I have about two and half years old GE GFWR4800FWW (GFWR4800F0FWW specifically) front-loading washer. It has started making very loud noise during spin, and also when I turn the drum slowly by hand it seems something is pulled upward along with the drum little ways until gravity pulls it back down, creating a rattling sound, almost as if a chain would slide down on the outer surface of the drum. I've opened the back of the washer, and external to the plastic tub everything seems to be (at least visually) in order (shocks, suspension, etc.), so the problem seems to be inside the tub.
The next step would be to open the tub, which I haven't yet decided whether I want to attempt it myself. Based on the symptoms, I'm wondering how big bill I'm looking at in parts (and labor if I call someone to look at it), assuming something that could be tightened hasn't just come loose.
Thanks for any insights!
Best Answer
Sounds like your tub's supporting bearing at the back is shot. I'd start there, even just to see how your tub is actually operated.
This is important because your tub may not have a support bearing at all & may rest on front & back rollers with a bottom wheel or a belt connecting to a pulley on the motor. 1 or more of these rollers or just the drive-wheel may be worn down.
If you have this roller setup you may be able to adjust the drive-wheel height by an adjusting screw. If just a or the bottom rollers have worn but the tops are still new, then just swap those around.
Once you determine what's what then you can go online-line to any appliance parts website & see if it's worth your time or if $100 or more would be better spent on an Appliance Repairer doing a full assessment of the washer along with the necessary repair.