and getting rusty) and preceded to reassemble the washer with a new arm, new gasket for the drum and cleaned everything as I went. This washer is a mold trap, so take advantage and clean everything out. Once assembled, I plugged it back in, and she runs like new.
Points to note: Have Blue thread locker and re-coat all locked bolts (weights, motor, shocks), Grease the Spider shaft and ensure you replace the METAL washer between the shaft and the bearings. Triple check all hoses for tightness and proper replacement. Take your time on the front seal, it's not hard but like a puzzle to get back on, follow the videos. Take pictures before you take it apart - cameraphones are perfect for this, and it ensures you assemble the right way. 100 photos saves one mistake. Please know what you are getting into - it basically completely disassembles the entire washer. BUY THE SPIDER BOLTS (all 6) Good luck, took me two days, one to pull it out and apart and clean it up, overnight dry, and next day assembly. pros could do it in a few hours.
10-18 MM sockets, Screwdrivers, and pliers. I'm giving it a 5 on difficult, as for me it was a 3, but I'm old school and fix everything, if you don't have the tools, skills, or space, please either have someone do it for you or get a new machine.