WPSR3100W1WW - Clothes too wet after spin cycle?

Washer Repair
1

Hello all, I recently moved into a new rental with the following washer and dryer:

GE Profile washing machine, model: WPSR3100W1WW
GE 7.2 CU. FT. Electric dryer model: GTD42EASJ2WW

After a few weeks of doing laundry without issue, the dryer has started to take 2 to 3 full cycles to get the clothing fully dry. At first I thought that maybe the dryer was the issue, so I pulled the dryer out and cleaned all of the lint that had accumulated beneath the lint trap out and checked the air flow through the dryer and exiting the dryer. I climbed onto the roof to check the dryer vent and did my best to blow out and vacuum the vent ducting between the dryer and the outside vent using a shop vac. The problem still persisted, so I next checked the washing machine.

I took the front panel off the washing machine and observed the water cycling through the system from fill to rinse to spin. I was going to just toss in a new pump since it is a cheap and easy replacement, but after watching a load of clothes drain and spin, it appears that the pump is functioning, so I decided against putting a new pump on.

The water seems to drain fine with no standing water at the bottom of the tub the clothing is in by the time the spin cycle starts, and I watched the water through the agitator as it spun, and it didn’t seem to back up at all. The pump seems to be running fine. My only observation is that at the very end of the wash cycle, if I shake the agitator, I can hear some water in the bottom, probably 3 or 4 cups worth.

My girlfriend thinks that the clothes feels a little too wet when the washer has finished, but I am not 100% sure if it is. I can’t squeeze a drop of water out of the clothes if I wring it. I am not fully convinced that the clothing is coming out too wet.

If it is indeed an issue with the washer, my guess is going to be it is the speed of the spin cycle not drying the clothes quite as much as it was, which form my research is caused by a loose belt or a transmission issue. The belt doesn’t look loose in operation to me, and the spin cycle is spinning pretty fast. I’m just not sure if this is the issue and am not sure how to diagnose those being the issue.

I can’t imagine it being the pump solely from the fact that there is no extra water in the bottom of the tub with the clothing at all during the spin cycle.

The washer also does make some extra noise during agitation, and I haven’t pinpointed where it is coming from yet, but it is like a squeaking/groaning that is almost like a tapping or clanking sound when I listen closer. I watched underneath the machine and didn’t see the motor or any part under the agitator hitting the bottom, which I understand is one potential cause of this issue. It only happens twice during the cycle, both during agitation.

So I am thinking this issue is either the clothing is a little too wet due to spin cycle speed, or the dryer isn’t cycling heat properly due to a thermostat or heating element issue. The dryer seems to have enough heat, but I’m just not sure and am not sure what to do aside from replace the washing machine at this point. This model of dryer has an expensive heating element that lines the back cover behind the drum (requiring drum removal to access), so giving a tune-up to the dryer isn’t practical nor is it cheap.

If anyone with more experience has any pointers, they would be greatly appreciated and considered.

Thank you all for your time.

3

Countryhome, the dryer vent can be checked with a thermometer to identify if the dryer is heating properly. With the dryer operating on regular heat, the heating element should stay on until the air flow reaches about 135°F, then it will turn off until the temperature reaches about 120°F. If it is cycling in this range, the washer would be the likely cause if the laundry size is within manufacturer recommendations. In the case of the washer, the tub nut would need to be checked to identify if it has become a little loose, which could affect the spin basket spinning the water out properly.

4

In regards to the squeaking/groaning during the agitation cycles, it only makes the noise when it turns to the furthest right, but not when it goes to the furthest left. I have been running it with the front panel removed in an attempt to pinpoint where the noise is coming from.

One thing I discovered is that if I pull up on the front left suspension rod the noise is much quieter.

When it does make the noise, it sounds like it is coming from the upper left portion of the machine, but I’m not entirely sure if it’s front left or back left, or even left upper center.

Is this something some grease might help with, or when these suspension rods are groaning, is that a sign of needing replacement?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

5

It is possible that the suspension rods are starting to weaken and influence the spin-out process.

6

I took some time today to remove the top components of my washer to gain access to the rear suspension rods. I removed the two back suspension rods and they appeared to be in good condition. With the suspension rods removed, I noticed the squeaking I’ve been experiencing was still present if I pressed on the metal sub frame (weld Asm Rod Support) and was able to narrow it down to the left side of a metal tab rubbing against the body of the washer (apron).

The tab of GE washer causing the squeaking during wash cycle/agitation

Metal Tab squeaking during GE top load washing machine during wash cycle

I took placed a screw driver up against the left side of the tab and hammered a bit, and the squeaking stopped. I also sprayed PB Blaster on each of the metal tabs and wiped the metal clean.

The rubber dampening straps look to be in good condition as do the support rods, although I don’t know how common it is for the springs to lose tension and what effect that would have on the efficiency of the washer.

Here are the parts I am thinking might be worth replacing to help with the wetness of the clothing after the spin cycle is complete:
Water Pump
Drive Belt
Suspension Rods

Transmission and Brake Assembly

I haven’t committed yet to removing the basket from the tub and checking on the hub nut or to see if anything might be stuck in there.

I will post any updates if I make more progress.

Thank you so much for your help.

7

Edit: dryer temp in the first 5 minutes was holding at about 99, 5 minutes later it’s approaching 120. Will keep monitoring.