OEM vs Aftermarket Tub Counter Balance Spring for Whirlpool/Kenmore: Honest Comparison (W10250667)

Your Kenmore washer is doing the walk-across-the-laundry-room dance during spin cycle, and you've traced it to a broken tub suspension spring. You pull up the OEM Whirlpool part number W10250667 and see prices ranging from $25 to $45. Then you find the same spring aftermarket for $9.99. Is the cheaper one going to fail in three months, or is this one of those cases where you're just paying for a logo?

I've replaced hundreds of these springs across models like the Kenmore 11014112300 and Whirlpool equivalents. Let me break down what you're actually getting with each option.

Quick Answer

For this specific part, aftermarket is the smart play. Tub suspension springs are simple tension springs with no electronics or complex engineering—there's minimal difference in performance. The OEM spring offers slightly longer warranty coverage, but at 3-4x the price, you could replace the aftermarket version twice and still save money.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

Honestly? For this part, there aren't many compelling reasons to go OEM unless you're dealing with a specific situation:

• Active warranty coverage: If your washer is still under manufacturer warranty, using OEM parts keeps that warranty intact. Check your purchase date first.
• Commercial/rental properties: Some property management companies require OEM documentation for insurance or liability reasons—check your policy.
• You need it TODAY: If you have a local appliance parts dealer with OEM stock and you're desperate (though most dealers also carry aftermarket and it ships faster online).

That's about it. This isn't a control board or a complex sensor where OEM engineering matters. It's a spring.

When Aftermarket Wins

For the W10250667 suspension spring, aftermarket is the clear winner for most repair scenarios:

The math is simple: At $9.99 vs $35 average OEM pricing, you're saving $25. That's enough to also replace the tub wear pads while you're in there (which you should—they wear out around the same time).

Performance is identical: One customer who installed the aftermarket version noted: "Removed the washer cover, replaced all springs and tub wear pads. Wife said that I should do appliance repair on my spare time and make money." Translation: it worked perfectly, and the repair was straightforward enough that his family was impressed.

Same compatibility: This spring fits the same models—Kenmore 11014212200, 11014502300, 11010502991, and dozens more. The hook dimensions and tension ratings are manufactured to the same specifications.

Faster delivery: Most aftermarket suppliers (including us) ship same or next day. OEM parts often sit in regional distribution centers with 3-7 day lead times.

The installation process is identical regardless of which spring you use. As another DIYer put it: "took washer casing off to put suspension spring on underneath. Used pliers to pull the spring to hook into the proper hole." You'll need pliers, screwdrivers, and a socket set either way—budget 30-60 minutes for the job.

Our Verdict

Go aftermarket on the W10250667 spring without hesitation. This is a simple mechanical part with no meaningful performance difference between OEM and aftermarket versions. Save the $25 and put it toward replacing multiple springs at once (recommended) or the tub wear pads that likely need attention too. The only exception: you're still under manufacturer warranty and want to maintain coverage.

The common failure mode for this part is straightforward wear and tear causing the tub to become unbalanced during spin cycle—leading to that characteristic shaking, excessive movement, and sometimes even leaking when seals get stressed. Neither OEM nor aftermarket prevents this; both fix it equally well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I replace all springs at once or just the broken one?

Replace all of them. If one spring failed from wear, the others are at the same fatigue point. Replacing just one creates an imbalance issue—the new spring has different tension than the worn ones, which defeats the purpose of the repair. At $9.99 each, replacing all 4-6 springs (depending on your model) is still cheaper than one OEM spring.

Will the aftermarket spring cause more vibration than OEM?

No. Vibration comes from imbalanced tension across all springs or worn tub components, not from the spring manufacturer. The aftermarket W10250667 uses the same tension specifications. If you're still getting vibration after replacement, check your tub wear pads and make sure the washer is level.

How do I know if my spring is actually broken or just detached?

Pull the cabinet off and look. A broken spring will have a visible fracture—usually at one of the hooks or in the coil itself. If the spring is intact but just unhooked, you might be able to reattach it (though if it came loose, the hook attachment point may be damaged). Springs typically break rather than detach on their own, especially on Kenmore 110-series models.