7 replies to this topic

[Brew Meister]

After spending the better part of the last two days reading everything I could find on Maytag washer spins problems, replacing the thrust washer/cam/pulley assembly and still not getting anywhere, I am looking for some expert advice. Here's the usual stats: Washer agitiates fine, but won't spin. Pump is working fine, belt is in good shape. Lid switch is working correctly. Following advice on Appliance Guru I ordered a thrust bearing/pulley/cam replacement kit and assembled it at least 10 times to make sure it was right, but no success. Using just the thin washer under the c-clip as there was no way to get the thick washer in there - even when forcing the shaft out as far as possible it was a tight fit for even the thin washer. Turning the pulley CW, the agitator moves properly. Turning the pulley CCW the agitator moves too but the not the drum! Watching the lower cam when turning the pulley CCW it barely moves off the left stop tab, then turns with the pulley - exerting no force on the thrust bearing. All the while, the drum is locked with the brake engaged. I can force the lower cam CW within the pulley to release the brake and allowing the transmission to turn, but moving it takes a pretty stiff push with a screw driver or pliers. When I release the lower cam it springs back to the left and the drum is locked again. Trying again to turn the pulley CCW, the lower cam just rotates with the pulley as there's no friction or resistance to push the pulley up on to the CAM - everything just spins together in the CCW direction including the agitator. I thought it might be a jammed brake but then I could get the brake to release when I forced the lower cam inside the pulley CW - so now not sure what the issue could be. From what i have read, seems like the agitator shouldn't be turning to CCW with the pulley so that there would be something for the cam to ride up against. Hope that is a good start... Look forward to any help on this!

[Scottthewolf]

Did you remove the tub cover and check for foreign objects in between the wash basket and outer tub?

Did you check the motor pivot plate and make sure it's lubricated so the belt has enough tension on it?

[Brew Meister]

No, I didn't check for any objects between the basket and and outer tub becuase once the lower cam is pushed manually to release the brake the drum spins freely. The motor is pivoting and operating normal. The issue is with the cam not engaging with the pulley therefore there's no pressure on the thust bearing. Thanks though for the hints.

[Budget Appliance Repair]

Slam-dunk, you got you a bad transmission. Anytime on this model if the agitator moves back and forth when turning in the direction for spin you have a bad transmission and the thrust bearing kit isn't going to be of any help in this case.

[Brew Meister]

Thanks Willie! I was thinking it was headed in that direction, but was holding on to a sliver of hope. I checked the pricing on a replacement transmission and it is running around $275. I am not sure it is worth going forward with it. I suspect that there will be a whole assortment of seals and bushings that need to be replaced with the transmission and that would probably drive the costs even higher. It is too bad, I was really looking forward to getting this thing fixed on my own, but at least I learned alot. Thanks!

[Scottthewolf]

Yes, these machines are definitely not worth replacing a transmission on.

[RegUS_PatOff]

there may be a few Whirlpool direct drive top-loaders (no longer made)
at a few sellers...
depending on your area and or delivery charge
let me know..
had been on sale as low as $249 w/ free shipping within the last year ..
now about $ 400 + delivery various sellers
http://appliantology...d-washer-dryer/

[Budget Appliance Repair]

Yes, these machines are definitely not worth replacing a transmission on.

I totally agree with Scott on this, these were never really a good machine to start with.

My opinion, the only time it's worth repairing one of these if the transmission is bad is if it is under full manufactures warranty.