After spending more than a month repairing a Maytag Bravos XL washer, one owner reassembled it, expecting the problem to be solved.
Instead, the machine still would not run. The homeowner eventually blamed the issue not on a failed washer part, but on the aftermarket rotor they had installed, which was too weak to do the job.
Here's what to know
In Reddit's r/ApplianceRepair subreddit, the original poster said the repair stretched to "over a month," followed by "over a week" more troubleshooting after the washer still wouldn't work.
They said the answer was an aftermarket rotor replacement that "was not strong enough to turn this machine's system," and then warned the community, "buy those OEM parts, aftermarket parts do not compare."
(Click here if the embedded video does not appear.)
By that point, the OP said, "this repair could have gotten costly if I kept replacing parts and they didn't need to be replaced," noting that it was hard to suspect "the part that you replaced" was actually causing the trouble.
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In a follow-up reply, OP put the total repair at about $275 to $300. They said that, even with the extra time and frustration, it still looked cheaper than replacing the washer or paying for a repair call.
Replies in the thread carried the same warning about part quality. One commenter wrote, "Yes, for the most part, always get OEM when it comes to parts. Think of the money you save by not paying someone to do it," and another said they had to replace rollers on an LG dryer twice after buying cheap parts online.
OP responded to this comment, adding, "100% you think you're saving money buying the cheapest parts but it adds up if you have to keep replacing them [with the] same parts."
More background
What prolonged the repair was a replacement part that seemed compatible with the washer but could not perform like the original. A mismatch like that can keep a repair pointed in the wrong direction for days.
The OP said the long process still brought one benefit, explaining, "now I know how this machine works mechanically." They also urged people to "try learning about the issue first and what's needed for the fix," while adding, "if it doesn't fix it you can always call someone."
Where can I learn more?
For more on washer repairs and what can make them more expensive, these stories cover common problems and maintenance habits.
• Appliance experts say fixes for a shaking washer can prevent bigger repair bills.
• A simple DIY washer maintenance hack can help homeowners avoid costly breakdowns.
• Checking the filter with a little-known maintenance hack can keep washers running longer.
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