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The Kenmore Elite HE3 is a washing machine by Kenmore.

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LONG washing time and real loud spin and wash cycles.

For some reason my Kenmore Elite HE3t washing machine takes forever. It shows an estimated time of 45 minutes for a normal cycle but it takes almost 90. Even Express Wash takes over an hour. The first "44 minutes" take about 70 minutes and the last :01 of the "Estimated Time Remaining" takes about 20 minutes. It sounds like a rocket ship trying to take off for much of that last minute - SUPER loud knocking sound. The unit is level on flat, level ground. I've looked through the owners manual and haven't found any helpful insights. There are no error codes displayed that I've seen.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Answer this question I have this problem too

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Cause 1

Tub Bearing

The tub bearing is mounted in the middle of the outer tub. The tub bearing helps to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. Replacing the tub bearing is a very involved repair and will require disassembling most of the washer. If the tub bearing is defective, we recommend replacing both the outer tub and bearing as an assembly if the manufacturer offers the components together.

Cause 2

Tub Seal and Bearing Kit

The tub bearing is mounted in the middle of the outer tub. The tub bearing helps to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. If the washer is noisy during the spin cycle or is leaking from the bottom of the tub near the transmission, the tub seal and bearing are likely defective. Replacing the tub bearing is a very involved repair and will require disassembling most of the washer. If the tub bearing is defective, we recommend replacing the outer tub and bearing at the same time.

Cause 3

Rear Drum with Bearing

The rear drum has a bearing or bearings in it to keep the inner tub spinning smoothly. If the tub bearing system is defective the washer can become very noisy. On some machines bearings are sold separately from the rear drum, however we recommend replacing both the outer drum and bearing as an assembly if the manufacturer offers the components together because removing and pressing in the new bearing can be exceptionally difficult. Be aware that replacing the outer tub and bearing is also not easy and can be very costly.

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Can someone explain how to diagnose the tub bearing? I am trying to understand how it is related to the long cycle times described in the original question.

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Jon will be eternally grateful.
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