Kenmore 70 Series top suddenly loose (with pix)

[gdsmithtx]

After noticing this evening that my Kenmore 70 Series washer had "walked" backward about three inches recently, I moved it back flush with the dryer, only to discover that the front of the top cover is loose from the rest of the case, see pix:





It wasn't like this when I last did a load of clothes two days ago.  Someone else used the washer, someone who habitually overloads the washer and uses higher agitate/spin settings than she should.

On each side there is a set of holes that look as if something (a screw, a clip or something) is supposed to go there to hold the top of the case onto the bottom part.  What is supposed to go there?  I lifted the washer up and looked under it and didn't see anything that had fallen off or out of it.

Also, when I took some clothes out, I noticed that the tub seemed to move around a easier than I remember it moving before (see pic).  I can grab the agitator and make the tub bang into the front and back of the case without much effort at all.  What could be the problem?



Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Model 110.20722991

[Repair-man]

Sounds like an oversize load caused the tub springs to be stretched out or broken, causing a welded joint on the cabinet to pop loose. Try removing the cabinet so you can see if the top can be re-secured to it or not. The top is a separate piece, according to the diagram.


The suspension under the machine is obviously damaged as well...there are 4 springs securing the tub down to a skate plate on the tub support assembly as shown below. The springs, mounting tabs and/or the skate plate snubber pads may be at fault.


Tub Springs-


Tub Support Asasembly-

[whirlpooltech]

causing a welded joint on the cabinet to pop loose

I have replaced a few tops under warranty and have never seen a direct drive top welded on.
The tops I have replaced have been screwed to the side from underneath.

Once you get the cabinet off you will be able to see for sure.