Just Bought Speed Queen Washer. Your Thoughts: Prev Maintenance and Tools?

Hi,

I have a 2012 Samsung front loading washer that's leaking from the left rear. This is consistent with the water drain pump and/or hoses going out. Sadly, the extended warranty just expired and I've been gentle with it.

Three days ago, I bought a Speed Queen. Delivery should be by the end of next week.

It's a top-loader with mechanical dials. Here's the model number:

AWN432SP113TW04

and a link to specs:

http://ift.tt/2kxuCLS

I'm willing to do preventive maintenance (eg clean lint screen and ducts), but I don't want the drama of an intermittent problem like I'm having with my Kenmore dryer..

I run about one load per week with some clothes very dirty due to working on my car and the house.

I live in an area prone to rust (eg hand tools rust quickly), but it's not cost-effective to run a dehumidifier. My current washer and dryer has some surface rust, probably due to dings/scratches (although my Samsung had a circular rust spot on top, so I must have set something obnoxious on there).

I'm the type of person who wants my appliances to last a long time, and I've been through a Maytag Neptune and a 4 year-old leaking Samsung front loader (not covered by the recall/class action lawsuit).

What are common problems with this model?

The leaking tub seal replacement repair is scary! Anything I can do to reduce the chance of having to do that repair?

The washer needs two special tools:

725P3 which is a kit including the hex nut wrench, spring hook, and two agitator hooks

294P4 or TJ294P4 (agitator drive bell puller) for Drive Bell 39508P

They're a bit pricey. Any inexpensive places to find them?

The drive bell looks like a generic 4" gear puller would work. Any thoughts on that?

How hard is it to get the agitator hex nut off?

Should I loosen it right after the warranty expires, then put anti-seize on the threads? Ditto with anti-seize on any other components?

Are there any other special tools I should have?

FYI, I posted a similar query in the dryer section for a Speed Queen gas dryer I'm planning on getting.What preventive maintenance do you recommend that I do under warranty that won't void the warranty?

Any suggestions about rust prevention?

After the 3 year warranty expires, what sort of additional preventive maintenance should I do?

Are there parts that I should have on hand and/or replace on a preventive basis, like some people do on their cars?

The motors are pricey. Have you rebuilt them or had a motor shop do that? If so, where do you find replacement bearings and carbon brushes?

Is the motor brush kit/assembly part number 927P3P used in this motor?

Ditto with transmissions. There is a pricey ($70) transmission rebuild kit, p/n RB150004, S/N9501 that contains two (silicone?) tubes 24 oz of transmission fluid, CW Trans F-94, 27243P for $22 and a rectangular block. I presume that synthetic car automatic transmission fluid and automotive gasket sealer would be more than adequate?

I suppose Youtube has videos on repairing Speed Queen dryers. Any ones in particular that I should study?

I bought it on my Visa, so I get an extra year extended warranty. They told me that if I have a problem during the extended warranty period, I can get any professional appliance repair person (eg independent shop), to provide a written diagnosis. Submit the diagnosis, warranty card, and receipt to them. Actually, I can submit the latter two on-line to make things easier. They'll reimburse me cash and I can either repair it myself, have a tech repair it, or buy a new unit.

I've never deal with a credit card extended warranty. Any suggestions for dealing with extended warranty service?

Thanks!

via Just Bought Speed Queen Washer. Your Thoughts: Prev Maintenance and Tools?
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