Kenmore Washing Machine: not spinning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not spinning properly? You may notice it fills and agitates correctly, but fails to enter the spin cycle, spins slowly, or leaves clothes excessively wet. This common issue could stem from an unbalanced load, a faulty lid switch, or a worn drive belt. Get your laundry back on track with our detailed troubleshooting guide.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washers often share common mechanical parts like lid switches, drive belts, motor couplings, and clutches; many guides note these as primary spin failure points.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded laundry load

How to Identify: Drum feels heavy on one side; washer hesitates or stops mid‑spin; bulkiest items (towels/comforters grouped together instead of evenly spread.

Part: Load distribution

Faulty lid switch or door lock mechanism

How to Identify: No click when closing lid; machine won’t spin though it may fill and agitate; applicable especially to top‑load models.

Part: Lid switch / door lock assembly

Drive belt worn, broken, or slipped off

How to Identify: Motor runs with little or no drum movement; belt visibly frayed or loose when inspected.

Part: Drive belt

Clogged drain pump or hose

How to Identify: Water remains in tub at spin time; gurgling sounds, slow drainage; machine won’t begin spin before draining.

Part: Drain pump / drain hose

Motor coupling failure

How to Identify: Humming motor but no drum movement; sudden failure after heavy load or overload.

Part: Motor coupling

Worn clutch or transmission parts

How to Identify: Drum struggles to start spinning or slips; unusual noises during attempt to spin.

Part: Clutch assembly / transmission

Faulty control board or motor control module

How to Identify: No spin cycle even after other causes ruled out; visible burning/damage on board or no power to motor during spin.

Part: Control board / motor controller

DIY Solutions

Redistribute or reduce laundry load

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Open washer and remove some laundry if drum is overfilled.
  2. Spread clothes evenly around the drum rather than all on one side.
  3. Restart wash on an appropriate or balanced spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force drain if water remains; balance load first.

Test and replace lid switch/door lock

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Unplug washer and open access panel.
  2. Locate lid switch under lid or front panel.
  3. Use multimeter to check continuity when lid closed.
  4. If no continuity, replace the lid switch with OEM part.
  5. Reassemble and test spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal parts.

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Socket set
  1. Unplug washer and remove access panel.
  2. Locate belt around motor and drum pulleys.
  3. Check for cracks, wear or belt off pulleys.
  4. Reinstall belt or replace with correct Kenmore belt part.
  5. Reassemble and test spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves to protect hands.

Clear drain pump and hose blockage

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Towels, Screwdriver
  1. Turn off and unplug washer.
  2. Access drain pump area and drain hose.
  3. Remove clogs/debris from hose/pump impeller.
  4. Reattach securely and test spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Collect residual water in bucket.

Professional Repairs

Replace motor coupling or clutch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200 for parts; $150 - $400 labor

Replace control board or motor control module

Estimated Cost: $100 - $400 for parts; $200 - $600 labor

Transmission or tub bearing replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600+ parts; $300 - $800+ labor

When to Call a Professional

Unusual noises during spin cycle (grinding, clunking)
Symptoms persist after DIY checks (belt, lid switch, load balance)
Water remains and drain/cleaning does not resolve
Electronic control board suspected faulty

Preventive Maintenance

  • Balance load before starting wash: Unbalanced spin cycle issues
    Frequency: Every load
  • Inspect and clean drain pump filter and hose: Clogs that stop spin cycles
    Frequency: Every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not spinning properly?
Common causes include an unbalanced load, faulty lid switch, or a worn drive belt.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not spinning properly myself?
Redistribute the load, check the lid switch, inspect the drive belt, or clear any drain blockages.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning properly?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to over $800, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning properly?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you're unsure about repairs, it's time to call a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Suspension rods issues (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check suspension rods and pulley/splutch for tightness; consider replacing suspension rods if necessary.

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Top Loading Washing machine sometimes does not spin ...
  2. Kenmore Elite Oasis Washing Machine with Mystery Issue

Community Discussions

spin cycle does not seem to be working well; clothes are still dripping wet

Check suspension rods and pulley/splutch for tightness; consider replacing suspension rods if necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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