Kenmore Washing Machine: not spinning out completely

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not spinning out completely? This common issue can leave your clothes soaking wet after the wash cycle. Often caused by an unbalanced load, the machine may also stop mid-spin or fail to reach high spin speeds. Understanding the underlying causes and solutions can help restore your washer's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washers often share common parts with Sears models; long suspension rods and lid switches are frequent failure points noted in community repair guides.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load or overloaded tub

How to Identify: Partial spinning often occurs when clothes are bunched on one side, heavy items cause imbalance, or too many items exceed capacity.

Part: Clothing load distribution

Internal component failure (motor coupling/control board)

How to Identify: No response to reset; multiple functions fail; burning smell or error codes.

Part: Motor coupling, control board

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and balance the laundry

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Open lid and redistribute clothes evenly around the tub.
  2. Remove excess items or bulky items to balance weight.
  3. Close lid and restart spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not overload beyond rated capacity.

Check and clear drain pump/hoses

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Screwdriver, Towels
  1. Unplug washer and turn off water.
  2. Locate drain pump access panel and place towels/bucket to catch water.
  3. Remove debris from pump and hoses; ensure hose not kinked.
  4. Reassemble and test spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal parts.

Inspect and test lid switch/door lock

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter (optional), Screwdriver
  1. Unplug machine.
  2. Open cabinet to locate lid switch.
  3. Check for click when closing lid; test continuity with multimeter.
  4. Replace switch if faulty.
  5. Reassemble and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before disassembly.

Inspect drive belt

Moderate 20–45 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Flashlight
  1. Unplug and tilt machine.
  2. Remove back panel.
  3. Inspect belt for wear/breakage.
  4. Replace belt if damaged.
  5. Reassemble and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct belt routing.

Professional Repairs

Motor coupling or control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$350

Drain pump assembly replacement

Estimated Cost: $100–$200

When to Call a Professional

Unusual noises during spin (grinding, squealing)
Error codes persist after resets
Internal electrical or mechanical failures suspected
Water leakage or burning smell

Preventive Maintenance

  • Level the washer: Imbalance and incomplete spin issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Clean drain pump filter/hoses: Clogs leading to water retention and spin failures
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Avoid overloading: Imbalance and excessive strain on components
    Frequency: each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not spinning out completely?
Common causes include an unbalanced load or overloaded tub, while internal failures like motor coupling issues are rare.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not spinning out completely myself?
Redistribute laundry evenly, clear the drain pump, inspect the lid switch, or check the drive belt for wear.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning out completely?
Professional repairs typically range from $100 to $350 depending on the issue, like motor coupling or drain pump replacement.
When should I call a technician for not spinning out completely?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a complex internal failure, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Unbalanced load preventing proper spin cycle
  • Worn or damaged motor coupling
  • Faulty lid switch preventing spin cycle from engaging

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Redistribute the load evenly inside the drum and try running the spin cycle again. If the load is unbalanced, the washer may not spin properly.

  2. Inspect and replace the motor coupling if it appears worn or damaged. This involves removing the washer's cabinet and accessing the motor.

  3. Test the lid switch for continuity and replace it if faulty. This can be done with a multimeter and requires minor disassembly of the control panel.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore 70 series washer not fully spinning out

Community Discussions

not fully spinning out

Possible issues include a bad clutch or motor coupling; ensure the washer is fully drained before spinning.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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