Hi all,
I saw smoke coming out of my LG front loader this afternoon. The machine is around 12-13 years old. Just wondering if it is worth repairing or get a new one?
If the choice comes down to buying a new one, is there any particular brand preferred by the community? I am looking for something around 7.5kg - 8kg range. Budget $1000 max.
Also, any disadvantages of a wash dry combo over just the washer?
Update 1 : Tried it this morning and it worked without any smoke coming out.
Smoke came from the drum… I could smell burnt rubber but once I opened the door, a lot of smoke came out.
For $500 I wouldn't fix it.
My machine has a quick cycle which I normally use. Takes around half an hour.
I wouldn't even try to fix it. Parts will be expensive and hard to come by, likely even second-hand.
My go to has always been a F+P top-loader, those things are darn reliable.
F+P front loaders any good? I need the machine to go under a bench, so front loader is my only option.
Sorry, no experience with the front loaders.
Given the age it's probably not worth fixing it, not to mention that parts may not be available for your model anymore, or if parts are available but sourced overseas then good luck with a quick turnaround. I'm also assuming that you will need a functional washing machine sooner rather than later.
Depending on the cost it might be worth getting a repairman out to quote, but I would assume the quote alone would set you back approx $100-200.
It has had a good run by the sounds of it, might be time to retire it.
Washing machines on average last 3-5 years, at 13 years of age definitely not worth repairing.
I don’t know what crap washing machines you’re buying every 3-5 years
that lifespan is a threat, not a promise
I think anything out of warranty.. don’t repair it. Repairing may be cost u 150-200.
Washing machine is not costly. Here is well reviewed washing machine in $393.
https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/simpson-7kg-front-load-washer…
Don’t let the magic smoke out! Appliances always stop working when the magic smoke comes out.
We have such an old LG washer dryer combo. Bought second hand and the drying part was so badly designed as fluff could never be accessed to be removed. Drying never woked.
Upon first breakdown we bought a near new Samsung bubble wash. Missus kept bitching that the old LG washed better so I stripped it.
Circuit board is above the drum steam vent. I guess it was planned obsolessence.
Removed the board, cleaned in ultrasonic bath in suitable solution. Found new switches from tossed VCR's. Took some soldering. Third time out and switch replaced again I managed to find a coating spray to water proof the board. Now only replaced dampers, they supply wrong ones but they can be adapted. Now the LG since done thousands of washes, the Bubble bluffer only gets used when we do the beds.
Simple enough, just do that op lol
Just don’t bother attempting any repairs. Because, the repair person would charge you a call out fees plus time to probably tell you the same. Happened with a dishwasher with us.
Also, check if your content insurance has a motor burnout clause. But, that would be a waste of time too. Because, it would require a technician to attend and write a report, which you would need to arrange and pay. With a machine that old, technician would say age related wear and tear. So, you will get nothing for something 😀.
There are some cheap but reliable machines. We now have a Bosch front loader. Got it for less than $1000. Look up on Appliances Online for reviews and prices. Cashrewards gets you $30 cashback. Or JbHiFi has 10% off for most things, expiring today. Negotiate a price in store, and stack with the 10% off coupon. Pay using discount JB giftcards, or those Giftcard Network giftcards.
My last washing machine lasted 3 years before the rubber seal got tangled up during a load. Repair was prohibitively expensive and when I called up for quotes, the repairmen told me to just get a new one.
Time for you to buy a new machine with setup and removal of old machine service included.
usually a seal is ~$40 to $100. and fairly simple DIY
The replacement seal I needed wasn't readily available and the cost of parts and labour after calling around wasn't worth the repair.
How much smoke? May be open windows and use fans to blow it out.
What did the repair dude say when he came around and investigated if it was worth fixing?
Haven't called the repair dude yet.
burnt rubber
I've ben repairing washing machines for the last 4 years as a hobby (50+ machines )
sounds like the drum bearings or the spider arm are starting to fail which will allow the drum to have some movement which allows the drum to rub against the seal or drum shell ——which will create rubbing/friction and smoke.
put your hand in the drum and see if there is some play/movement
so , yeah, replacing the drum is expensive unless you have a donor machine. you could pull the control board out and sell that on ebay for some money if you could be bothered.
time for a new machine.
put your hand in the drum and see if there is some play/movement
There is.
I have been using it again since this morning and no smoke has been coming out. Used it 3 times already.
It is going to die sooner rather than later. Hope it can last until boxing day.
How bad was the smoke? Coming out of top/bottom? Was there a rubber smell?
Can it be fixed? Sure. Anything can be. Should it be? Well, that's up to you - some people are fix it people. If the repair was to cost $500, would you be keen on fixing it?
As for a new one, meh, I'd start with fundamentals like:
Check out local auction houses if you want a real bargain. ex-display house ones etc go via them.