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A GE Washer With a Slow Spin

Misty Faucheux

The General Electric Company sells consumer appliances through its GE Appliances division. This division offers front- and top-loading washing machines with features like large tubs and low water consumption cycles. While not common, your GE washer may spin at slower speeds. GE recommends that you troubleshoot this issue before contacting the company. You can often repair spin problems yourself.

Transmission

If your GE washer is spinning too slowly, your washer transmission may be failing. Disconnect the washing machine from the power source, and visually inspect the transmission. Look for leaking oil or broken gears. See if the transmission is extremely worn. If the transmission is defective, you can rebuild it yourself if you are familiar with this type of work. If not, get a new transmission from a GE parts dealer. You may need the assistance of a GE repair person.

Clutch

A worn or wet clutch can also cause slow spin speeds. Open up the main housing, and examine the clutch. If it is worn, you must replace it since it’s difficult to repair this component. If it has oil on it, the transmission is leaking oil on it. You must replace both the transmission and the clutch in this instance.

Motor/Drive Belt

While not common, your GE washer motor can go bad or get stuck. Disconnect the washer from the power source, and try turning the motor for a few minutes. If it turns freely after a few minutes, it was stuck. If it doesn’t turn or is burned out, you must replace it since it’s hard to fix the motor. If you own an older GE washing machine, you may have a drive belt. This belt moves power from the motor to both the pump and transmission. If the belt is worn or breaks, your washer won’t spin properly. Replace the drive belt.

Additional Problems

Certain wash cycles have slower spin speeds. Select a cycle with a higher spin speed. Do not overload your dryer. If the basket is too weighed down, your washer won’t spin very fast or at all. See if your washer is getting enough power. If a fuse is blown or a circuit breaker tripped, your washer may run, but not spin correctly. Examine the power cord, and check for exposed wires, which can cause power problem. Use electrical tape to repair the cord, or replace it. Push the power cord firmly into the wall outlet.