My 6 year old Whirlpool washer fails to spin at high speed. It spins slowly most of the time. Sometimes it will not spin at all. I can stop the spinning completely by holding the basket.

There was a post with a similar situation for a different model Whirlpool last month that had a couple of recommendations. One was transmission, one was belts. I don't think I have a belt and I believe the gearbox is ok since the rest of it seems to be working. But ???????. It seems like a 'clutch slippage' problem to me. But again, ???????.

It's model number LSB6200KQ0. Here's Whirlpool's part list:
http://shared.whirlpoolc...20List%20-%208179635.pdf

Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

You might have a bad clutch and dragging brake shoes. Remove outer panel, the pump and motor. Turn the tranny coupler clockwise till the spin basket starts to turn. If hard to turn with thumb and forefinger=dragging brake shoes. Post results.

Hi RICHAPPY,

I've removed the pump and motor. While I would call it pretty hard to turn, I can turn the tranny coupler with just a thumb and forefinger (no tools required). Is that as you would expect if the brake shoe is ok? Or should it really be 'easy'. It is 'easy' going counterclockwise, but firm-to-hard going clockwise once it engages.

Thank you,
Rob

Hi Gene and Richappy,

Thank you so much for the help.

The special tool was required to remove the spanner nut and even then it required a few good hits with a mallot in order to break it free. But once free, the process proceeded well.

I was able to inspect all of the items you suggested above.

The clutch was the culprit. I replaced it with part number AP3094537 (the clutch assembly). While there was still material left on all parts of the clutch's mating surfaces, the wear was apparent when compared to the replacement part.

Thank you!
Rob