2006 Maytag Quiet Series 100 Top Loading Washing Machine - Need Info

[girlnextdoor]

Hi all. Relative newbie here, who's been lurking on and off for some time just out of curiosity.

We recently acquired an early 90s GE dryer and this 2006 Maytag washing machine while helping a friend with her remodel. Originally we were going to sell them. After discovering from this site that the dryer is a well-built machine, we are considering keeping them. I don't have room for these *and* my current w/d pair, and wasn't planning on buying a new washer any time soon. So if I keep the great dryer, I'd be selling my current w/d, and I'd need this Maytag to be a good performer for awhile until I have the budget allocation for a different washer (preferably something that at least sort-of matches the dryer.)

I've been trying to research on this site but it's slow-going for me and I need to make a decision soon. So I'm hoping you can help me decide quickly if this washer will be more headache than it is worth.

I'm aware that Maytag is not the brand it was in my childhood. But I'm not versed in washing machine design and while I've gleaned the broad outlines of some of the history, I'm still not sure what I'm dealing with. According to another post this model would be a Herrin platform and Atlantis design - but I don't know what that really *means* in terms of design, performance, reliability, or serviceability. I would really appreciate if anyone could give me a snapshot of the known pros and cons or pitfalls of this machine. Such as known problems, how expensive they are to fix, parts availability, how difficult it is to service, etc. My husband is pretty handy and I'm a research geek so we can usually get away with me finding info online and ordering parts and him fixing things - but he is not an appliance repairman, and apparently some Maytags aren't worth messing with. I'd like to know what we're getting into.

Also, assuming it's not an out-and-out lemon, or a bear to fix when necessary, how is the performance of this machine? We do laundry for two plus his work clothes, and I do our linens quite regularly.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide!

 

[speedqueen]

Herrin platform, AKA a "NorgeTag"

Not the best washer ever built, it isn't all that bad either. At least it isn't a Goodman platform or "AmanaTag" machine, those are terrible!

 

The benefits of these models are large capacity, and good wash performance. The downside is that they do not have the most stellar track record for reliability, however, they weren't the worst either. I'm not so sure about parts availability either, most should still be available but I'm sure that many are not anymore.

 

The real question is, what is the washer that you were intending on bringing with you? That is the deciding factor here.

 

[rp2813]

If it has any association with the Norge brand, I'd steer clear of it.  

 

You can always check out used appliance dealers in your area.  Some near me have long row upon row of washers, and you may find something that matches your dryer, or comes close.  Usually dealers will offer a warranty period that's long enough for the machine to display any problems.

 

[girlnextdoor]

Hello again, RP2813. Thanks again for your input. I knew it would not be good news like with the dryer but I was hoping to get some use out of this machine. I live in a snowbird/retirement area and I believe the original owners, like our friend who gave it to us, were snowbirds who only used it lightly. So I was hoping it would be useful for a bit.

Speedqueen, I must have said something misleading, as you ask what washing machine I intend to "bring with me" but I am not moving anywhere. I currently have a 2006 Frigidaire Affinity set of w/d that came with the house I bought 1.5 years ago. I have replaced the door lock on it (that is a known and consistent problem) and need to install new shock absorbers on it (which luckily are a cheap part and husband can do the swap himself.) I was planning to bleach the door boot seal and clean out the drain hose at the same time. These are not big deals to us. We have had no problem with the dryer, but if the heating element goes out, it is not expensive to replace and again, he can do it.

So basically I wasn't planning on replacing my current w/d units any time soon. I am not happy with the cost and low reliability of brand new units (and can't afford high end) so would eventually would be looking for used when something expensive enough went wrong with these. My husband was doing work for an acquaintance that included remodeling the laundry room, and she just gave us a 1992 GE dryer and this 2006 Maytag washer that came with her condo. Now that I know the dryer is such a good unit, I'm considering selling our Affinity units instead, and keeping these. But I know the washer isn't a great washer and I'd want to replace it down the road. I just wanted to get an idea of what to expect to go wrong and if those repairs would be expensive or difficult. I don't want to be put in a position of where I sell the Affinitys, keep these, and then the washer tanks out on me and I'm stuck schlepping to the laundromat until I find a replacement washer.

What can I do to test the washer and see if it is working properly as it is? What should I look or listen for?

Any additional input is much appreciated!

 

[lorainfurniture]

Plug it in and set it to spin. As long as it spins well and no weird noises it will likely work fine.

Common issues are pump (cheap and diy), thrust bearing kit (pia but still diy), and the transmission.

I’ve seen some bearing failure as well as timers, but not common. I’ve worked on many hundreds of these machines over the past 18 years. I still sell them to this day used and rarely have issues with them.