Hello. How old is your washer? Is there rust around the bleach dispenser near the left side hinge? What probably has happened is the hinge assembly underneath the top cover has rusted from the contact with chlorine and or fumes. These washers are notorious for rusting at the hinges, especially near the bleach dispenser. The parts involved are:
left hinge arm--w10389421
right hinge arm--w10389240
left hinge spring assembly--w10358931
right hinge spring assembly--w10358932
top cover--w10391067--if this needs to be replaced, call for service--it's a solid hour to 90 minute job for an experienced tech! You have to transfer ALL THE PARTS to the new cover and it's INVOLVED--trust me! If there is rust around the bleach dispenser and underneath the top cover, you might check your serial number with Whirlpool to see if you can get a new top cover for free covered by a service bulletin dealing with rusting. To raise the top cover, remove the top screws from the hinges on the rear of the washer holding down the top cover. Then, remove the screw and metal plate protecting the wire harness and pressure hose and set it aside. Next, from the front, slide the top cover forward 1/2 inch and lift up. Have a friend assist you in holding up the top cover. You can now access the hinges mounted underneath, check for rust, and also see how the suspension rods are mounted(they are very easy to remove since there is a slot in each rod holder located at each corner at the side of the tub near the bottom. You would pull up on the tub, release the top of the rods first, then reach down and unsnap the plastic clips(2) in the center of each holder. Use a headlamp or flashlight to see. The rod will drop down and can be removed through the slot. Reverse the procedure to install.
Also, in case your suspension rods get worn out(the tub has a hobby horse "bouncy" movement), the part number for the set of 4 is w10368625. The proper way to check the rods is to place your hands on the right and left side of the tub ring(the plastic cover over the basket) and shove smartly down and release--the tub should grip going down and pull coming up--no springy movement--just like shock absorbers on a car. It should come up and settle. If it has any bounce at all, the rods are worn--symptoms will be increased out of balance errors or the washer might start banging during spin. I hope this helps you. If you are hesitant about performing any of the repairs above, please call for service!
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