1970 Maytag A806 - excessive vibration

[atomict]

Some of you recall, I joined this group a couple years ago, and was able to get a Maytag A806 pair. I did some very minor work to them, and put the washer into service. We have a Maytag 600 series from the 80s that we like, and have the 806 dryer sitting on the side as standby when the time comes.

Well, since then we’ve had two kids, then my mother and father-in-law moves into the house with us. So for about four years, the 806 has been doing 2 to 4 loads of laundry every day, only with a break here or there. In the past month it started really getting some excessive vibration in the spin cycle. It also started making a sound whenbfirst starting the spin cycle, kind of like a rubbing sound. I thought it was unbalanced, and I checked it. While it was slightly out of balance, it made no difference on the next load.

But the surprising thing was, while I was balancing it, I noticed a small film of oil on the underside of the washer on the perimeter edge. So I assume it’s being flung off by force during the spin cycle. Oil on the belts, could be the cause of that sound? Inside the main housing all looks fine.

So what is it guys? Am I near the end, or is it just the main bearing, or do I need to rebuild the transmission. I don’t really have any clue how to diagnose it, but if I know what to do, I’m pretty mechanically inclined to fix it.

 

[norgeway]

My problem

With every Maytag I ever used, they sling oil, it gets under the feet and then it walks all over.

 

[good-shepherd]

oil on the underside of the washer

I think you mean oil on the underside of the base plate. If so, a common issue with older DC Maytags, trans oil leaks from the lower o-ring seal, usually doesn't cause any problems other than the mess.
The fix is almost total disassembly of the washer and trans to replace the seal or swapping in a donor trans.

As for the noise on spin, most likely the tub bearing needs replacement. Vibration could be lack of lubrication on the damper pads: Quick test: Grab the top of the agitator, the tub should move freely but with a little resistance.

Here is a link on tub bearing and stem mount replacement, damper pads could be inspected and serviced at the same time.
http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?25520

 

[good-shepherd]

oil, it gets under the feet and then it walks all over

Good point, always check the most obvious first.

However, that wouldn't account for noise on the spin cycle.

The A806 is great machine but they can't run forever without some maintenance. Damper pads get dry, agitator seals wearout, etc.

 

[atomict]

Well crapz......

I grabbed the agitator and it won’t turn. That’s bad right?

I know I’ve seen the threads here before on how to work through the repair. What’s the parts list? What’s the ballpark price range? My family loves this machine and it’s obvious cool factor.

I moved the machine out and cleaned around. There was no oil on the floor where the feet were.

 

[good-shepherd]

grabbed the agitator and it won’t turn.

No. The whole tub should move easily, not the agitator.

See link below, although for later models with the plastic tub cover.

Parts list and numbers are in the link for the tub bearing replacement.

 

[rp2813]

The agitator isn't supposed to turn when the machine isn't running.  I think what GS meant is to see if you can use the agitator to tip/tilt the tub from side to side or in a circular motion.  The tub itself won't turn, but the whole tub should exhibit some wiggle room.

 

I'm interested in what the remedy might be.  I have a 1987 A712 that makes a rumbling sound at top spin speed accompanied by a bit of vibration, but behaves normally otherwise.

 

[good-shepherd]

Tub bearing service video:

 

[good-shepherd]

What’s the ballpark price range?

Around $100 including the spanner wrench.

About that video. I don't like the way he pounds on the spanner nut with no protection for the tub, way too easy to slip with the hammer and put a big chip in the porcelain.

I place an old towel or rags down first.

 

[goatfarmer]

There is a bearing that sit's on top of the brake package. When it goes bad, it will roar in spin.

 

[combo52]

This machine sounds like it has loose or missing damper pads

Reply #5 above shows how to replace them, the problem is if the aluminum damper has gotten scored from wearing on the steel base-plate you need to also replace the aluminum damper to make a lasting repair.

 

This problem and transmission top shaft seizure are the two main reasons that we advise our customers to stop repairing a MT washers, of course both of these problems can still be repaired but few customers will put over $400 in a machine that is over 25 years old.

 

John L.