GE GTW460: transmission leaking oil

[CP/M]

Model Number:
Brand: Brand
Age: Less than 1 year

Model Number: GTW460ASJ4WW
Brand: GE
Age: 6-10 years

Hi all!

This washer started having an issue when it was about 2.5 years old. I noticed that it occasionally wouldn't spin. At first it would just be after the wash or first rinse cycle.

Rather than shaking the load to try to redistribute it or spin slowly, it would stop and start refilling immediately after starting the spin. You can imagine that was disconcerting when it was the final spin! It even got to the point that 'drain & spin' would do the same.

When I got a service tech out, the only error code was for the lid lock, unrelated to the problem. When he got under the washer, he commented there was more grease on the belt and pulleys than he'd like to have seen and gave them a wipe down and lubed the suspension. He mentioned that if the transmission's failing, they don't replace them... period.

The service seemed to work for about 3 months and the issue started again. It clicked that the control board's programming detects out of balance by comparing the motor rpm and the electrical load, and if the belt slips, it freaks out.

So... when it starts happening again, I unplug the heap, pull it out from the wall, tilt it back, crawl under and removing the cover for the motor and transmission, pull the belt and use the trusty old blue shop towels to rub as much of the crud as I can from the belt and pulleys.

First time I did it, it worked and was good for ~ 9 months. Woohoo! You can imagine I was pretty proud of myself.

Next time, it was good for about a year, and the following time about 10 months.

Unfortunately the last time was in July... and it's started again already.

So... either the belt is stretching, I didn't do as great a job as I thought the last time... or the seal is leaking faster.

My question at the moment is: what can I do to clean the belt and pulleys better? I don't want to use a solvent as I don't want to damage the belt. My brother, who's well versed in things vintage automotive and modern electrical suggests belt dressing, but I'm hesitant to add something sticky to the equation.

Any thoughts?

Many thanks in advance, folks!

[Doc Ryan]

The model number that you provided is not complete. Can you please the full model number from the tag on the washer?

Also, can you post a picture of the grease that you are seeing on the bottom of the washer?

[CP/M]

Hi Ryan.

I've edited the model # in the initial post.

I'll be going through the cleaning process tomorrow or Thursday, so I don't have a pic yet, but the issue affects later models as well.

This video is of a GTW465ASN1WW with the same leaky transmission problem. I've cued it up at the point where he shows the two pulleys. Mine is pretty much the same, but when you pull the belt, you can see the transmission pulley is shiny from the leak. On his, you can see the shine on the motor pulley, but I suspect he edited the video to show it after he cleaned (and sanded!) the transmission pulley.

https://youtu.be/No5MN97-9Ac?t=30

[Doc Ryan]

The only thing that I have seen cause this is a failure of the transmission. If you fix it, let me know how it goes for you.

Transmission Assembly - WH03X33729 (PD00071979)

[CP/M]

The only thing that I have seen cause this is a failure of the transmission. If you fix it, let me know how it goes for you.

Transmission Assembly - WH03X33729 (PD00071979)

Hi Ryan.

I replied to your first reply yesterday, but got a notice that that reply required approval. As the forum admin, can you look into that?

Thanks!

[Doc Ryan]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that post needed approval. It is approved now. My last response was to that post.

[CP/M]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that post needed approval. It is approved now. My last response was to that post.

Much appreciated. Thanks for the input!

Edit: I wonder if the post required approval due to the video link, or my new membership and lack of other posts?

[CP/M]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that post needed approval. It is approved now. My last response was to that post.

Hey Ryan... I'm replying to that post again.

I realize it's treating the symptoms rather than curing the problem, but did you have any thoughts on doing a better job cleaning the belt and pulleys? I'm in Canada, so sourcing a replacement transmission will be significantly more $$$, so my plan is to keep it going until I can find a new washer that serves my needs (top-load with agitator rather than impeller, with manual water level control, and with options for extra rinse, etc...)

I also get the sense that a replacement transmission might not last very long either, as the design of the transmission is probably flawed... the leak seems to be an issue with other, and newer, GE models.

Thanks (once again) in advance!

[Doc Ryan]

I don't really have any suggestions for you on cleaning the belt and pulleys, as they are going to continue to get more grease on them. It's like bailing water out of a boat with a hole in it. You’ll keep it afloat for a while, but as long as that hole is there, the water will keep coming in, and you’ll need to keep bailing until it’s fixed for good.