Product review (3 stars): Whirlpool: Working Hard to Lose My Business
Pump is quiet, and works, but has been redesigned. With the changes come some difficulties and questions.

This is my 3rd replacement pump for a washer that does a fine job aside from other design defects. This washer has had major problems much earlier than this, but that's not directly part of this review.

My 2nd replacement pump, possibly a knock-off, was much quieter than the original pump that lasted about 8 years. The 2nd replacement pump lasted exactly 1 yr. 1 mo. This one, my 3rd, has a redesigned cap and a snap-down cover over the power plug and was sold as a genuine Whirlpool part.

The snap-down cap poses 2 problems. 1. It is very difficult to plug in the power once the pump is installed. NOTICE: PLUG IT IN BEFORE YOU MOUNT IT. It's just easier. The snap cover feels pretty solid, so if I'd have snapped it closed, I would expect to have to remove the pump entirely, or pry the cap off with something when I need to unplug it next. Small fingers will NOT fit! The reliability of these pumps gives me pause to consider when I might need to unplug it next. I actually left the cap open. Not really sure why there's a cap to begin with, if I'm getting that much water inside the machine, it isn't likely many components will survive, and the pump is rather low-cost compared to the very poorly protected main board...Yes, I've replaced one and re-engineered the exit hose to prevent it ever happening again. This is something that Whirlpool could have done themselves, but they don't design or make products to last, instead they exist simply to foster a relatively quick replacement.

The new capthe one users remove to access the large-item filter trapis easier to grab, less deep, and has the lamest-looking gasket! Screwing the cap tight on requires about a 3/4 turn and does not get close to as tight as I'd like. I predict that I'll get leaks within 6 months as the cap simply doesn't screw down enough to offer much in the way of a seal. The old cap had a very good o-ring seal that did not even require the cap to be fully seated to work. I've kept it and will immediately replace the new trap with the old if I get any leakage. It does look compatible, and I'm sure that would be considered a design-failure had they been alerted to this fact. The good about this new "improved" seal, is that there is limited pressure from the water in the tub and the only stress that would come from the system should be as a vacuum. Such a vacuum should work with the weak-looking seal, not against. Still, since any leaking water inside the washer will quickly finds its way outside the washer, I'd prefer a more-robust solution. Over-engineering in this case is not unwelcome!

All this just reinforces my opinion that far too many products today are *designed* to be entirely replaced in order to continue the bottom-line of the company, rather than quality of a product engendering loyalty for a same-brand re-purchase once the better product eventually does fail. Would I buy a Whirlpool again? Very likely not.