Noticed there is oil (grease) leaking from the bottom of my washer. It's a GE model WWA8800R (14 years old) Never have had any problems with it. How can I find out what it is and how to fix it?

Susan, May 2007

Hi Susan, me again,

There could ba another place where oil might leak. Your washer might have an oil filled damper (like a shock absorber on a car only smaller) which has started to leak.

Bearings are exchangeable and worth while if you do it yourself but expensive to geta repairman to do it. Shock absorbers are easier to replace and should be worth doing.

Bye, John

John in sunny (but not today) Rye, May 2007

Hi Susan,

The likely place for grease in a washing machine - apart from my workshop overalls after a month or two - is in the drum bearings. These are usually sealed units. After 14 years the seals may have failed allowing the pre-packed grease to leak out. This all means that the bearings will start to run dry when the grease is all over your floor and they will eventually give up. Your ears will tell you this is beginning to occur !

Best start saving up Susan.

John in sunny Rye, May 2007