If your Whirlpool washer emits a strong smell It could indicate an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. There are a variety of reasons why this could happen, including worn-out bearings, malfunctioning belts, or motor issues. This article will outline the most frequent causes of burning smells from the Whirlpool washer, and provide step-by-step steps to fix the problem. We’ve got you covered, regardless of whether you’re facing a minor issue or a major issue. It’s easy to repair the problem with a Whirlpool washer with an unpleasant smell and go back to your laundry with no trouble if you follow the correct approach.
Spin Belt
Top loading Whirlpool washers come with an engine that powers the transmission. The belt may be the cause of the issue if the Whirlpool washer ceases to agitate. How to tell whether the Whirlpool washing machine’s drive belt requires to be repaired:
- Disconnect the power source of your Whirlpool before you begin.
- It is necessary to remove off the clamps that hold the drive belt in place. The drive motor is connected to the clamps. is the drive belt. To get access to the belt you’ll have to remove the cabinet or the rear panel.
- After taking off the belt, look it over for fraying, burning or cracks.
- You can replace your belt using a Whirlpool replacement belt in the event of issues.
Pump Belt
Top load Whirlpool washers utilize the belt to operate the drain pump. The belt is a typical V-shaped belt that is attached to the pulley of the drain pump. An idler pulley can be used to tighten the belt. It is recommended to inspect the condition of your Whirlpool washer’s pump belt in case you smell a burning rubber smell. How do you determine whether yourWhirlpool washer’s pump belt is in need of replacement:
- Disconnect your washer from the main power source and then remove the cabinet.
- To examine the belt find it, then take it off. The belt of the pump is connected to the pulley of the motor that drives it. To take it off you’ll have to pull off the clamps that hold it in the position.
- Check your pump’s visual appearance for indications of wear, burn or fraying and damages.
- You’ll need to replace your Whirlpool pump belt when your belt exhibits any of these signs.
Motor Pulley
The drive motor utilizes an incline to turn the pump or drive belts. Motor pulleys are constructed of synthetic or metal materials to ensure the best contact with belts. The pulley may wear out or rusted, causing excessive friction, overheating or wear and tear to the belt. This can cause an unpleasant burning smell. How to check theWhirlpool motor pulley for a washing machine:
- Before beginning this inspection, disconnect the plug on your Whirlpool washer.
- To examine the motor pulley, find it and remove it. To accomplish this, you’ll have to remove the cabinet, and then remove the belts attached to it.
- It is recommended to inspect the motor pulley for dirt, grease and other substances. Also, check for indications of wear, burns, or damage.
- If the pulley is damaged or wear, you’ll have to replace it with a Whirlpool replacement.
Drain Pump
The drain pump is installed in a Whirlpool washing machine to drain water from the tub prior to and following the spin cycle. It could be motor driven belt driven, electric or motor driven. The drain pump could be shut down if there is an unpleasant smell emanating of the Whirlpool washer following or during the spin cycle. The smell of burning is typically due to the belt sliding across the pulley of the pump in belt-driven models. Models with an electric drain pump are more likely to smell like an electric motor. What is the procedure to inspect the drain pump of theWhirlpool washer?
- Disconnect the appliance’s power source and then remove the front or cabinet.
- Once you’ve located the pump, check the connections and hoses that come out of it to determine the source.
- Replace the connector or hose in case there is any issue.
- If the leak is coming from the pump, you’ll have to replace it with a Whirlpool replacement Pump. Idler Pulley wheel and Idler
Pulley Arm
Top load Whirlpool washers utilize an idler pulley that is used to tighten the drive belt or pump. The idler pulley may become stuck, or the idler arm ceases to pivot freely. This can result in excessive belt slippage and friction, which could cause the belt to overheat and causing a burning odor. How to check the wheel of the idler pulley and arm of the Whirlpool washing machine:
- Examine your idler pulley wheel, and arm.
- Check for indications of wear, cracking or burning and damages. To examine the pulley, you’ll have to take off the belt drive from the pulley.
- To remove the belt, turn your idler pulley toward the drum, which will reduce the tension, and then allow it to slide it off.
- To ensure smooth operation, you must inspect the wheel of the pulley. It shouldn’t wobble or sway.
- You’ll need to replace the idler pulley wheel or arm in case you encounter issues with the above tests.
Direct Drive Motor Complement
Top load Whirlpool washers utilize direct drive motor couplings, not belts to transfer power from the motor to the transmission. The drive coupling is constructed consisting of two plastic drive forks as well as an elastic coupling. It joins the motor to the transmission. The drive shaft is attached to one fork, and the other one is connected to the shaft that is used for transmission input. The rubber coupling between the drive forks absorbs the force and stops them from breaking when the motor shaft rotates. The coupling wears over time. In the end, the drive forks could slide off and emit an odor of burning. How to check the direct drive motor coupling of a Whirlpool washing machine’s direct drive motor coupling:
- Like other inspections, you must ensure that your Whirlpool is disconnected from the power source.
- To examine the condition of your Whirlpool washer, you’ll have to remove the coupling. It is necessary to remove the entire cabinet of the washer. Based on the model you may also have to remove the motor or drain pump.
- Examine the coupling of the motor to determine whether it shows signs of wear, cracking burns or damage.
- You’ll need a new Whirlpool direct drive motor coupling in the event of issues with the coupling of your motor.
Clutch Assembly
Certain top-loading Whirlpool washers come with an assembly of clutches that drive the basket of washing during the spin cycle. If your Whirlpool washer emits a strong burnt smell, it may be caused by the worn-out clutch. The machine could be able to make an ominous sound when it is in the spin process. A worn-out clutch may also be detected by shavings and brake dust under the Whirlpool washing machines. How to check the clutch inside the Whirlpool washer:
- After the appliance has been disconnected from its power source, you can access the cabinet of the Whirlpool washer to locate the clutch unit.
- Remove the clutch assembly of your Whirlpool appliance and inspect it carefully. It is located below the tub that is attached to the drive unit for the basket. It is possible to remove the drive motor and transmission off based on the model you have.
- Examine your clutch assembly for indications of damage, wear, burning fraying, or other problems. If you observe any of these signs then you’ll require a replacement Whirlpool clutch assembly.
Glide and Spring
Some Whirlpool washing machine models utilize spring-and-glide arrangements for their drive motors to provide belt tensioning. The drive motor is likely to include a pivot mount that is attached to the frame of the base and springs that provide tension. In order for the motor to slide over the Whirlpool washer base frames, an oil-lubricated or nylon glide is attached to the bottom. This allows the drive belt and pump belt to move slightly as the motor is turned on. It functions as an automatic clutch. The belts could become too hot and create an unpleasant burning smell when they aren’t able to slide freely. How do you check the glide and spring on aWhirlpool washing machine.
- Before starting, disconnect the Whirlpool washer.
- Remove or take off the front panel of the washer in order to find the spring(s) or glide(s). You will be able to locate the springs and the drive motor by taking off the front panel.
- Check that the motor is pivoting properly, that the springs are not stretched, and there isn’t any dirt or rust on the surface.
- If you can, check the glides for indications of burns or wear.
- Whirlpool replacement springs could be needed in the event of any issues or damaged parts in these tests.
Drive motor
The main motor that drives the majority of Whirlpool washers serves to regulate mechanical functions like spin, tumble, and agitation. It is also used to operate the drain pump. A problem with one of the motor’s parts could cause it to overheat and emit a noxious burning smell. If the issue is severe the motor could overheat to the point of failure. A failed drive motor could be identified by an ear-piercing or loud sound when it is started. Here’s how you can check the drive motor on the Whirlpool washer:
- Once you have confirmed that the washer is not plugged in remove the cabinet and put it back in the Whirlpool appliance.
- To test the motor of the drive remove it. There are multiple wires connected to the drive motor. Connect the connectors made of metal and not the wires.
- Test the connection to the ground and the motor’s continuity. In both tests, the multimeter must be set to Rx1. To check continuity, you should connect the probes to the motor terminals. The reading should be near or even zero.
- It is possible to test for a ground connection by placing one probe on the terminal and then putting the other probe on its metal housing. It should not give any readings.
- If the readings from your multimeter do not match the above, you’ll require a replacement Whirlpool drive motor.