Whirlpool Washer not spinning plus oil leak

I have a Whirlpool washer model LSR8233JQ0 that started making a loud whine/screeching noise and wouldn't spin but did agitate, but very slowly. Pumps water out fine. After watching DIY videos, I opted to check the motor coupler. When I pulled the washer out from the wall, I noticed a circle of oil/grease on the floor about 3-4 inches in diameter. After tipping it back and looking underneath, I see there is oil on the surface of the gearcase closest to the floor, but NO spattering inside the cabinet or on the motor. Would the motor coupler going bad cause any oil to leak out normally, or is this indicative of something else to look at like a transmission issue?

 

Relook about 6 inches from floor you might see a streak of oil inside cabinet. Oil leak is usually top gearcase seal. you will need seal, clutch and drive coupler. Replace coupler even if not broken. Open lid and look at agitator to see it working. Usually sounds like working but not if drive coupler broken.

 

Thanks for the advice! To make sure I'm understanding correctly, I need to replace the clutch as well as the drive coupler - is that the same thing as the motor coupler? Also, you mentioned the gearcase seal... using this diagram for the gearcase, is it part #3 or part #21 or another part? 08-Gearcase parts for Whirlpool LSR8233JQ0 - AppliancePartsPros.com Finally, will I need to add more oil and/or put a sealer compound around the seal and if so, what should I use? I really appreciate the help you've given me!!

 

Yes both 3 and 21 if you are going to take gearcase apart replace both of them, With oil leak the oil goes up the shaft and gets into the clutch thus slow spin. Google whirlpool gearcase repair and you will see several videos on how to do this. Drive coupler is just good maintenance as it is a common replacement part. New ones have a medal sleeve in them have never seen one break.

 

After reviewing my options and remembering the loud whine the machine made before it stopped spinning, AND after replacing the motor coupling (which didn't fix the problem), I decided to do some more testing before replacing the clutch and seals...mostly to make sure of what I needed to eliminate paying for more shipping charges over several separate orders. I found this great resource on how to check your transmission (gearcase), so I did that How to test and replace a Whirlpool Transmission Although mine wasn't as loud as in his video, there was a definite rhythmic "ticking" on mine during the test (I just released the wire harness from the motor and ran then under the washing machine to test instead of lifting up the control panel and removing the back panel - saved a LOT of time!) I also checked my clutch with another video and saw that it was still good and oil-free. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=andudl8IzPQ Based on all of this, and knowing that I didn't have the time to open the gearcase and figure out which part was bad, I just ordered a new transmission. It arrived 2 days later, I installed it and it's working like new! Hubby's pretty proud of his weekend mechanic wifey! Thanks so much for this forum - reading through the different postings was sooo helpful in directing my thought process!!