Noisy toploaders

[BWP]

These are older model SQ that grind/rumble when agitating, then quiet during spin. One of these machines makes the noisy really loudly while the other two are quieter. Any idead what is causing the noise or any way to fix it?

[pete f]

It is the tub bearing. It will cost you about $60 in parts to do it your self. the right way. The SQ wrench to take out the tub nut is going to be a tool you will want to buy if you have many machines of the same age.
I always replaced both bearing when I have the moduale apart, the brakes, and of course the seal kit.

[Outlaw]

I disagree Pete, the tub bearing does not turn during agitation, making it dificult to be noisy. Louder in agitation than in spin is very unusual but without hearing it I would venture to say the gears in the transmission are going.

[ajay]

I'm thinking transmission gears myself.

[Winston]

It probably is the transmission gears, but before tearing down the machine, disconnect the water pump belt and run in agitation. The motor and pump run one way for agitation and the other way for spin. Then disconnect the drive belt from the motor and try again. This will isolate the pump, motor and transmission. During normal agitation, the transmission should rock back and forth slightly as the agitator turns each way. The brakes keep the transmission from spinning during agitation. If the brakes, water pump and motor pass these tests, then the transmission is the problem.

[BWP]

I had thought the transmission myself. One in particular seems to be getting louder with use How much longer do you think these machines will last before the gears finally wear out? Have any of you ever experienced this problem before?

[Winston]

I recently put 3 transmissions into SQ EA toploaders. Two had leaked oil into the tub, ruining the clothes. The other was "locked" in agitation... i.e. would not agitate, burned the belt. I have noticed that the new transmissions are much quieter than the old worn ones. My next rebuild will be on a machine that has an intermittent grinding/gear stripping noise while agitating.

[TTLES]

Before You start tearing it appart you may want to look into this.
BEE SMART (856) 728-7225) He has complete rebuilt module assys for speed queen for about $100.00. I have used his modules and had no problems. Easy install.....springs , hose, motor and belts and you are done. If you have ever faught with a frozen bearing on one of these it is a blessing. He sends the module in a container , you swap modules, and he arainges shipping for your core in the same container. Tony

[pete f]

I would have to hear it. If it is an EA2121 made in '95 or so than the tranny will leak anyway. But the trannys went bad on me did not make noise to give warning. The bearing under the tub makes noise in the agitate cycles, becuase it is a slow movement and has weight on it.. The spin it is not so noticable because the speed, and the lack of weight, ie, the tub full or water, do not make the bearing sounds. It is easy to test, spin the tub by hand slowley listen for noise and the feel of the tub. If the bearing is bad you can feel it or here it most of the time. It is the weak link on these machines. Seal goes bad, water on the bearing.