Simple Spider Question - TROMM

[RichardU]

This is embarrassing. I have successfully disassembled the WM2487HRM LG washer. Now I need to replace the spider which is held on by six bolts. When I try to remove those bolts, they turn, but do not loosen. So, there must be a nut on the other side that I need to hold. That would be under the lifters (paddles) inside the drum. I remove the outer piece of the lifter. Then remove the bolt that goes through the drum. Now I should just slide the lifter so the tabs can get to the enlarged parts of the slots. Nothing doing. The lifters do not move. (Yes, I have lifted up the bent part of the drum that lock them in.) What in the world am I doing wrong? I have tried everything short of what I think might break them.

Thanks,

Richard

[AJ]

Never replaced a spider on a LG washer myself.
Maybe the service manual can provide a clue.

http://appliancejunk.com/forums/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=334

[RichardU]

Thanks for replying AJ. The service manual does not go into that level of detail. Certainly someone has replaced a spider on an LG.

[scrapiron]

I just replace the basket assembly, Never tried changing just the spider.

[wildimaginations]

If you order the entire drum assembly, the spider part comes already attached.  It's also covered under their part warranty.

[RichardU]

If you order the entire drum assembly, the spider part comes already attached.  It's also covered under their part warranty.

Thanks for the responses. I've gathered that even though the spider is a available as a separate part, it is essentially not to be replaced separately since it would require destroying the lifters.

Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to get LG to honor their warranty on the drum since I am not an authorized service tech.

[wildimaginations]

Call LG and tell them that it's your own washer and you want to repair it yourself.  Give them the model and serial number and your information.  The warranty does not specifically say that you have to have an authorized servicer fix it.  It just the part is covered for certain period of time and you should be able to get the part for free under that warranty.

[AJ]

 

[RichardU]

Call LG and tell them that it's your own washer and you want to repair it yourself.  Give them the model and serial number and your information.  The warranty does not specifically say that you have to have an authorized servicer fix it.  It just the part is covered for certain period of time and you should be able to get the part for free under that warranty.

I tried that. Their official line is that the warranty says to call them, and when they call they will tell you it needs to be done through an authorized service tech. Don't know if that would stand up in court, but that would involve going to court. Does anyone know anyone at LG?

[wildimaginations]

Ok, ask LG for an authorized tech in your area.  Get several numbers.  Then call each of those techs to see if they will help you get the drum for free.  You could even offer to come by and pick it up at their location.  Be sure to take a picture of your model and serial number and bring any sales related paperwork with you so they can make a claim for the part.

[FTCABill]

I had the same problem with the bolt in the spider assembly just spinning and not being able to remove the Lifter Assembly bottom to get access to the nut.  I drilled out the bolt from the cap end.  You could also cut the top off the bolt.  The Lifter Assembly then slid off.  It turns out that the nut was enclosed in a plastic retainer that wore to allow the nut to spin.  There is a metal plate so you cannot just pull the Lifter Assembly off without removing the two bolts through the spider.  In reassembly, I will use a new nut and bolt.  I will have to use glue to keep the replacement nut from spinning.

[davem3power]

Hi Richard U

I have just completed replacing the spyder on the drum assembly and had the same issue with the bolts just turning. I was able to remove one successfully but the rest just kept spinning. So I decided to grind the head off the top of the remaining 5 bolts. I did this with a Black and Decker grinder I purchased at Walmart for $30.00. Once I did that I was able to remove the spyder and then just lightly tapped the cut bolts and the tumbler then falls into the drum. The reason the bolts just spin is because they are lock tite and the plastic housing isn’t strong enough to hold the back of the nut in place while unscrewing the bolts. So it strips out the plastic housing. Once the tumblers are removed there are two Philip head screws on the back you can easily remove which then allows you access to the cut bolt and backing nut. There is a metal plate that can be removed as well. At this point I cleaned everything with soap and water and took the one good bolt with me to the closest hardware store and matched them up.(M8 - 1.25). I purchased them along with new flat washers and lock washers. I then used a pair of vise grips to hold the grinded bolt as I used (wrench,socket vise grips) to remove the backing nut. I reused the backing nut and glued it back into place (into the plastic housing) and let dry. (be sure not to get glue in the threads of the nut). Once dried I re-assembled everything. And washer is working back as normal. the bolts cost .98 cents each and Sypder $58.00 from Amazon. I wish I took pictures.
Any questions let me know.

[jschuholz]

hoped you used hardened stainless steel M8 x 1.25 bolts.  If you didn't this repair will be short lived.  Also your clothes will be getting dis-colored from the rust from the 6 steel bolts you installed. Unfortunately these bolts are not available - they are special hardened stainless steel bolts. When tackling this repair - its best to destroy the baffles to get to the nuts - save the bolts and buy new baffles.  These washers are a challenge !

[jschuholz]

found replacement bolts - part #4011FA4353E.  not exactly cheap thou.  best to save originals at all costs !