maytag washer making a strange sound

[plott hound]

our top load maytag washer just started making a strange sound this morning during the wash cycle.almost a grinding sound and in the spin cycle it vibrates like crazy as if its out of balance.i had this machine apart 4 years ago and changed the coupler and some other goodies because it would not agitate.are these sounds the beginning of the same malfunction?

 

                                                        thanks  maytag model number= MTW5605TQ0 

[plott hound]

so I pulled the agitator out to ensure that the nylon dogs were intact and they are.on closer inspection while the machine is running,the agitator just seems to be spinning and not agitating.the noise also sounds like maybe bad gears,almost a whirring sound.is this the sound of a bad transmission gear?

 

                                                                                          cheers

[Hiroshi]

The main drive gear in the transmission is involved in the spin cycle, not agitation... there is an oval gear with teeth on the inside of it called the agitator "rack," I have seen them break, but it is pretty stout and rarely is it the problem. The rack acts upon the agitator shaft, so I would speculate you have a problem with the shifting actuator or the agitator shaft itself- you can get a brand new transmission on Partsimple for as low as 90 bucks remanufactured. Brand new they run about $175 (on average). Part number: 3360629

 These transmissions are definitely field repairable, but it is no easy DIY project...

[plott hound]

thanks hiroshi,it looks like the rebuild kit is no longer available so i just ordered a whole new transmission.

                                                              cheers

[plott hound]

and yes in fact the transmission was the problem.put a new clutch in it as well since I had it all apart.

 

                                                           thanks

[Hiroshi]

Awesome, these are truly great machines... good work and thanks for the update!