Speed Queen washer model AWS45NW with s/n 0607004270

[Thorning]

The above model washer was sold to me for scrap price as the previous owner was downsizing and no longer needed it.  The bearings are a little noisy but not real bad. The previous owner also gave me as a freebie the complete seal and bearing kit 766P3A which was unopened plus the hex plate  tool for loosening and tightening the hex nut . I did this same job on a previous unit several years back and I hesitate to do it again since it is very labor intensive. When I evaluated the unit I also  found the lid switch was not working properly due to the plastic bushing for the RH lid pivot rod being worn out /missing . Also the hole in the sheet metal of the top platform where the bushing fits was rusted very badly  and would not accept and hold  a new bushing . In order to make this  unit work I  MIG welded a piece of thin sheet metal over both sides of the hole with a predrilled hole and after cooling used plastic steel to fill the area in where possible. New plastic bushings will be installed and hopefully it will fit   and the switch will work.  One of the problems that I encountered  on the previous unit was the difficulty trying to remove the agitator. I eventually bought a set of small air bag lifters . This  set works very well  but I am asking other techs if they have used other methods and if they are successful .without destroying the agitator. Also if any other repair procedure was used to fix the rusted out hole in the top cover. Pictures of my repair of the hole repair are available on request.

[Appliancebrad]

Speed Queen used to sell a set of hooks to facilitate agitator removal.  I never purchased them as I usually could get my fingers under the agitator and pull it off the drive bell.  You can make a loop of nylon webbing and slide it under the agitator, hold an end of the loop in each hand and pull briskly straight up.  Your air bags will probably work equally well

[Thorning]

I have given the local Speed Queen dealer the unit along with the box of new parts to install since I have hurt my back and cannot lift or dismantle the unit. Cost is very reasonable and cheaper than a visit to the emergency room  !