A smell that is burning from the Kenmore washing machine is an alarm signal because it could indicate an urgent issue that has to be taken care of immediately. There are many reasons why this can occur, including worn out bearings, worn belts or motor problems. This article will explain the most frequent causes of burning smells in the Kenmore washer and will provide step by step instructions for how to fix them. Whether you’re dealing with the smallest issue or major malfunction, we’ve got you covered. You can solve an issue with a Kenmore washer with an odor that is burning and get back to normal laundry without difficulty if you use the correct approach.
Spin Belt
Top loading Kenmore washers are equipped with an engine that powers the transmission. If the Kenmore washing machine ceases to agitate and the belt is not moving, it could be the cause. How to tell if theKenmore washing machines drive belt requires to be replaced:
- Disconnect your Kenmore’s power source before you begin.
- It is necessary to remove off the clamps holding the drive belt. Attached to the drive motor is the drive belt. You will need to remove from the cabinet’s rear panel to access it.
- After you’ve removed it take a look at the belt to find any signs of fraying or burning, cracks or any other damage.
- If you find any issues on your belt, you require a Kenmore replacement drive belt.
Pump Belt
Some top-load Kenmore washers utilize a belt to operate the drain pump. It’s usually a V-shaped belt that is connected from the drive motor to a pulley attached to the drain pump. It could also have an idler pulley that is used to help tension the belt. If you smell a burning scent of rubber coming from the inside of your Kenmore washer, inspect the pump belt. What can you do to determine whether the belt on aKenmore washing machine needs replacement:
- Disconnect your Kenmore washer from the source of power and open your washer’s cabinet.
- To inspect the pump belt find it, then take it off. It will be connected to the drive motor pulley for removal, and in order to get it out you’ll need to take off the clamps which hold it in place.
- Inspect your pump for signs of wear, fire fraying or damage, visually inspect your pump.
- If your belt exhibits any of the symptoms above the belt is in need of a Kenmore replacement belt for your pump.
Motor Pulley
The drive motor uses pulleys to turn the pump and/or drive belts. The motor pulley is designed to ensure maximum contact with belts. It may be made from metal or synthetic material. The pulley could wear or rusted and cause excessive friction, excessive heat, or damage to the belt. It could cause an unpleasant burning smell. How to inspect the motor pulley of theKenmore washing machine
- Before you begin this examination, unplug your Kenmore washer.
- Locate and remove the motor pulley to inspect it thoroughly. You will need to remove the cabinet in order to do that in addition to removing any belts that are attached to the motor pulley.
- Take a look at your motor’s pulley for signs of accumulations of dirt, grease or other substances and for indications of wear, damage or burning. If your pulley is damaged or wear, you will have to replace it with a Kenmore replacement.
Drain Pump
The drain pump is installed in Kenmore washing machines to remove water from the tub during and following the spin cycle. It could be belt driven, motor driven, or even have an electric motor. A burning smell coming from the Kenmore washing machine during or after the spin cycle could signal that the drain motor is stuck, which prevents it from turning. The smell of burning is typically caused by the worn belt on the pump pulley in belt-driven models. Models with an electrical drain pump will smell more like an electrical motor. How to look at drain pump on aKenmore washing machine:
- Disconnect the source of power from your appliance and then take off the cabinet or front panel.
- Once you’ve found the pump, look over all connections and hoses are flowing out of it to find the cause. If you discover any issues then replace the connector or the hose.
- f the leak originates from the pump, you will have to replace it with a Kenmore replacement Pump.
Idler Pulley wheel and Idler Pulley Arm
Top load washers from Kenmore use an idler pulley to tension the drive belt or pump. If the idler’s pulley gets locked or the idler arm does not move freely, then the correct tension on the belt can’t be established and friction or slippage of the belt will happen, causing the belt to heat up, causing the smell of burning. How to inspect aKenmore washer’s idler arm and pulley:
- Verify that you have disconnected your Kenmore washer from the electricity source prior to starting the washing with the opening of the cabinet to inspect the washer.
- Find and examine your idler pulley wheel and arm. Look out for indications of wear, cracking or burning and damages. The drive belt is connected to the pulley, and it is necessary to unhook it in order to inspect the pulley. To remove the belt move the idler pulley towards the drum and reduce the tension on the belt enough that it is able to slide off.
- Check the wheel of the pulley to ensure that it runs smoothly with minimal resistance and is not wobbly.
- If you notice any issues during the above checks then you’ll need Kenmore replacement idler wheel or arm.
Direct Drive Motor Couplement
Top load Kenmore washers utilize direct drive motor couplings in place of belts to transfer power from the motor to transmission. The drive coupling links the motor and the transmission. It is comprised of two drive forks with a rubber coupling between the two. The drive shaft is connected to one fork, while the second one is connected the the transmission input shaft. The rubber coupling between the drive forks absorbing torque and preventing them from breaking when the motor shaft turns. The coupling is likely to wear away over time. At some point, the drive forks may slide off and emit a burning odor. How to inspect the direct drive motor coupling in the Kenmore washing machine
- Similar to other inspections you must ensure that your Kenmore is not connected to the power source.
- To examine the condition of your Kenmore washer, you’ll need to take off the coupling. To get it out, you’ll be required to take out all or a part of the cabinet for your washer. Depending on the model you have, you might also have to remove the drain pump and/or the motor.
- Take a look at the coupling between the motor and the engine to determine the presence of wear, cracks, damage or burning.
- You will need a replacement Kenmore direct drive motor coupling should you experience any problems with the coupling.
Clutch Assembly
Certain top-load Kenmore washers feature a clutch assembly that powers the basket to spin during the spin cycle. An unpleasant smell emanating from the interior of your Kenmore washing machine can be a result of the clutch being worn out that is why your washer is likely to emit an ominous scraping sound when it spins. Another typical sign of a worn-out clutch is shavings or brake dust that are on the floor beneath the Kenmore washing machine. How to check the clutch assembly in aKenmore washer:
- When you have disconnected the appliance from its power source open your Kenmore washing machine’s cabinet to locate the clutch assembly.
- To examine the clutch assembly, take it off the Kenmore appliance. It will usually be found in the lower part of the tub and is attached to the drive assembly for the basket. You might need to take the drive motor and the transmission off, depending on the model.
- Check your clutch assembly for indications of wear, damage, burning fraying, or other problems.
- If you spot any of the above symptoms it is time to get a Kenmore replacement clutch assembly.
Glide & Spring
Some models of Kenmore washing machines utilize the use of a glide and spring arrangement on the drive motor for tensioning the belt. Typically, the drive motor comes with a pivot mount attached to the base frame as well as an internal spring that provides the tension. A lubricated plastic or nylon glide is attached to the base of the motor to allow it to slide on the Kenmore washer base frame. This allows the pump belt/drive belt to slide a bit when the motor is turned on. It serves as a clutch. The belts can become hot and produce burns in the event that they do not slide easily. How to check the spring and glide onKenmore washing machine.
- Before starting, disconnect your Kenmore washer.
- Remove or take off the front panel of the washer to discover the spring(s) or glide(s). You can locate the springs and glides for the drive motor by removing the front panels.
- Make sure that the motor is positioned properly and that the springs are not stretched and ensure that the surface is clean of any dirt or rust.
- Inspect the glide(s) for any signs of wear, burn, or damage. Lubricate them if needed.
- Kenmore replacement springs are possible should you spot any problems or broken components in these tests.
Drive motor
The main drive motor in most Kenmore washers is used to control the mechanical functions such as spin, tumble, and agitation. The drive motor can also be utilized to operate the drain pump. When a defect or problem occurs with one of the motor-driven components it could cause the motor to overheat and create an unpleasant smell. If the problem is severe the motor may overheat the motor to cause it to fail. The most frequent sign of the failure of a drive motor is a humming or buzzing sound when the motor is in the process of starting. Here’s how you check the drive motor in an Kenmore washer:
- Once you have confirmed that the washer is not plugged in then remove the cabinet and put it back in your Kenmore appliance.
- Take the drive motor off to test it. There will be multiple wires attached to it. Take them out by pulling on the connectors made of metal, not the wires.
- The test will be to test your ground connection as well as the motor’s continuity. For both of these tests, your multimeter must be set to Rx1.
- To test for continuity touch the probes to the terminals of the motor. The reading should be close to or exactly zero. It is possible to test for a ground connection by placing one probe at the terminal while putting it in its housing made of metal. It should not give any readings.
- If your multi-meter readings are not in line with those listed above, you need a Kenmore replacement drive motor.