A loud Speed Queen washing machine could be a frustrating problem for lots of homeowners. It could disrupt your day and indicate a larger problem with the Speed Queen appliance. There are couple of easy steps you can do to repair a squeaky Speed Queen washer to ensure it is running at a high level again. We’ll go over the most prevalent causes of noisy washers from Speed Queen and give some simple suggestions and tips to resolve them. Whether you’re dealing with noises that thrash, bang or rattling sound we have the solution for you. So, let’s get started!
Pump & Motor
The drain pump in a Speed Queen washing machine is used to move water from the tub both during and after the spin cycle. It is motor driven or belt driven or even have an electric motor. If the Speed Queen washing machines produce the sound of a boom during or after spin cycles it may indicate that the drain pump is not functioning correctly. How to inspect the pump & pump motor of the Speed Queen washing machine
- Unplug the Speed Queen washing machine, and then remove the front panel or cabinet to locate the pump. To identify the source of the noise, plug your washer back into the outlet and start a cycle. Be cautious as you’re being exposed to electrical circuits and moving parts.
- If you’re sure that the sound is coming from the pump, take out your inlet hose and connect it to the pump.
- Check the impeller of the pump to look for signs of foreign object which could be causing the noise or for damage to the impeller. To make sure the impeller isn’t damaged or worn, you should also attempt to turn manually it. Get rid of any foreign objects there are around the pump.
- If you find any signs of wear or damage or if your impeller appears to be damaged, you’ll require the replacement motor for the pump. Front load Speed Queen washers often utilize a self-contained electrical drain pump, and the motor can be worn out or damaged and will require an entire Speed Queen replacement pump.
Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the drive motor to the transmission in the top load Speed Queen washers and the drive motor to the wash basket of most front load washers by Speed Queen. The drive belt connects the drive motor to the transmission in a few top load Speed Queen washers or connect the drive motor to the wash basket in most front load Speed Queen washers. The drive belt is one of two V-shaped or multi-ribbed belt. It is usually made from rubber, but could also come with a cloth cover. On Speed Queen washers that are front loading, the drive belt is normally multi-ribbed and is intended to be used for a tight fit. On belt driven top load Speed Queen washers the drive belt will typically be an V belt with a fabric covering to allow for some slippage , or it could be a rubber coated belt with an idler pulley, or a different device that reduces the amount of friction created when the motor starts up. How can you tell the if you think aSpeed Queen washer drive belt requires replacement:
- Disconnect the Speed Queen washer from the power source, then remove the access panel or cabinet.
- Locate your drive belt, it’s connected to the motor drive on one end. Once you’ve found it then remove the clamps that are holding the belt in its place. It is possible to inspect your belt by removing clamps.
- Examine the drive belt for evidence of wear, burning fraying, problems.
- You’ll require a new Speed Queen drive belt in the event that you experience any of these symptoms.
Direct Drive Motor Coupling
Some top load Speed Queen washers use a direct drive motor coupling to transfer the power of the motor to the transmission. The drive coupling made up of two plastic forks and a coupling made of rubber. It joins the motor to the transmission. The drive shaft is attached to one fork while the other one is attached to with the input shaft of the transmission. The rubber coupling between the drive forks absorbs torque as the motor shaft rotates. This stops forks from breaking. Regular use can cause wear on the coupling and eventually, the drive forks could slip and cause a vibrating noise. If the transmission seizes or the spin basket cannot rotate, the coupling could fail and once again, you may hear the sound of a vibration. How to inspect the direct drive motor coupling of aSpeed Queen washer’s direct drive motor coupling
- Unplug the Speed Queen washing machine.
- Then, open the doors of your Speed Queen washer’s cabinet in order to find and remove the direct motor coupling. You may need to remove the drain pump or motor to access the motor coupling, depending on the model.
- It is important to examine the motor coupling for cracking, wear or damage. If you see any of these, then you’ll require a Speed Queen direct drive replacement coupling.
Shock absorbers
All Speed Queen washing machines with front loading come with shock absorbers. These are designed to limit tub movement during spin cycles. To access the shock absorbers, or struts, you’ll need to remove the rear or front panels. If shock absorbers weaken or break, the Speed Queen machine will often make loud banging sounds during the spin cycle . This, should the problem not be treated, it may cause damage to other components. How to examine the shock absorbers on the Speed Queen washer:
- Disconnect your Speed Queen appliance from its power source.
- The model you choose to use will determine how. either remove the front or rear panel to reveal the shock absorbers.
- Examine the shocks to find signs of damaged attachments, leaky fluids or a weakening dampening function.
- You will need replacement shock absorbers from Speed Queen if either shock displays any of the above signs. Both shocks should be replaced in the same manner.
Tub Dampening Strat
Top-load Speed Queen washers may make use of tub dampening straps order to reduce the tub’s movement during spin cycles. Four straps are attached to the top of the tub, and to each corner of the cabinet. They are constructed of rubber and are susceptible to failure with normal use. When straps get stretched or damaged, the tub may contact the cabinet during the spin cycle and create loud banging sounds. Continuous large loads and excessive use will create more strain and result in premature failure of the straps. How do you check the tub dampening strap on your Speed Queen washer:
- After disconnecting your Speed Queen appliance from the electrical source, open the cabinet of your washer.
- Find your tub dampening clips. There will be four, all connected to the cabinet, and one in the corner.
- Check the straps for signs of wear, fraying, or damage.
- If any of the straps have the above signs then you’ll require four Speed Queen replacement tub dampening straps. You should change all four straps in a single step since they wear out at about the same rate.
Drive motor
The main drive motor of a top-load Speed Queen washer is used to operate the transmission, spin the wash basket, and on some Speed Queen washers to power the pump as well. On Speed Queen washers with front loading the drive motor drives an electric belt that is driven by the wash basket pulley. A common symptom associated with the failure of the drive motor is a buzzing or humming sound when the motor begins and is sometimes accompanied by an odor of burning. Thermal overload is a state in which the drive motor detects an overcurrent issue and cut off power to the windings. The motor’s drive motor may have failed or may be damaged. What you can do to check the performance of aSpeed Queen washing machine drive motor with the aid of a multi-meter
- Before starting, make sure you have unplugged the appliance. You’ll be working with electrical components.
- Find the motor that drives it by taking the cabinet from your Speed Queen washer. Once you’ve found it then disconnect the wires that are connected to it and remove it from the washer to test it.
- The multimeter you are using is set to Rx1 Test for continuity by placing the probes on the same terminal for each. It should give a reading of zero or close to zero.
- To determine if the motor is grounded by having one probe in contact with a terminal, you can apply the other probe to the bare metal housing of the motor. There should be no reading in this test.
- If the results of your test differ from the ones described above If your test results differ from the above, you will need a Speed Queen replacement drive motor.
Drive Motor Pulley & Pulley for Transmission and Pump
On belt driven Speed Queen washing machines the motor pulley supports the drive belt as well as in some instances, the pump belt. There will also be corresponding pulleys on the transmission and the pump. The grease, rubber compound, or dirt can build up on these pulleys and create an eerie sound or a loud noise as the motor is running. Make sure to inspect the pulleys for dirt accumulation or damage if your washing machine creates this sound while spinning and draining or agitating. Check the pulleys of the Speed Queen washer.
- Before starting, disconnect the appliance from the power source.
- Locate the pulley by pulling it off the cabinet. To inspect the pulley more precisely, take off the belt.
- Look for indications of wear and tear, such as burning or wear. Also, look out for dirt, grease and other types of materials.
- It is necessary to replace the Speed Queen pulley If you spot any damaged.
Pump Belt
On top-load Speed Queen washers belt-driven by the pump belt, it drives the pulley for the drain pump. The wear and tear of use can cause the belt to crack or frayed, which can create sounds of thumping or clicking when the spin or drain cycle. You may also notice the smell of burning rubber or an insufficient drain. What to do to determine that the belt on the pump in the Speed Queen washing machine needs replacing:
- Unplug your Speed Queen appliance. The cabinet should be opened to find the pump belt. The pump belt will be linked to the pulley on the drive motor, one-on-end.
- To examine the belt carefully, remove the clamps holding the belt in the position. Be on the lookout for indications of fraying, wear, or burning.
- It is necessary to replace the Speed Queen pump belt if you experience any of the following symptoms.
Tub Bearing
Both front-load and top-load washers from Speed Queen have tub bearings that allow the inner tub or wash basket to rotate. Top load washers typically have a bearing at the bottom or the entry point of the transmission. The other is that connects the shaft to the tub’s inner. Two bearings are utilized by front load washers from Speed Queen to help support the shaft that drives the wash basket. They are situated in the rear of the outer tub. The tub seal shields the bearings from the effects of water. The constant use of the tub seal, as well as exposure to harsh detergents, and overload conditions can cause the bearing seal to degrade which allows water to enter the bearings, eventually leading to them to fail. How to examine the tub bearing of a Speed Queen washer:
- Connect your Speed Queen washer from the power source.
- Find the tub bearing, by removing the Speed Queen washer cabinet. In accordance with the style and type of washer you own you might need to remove the tub’s internal the wash basket, or transmission in order to reach the tub bearing.
- The tub bearing should be inspected to look for signs of cracking wear, rust water damage, cracks, or any other indication that the bearings have failed.
- If you observe any of the above symptoms it is time to get Speed Queen replacement tub bearing. It is recommended that you replace your tub seal in the same manner especially if the bearing has signs of rust or water damage.
Agitator Directional Cogs & Dogs
Agitator directional cogs, sometimes referred as agitator dogs, are usually used to operate the upper portion of dual-action agitators. These dogs are cam-shaped , and are able to engage the cogs on the agitator’s surface when it rotates in one direction. They release the cogs once the agitator reverses. This allows the top portion of the agitator “ratchet” in one direction while the lower portion will move in both directions. The directional cogs are constructed from hard plastic, and they are prone to wear and tear with use. They will slip if they are too smooth for them to grasp the cogs in the agitator. You’ll also notice that the top portion of the agitator does not move smoothly or doesn’t move in any way. How to inspect agitator cogs on Speed Queen washing machine:
- As with any other inspection you should disconnect your washer from the source of power prior to beginning.
- If your Speed Queen washing machines are equipped with a fabric softener dispenser you can lift the lid to reach the cogs. If your model doesn’t come with a dispenser for softening fabric you must remove the agitator cap to access the cogs. You may also need remove the agitator’s top and/or base to access the cogs, depending on the model you have.
- Examine the cogs to find signs of wear, scratches or discoloration. Also, look for missing cogs.
- You’ll have to replace the directional cogs in Speed Queen if you encounter any of these problems.
Clutch Assembly
Top load Speed Queen washers come with the clutch assembly which locks the transmission input shaft to a drive of the wash basket during spin cycles. With time, the repetitive friction of the pads of the clutch against the housing may cause the clutch to wear out and make a noise of scraping. A worn clutch may stop your Speed Queen washing machine from spinning or may cause an inefficient spin that will leave your clothes wet after the spin cycle. Other symptoms may include a burning sensation, loud noises during spin cycles as well as shavings or brake dust underneath the water line of your Speed Queen washing machines and an odor of burning. How to check the clutch of Speed Queen washing machine:
- Before you start, unplug the appliance.
- Locate and remove your clutch assembly for close inspection. The clutch assembly is typically placed under the basket drive unit and connected to the exterior tub. To get access to the clutch, you’ll need to remove the cabinet, drive motor and transmission out of the way.
- Check the clutch assembly to find any indications of wear, damage or burning.
- You’ll require a new Speed Queen clutch assembly If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.