Whirlpool Inperial Seventy - gearcase or ?

Washer Repair
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Appliance Repair Folks: My trusty washer finally has a problem - heavy oil is leaking out on the floor - orange color

Have searched through other posts - found references to a transmission, also gear case. The oil leak started small, but now looks like a concern. I need help on diagnosing, and where to start. I’d like to have an idea of where I’m going before I disassemble things.

Symptoms: While moving the washer out to remove the back cover for a looksy, I noticed small bits of hard black rubber-like material on the floor. These seem rather thick for gasket material. I also found a tiny spring - about 1/4" long, with a small plastic finger inside it that had broken off from something else.

Because there is grease and oil on the top of the gear case, it seems it is coming from somewhere above, and then is making its way over the case body, and down to the floor. I can’t seem to see anything above the gear case that could leak.:confused: The gear case gasket seems to be intact.

What problem does this description sound like? If it is the transmission, then does the entire lower mechanical business have to be disassembled? I’d like to fix it if at all realistic. I don’t have a repair manual, and would prefer not to buy one.

Thanks,
Chris22 - with no money for a new machine!

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I used to see this all the time. You have water leaking into your gearcase forcing the oil out. I’ll bet if you get a hold of your agitator and shake it back and forth there is play in the bearings and the seals are leaking.

Is it worth fixing? Probably not. Sorry its not better news.

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HMMMM, I checked out the agitator - gave it a grab and tried to wiggle it around - the whole wash tub moved along with it, so it seems tight…

If it were a transmission problem, what would that be like? Did the parts I found on the floor point to any other ideas?

Thanks.