Maytag MTW5600 tub holes rusting, what to do?

[warrenkeller]

Hi all. Any info on this is welcome my top load maytags tub is starting to rust around the holes. Read online that this would eventually happen. What causes this? I cleaned the tub up with Ajax but I'm sure the rust will return. My question is if I do buy a new tub, how long should it last before this happens again. Or is the rust around the holes something I can live with? I haven't noticed a transfer of the rust onto my clothes yet. The new tub is 73 bucks from searspartsdirect. Just wondering how much life I can get out of this tub before it needs replacing. It's a black tub with white speckles.

 

[launderess]

Ajax Won't Do A Thing

Indeed the chlorine bleach combined with the abrasive nature of the scrubbing powder can wear down the porcelain finish more than it was alread.

The rust IIRC is caused by areas where the porcelain has been worn or otherwise damaged away exposing the metal underneath. This can happen if the surface is nicked by metal buttons or some such on laundry or such objects not removed before wash goes into the tubs.

Poreclain is also weakened by acids even weak ones such as white vinegar. Quite allot of persons add that stuff to their rinse loads as a "fabric softener", which can over time lead to tub damage.

If the damage is only one or two small areas you might look into preparing the rust spots, then covering with expoxy porcelain "touch up" paint. You are going to have to seek out a type that is made to withstand immersion in water as opposed to merely touching up dings on appliance surfaces.

http://www.remindernews.com/article/2012/02/16/repairing-chips-dings-and-scratches-on-appliances

 

[warrenkeller]

Yea I've never used vinegar in this washer. I use to use it all the time in my FL kenmore elite until the spider broke in two. I didn't know the Ajax could make it worse. Thanks for that! I just wiped it all down once. It seems that maybe 25% of the holes are starting to rust. The washer is almost 4 years old. I'm guessing its time for a new tub soon.

 

[launderess]

My *Vintage* Whirlpool Washer

Has a porcelian tub and the owner's manual references about using acids including vinegar, long story short one shouldn't do it often and contact times should be short. That is one shouldn't soak items in "acid" water for long periods either.

Basically porcelain inner tubs on dishwashers and washing machines were designed to withstand alkaline conditions, which is natural as that is what where most detergents rank on the pH scale. Acids however are another ball game.

If you read the warnings on acid rust remover products such as "Wink" they caution against allowing the product coming into contact with porcelian finishes. Acid products meant to be used in dishwashers/washing machines such as rust/iron removers and tub *cleaners* are buffered and also carry instructions that several rinses must follow use.

Most modern front loaders have stainless steel inner tubs and the outer are the same or fiberglass. Neither of these are affected by weak acids such as vinegar, but it is still a good idea not to go overboard and follow use with a clear water rinse.

 

[whirlcool]

Another way to do this would be is to replace your tub with a new one, which is available. They are not that hard to replace, you could do it yourself. The inner tub and outer tub is still available for under $200. each.

http://www.repairclinic.com/Drum-Tub-Parts?s=t-MTW5600-==c26

 

[warrenkeller]

Do I need to replace the outer tub at the same time? It's in really clean condition. No leaks ever. I do need to get a new tub. The rust spots came back today. How long can a new tub like this last? Also do I have to hit he spanner wrench with a hammer!? Just nervous I'd miss and hit the tub

 

[warrenkeller]

I see in that link you put there's the tub I have the dark one and then a white one for more cash. Is the coating different or better on the white tub than the dark one? Will the white tub last longer?

 

[whirlcool]

No the white one is the outer tub, which is made of plastic. If the one you have is in good condition you can keep it and still use it and just replace the inner tub.

How long will a new tub last? As long as a brand new one in a new washing machine would. If taken care of (no vinegar, acids, Ajax, Comet, etc.) it could easily last 20 years.

This would solve your rusting problems permanently.

Someone here who is more into Maytag's than I am could tell you how to change the tub.

 

[warrenkeller]

I meant the white inner tub. The more expensive versions mtw5900 came with a white inner tub. Mine the less expensive came with a black with white speckles inner tub. I think the white tub of the mtw5900 would fit mine, it's the Same cf. I'm just wondering if I spend the extra money to get the better tub, the white one, would it last longer than the black with white speckles one?

 

[whirlcool]

I don't know the differences really. This question is best answered by a more knowledgeable Maytag guy. I'm more of a Whirlpool DD person.

Dadoes probably would know.

 

[launderess]

One of the best ways to protect porcelain tubs

Is to watch the laundering of anything with sharp edges such as belt buckles. Metal buttons, fasteners and so forth also can cause problems.

Where possible items with such things should be turned inside out as to keep them from harming the tub.

 

[whirlcool]

And make sure items with metal zippers are zipped shut too. From my Whirlpool users manual.

 

[mrb627]

DD...

I thought this was a Whirlpool DD machine...

Malcolm

 

[warrenkeller]

It is a whirlpool DD model.

 

[whirlcool]

Before replacing the tub, how does the machine look? Does everything on it operate properly? If you are having other problems with this machine, I'd address those issues first.

I'd say that if the white tub is the same size as the black speckled ones AND the mounting holes line up with the white tub than you could probably use it. Are the weights of the tubs similar?

 

[Iowegian]

I think your Maytag is really a Whirlpool with Maytag badges.

Which means it's only 5 or 6 years old.

If 25% of the holes are rusting, either Whirlpool has bad QC, or someone has misused the machine to make that happen. It would be worth determining which is the case before replacing the inner tub.

But if the rest of the machine is in good shape, it would be worth putting a new inner tub in. There are YouTube videos from Repair Clinic that explain how to disassemble a Whirlpool direct-drive washer, how to remove the agitator, and so on. It's not rocket surgery, but it requires some patience, common sense, time and typical hand tools.

I wouldn't call a repair service to do it, though. It would be more expensive than the machine is worth.

If I were going to do this, I'd replace the seals and gaskets just so I wouldn't have to repeat the teardown/reassembly process. So, you might be looking at $100 in parts instead of $75.

 

[warrenkeller]

Hi Maytag said they'd replace the tub and tranny today. Service date is for Monday. I'm really excited.

 

[whirlcool]

Looks like your problem has been solved.
Did they put in a white tub or a black & gray speckled tub?

 

[warrenkeller]

Hi all Just got back from the hospital. Thought I had a heart attack yesterday and had to have the ambulance come and had to stay at the hospital all night to be monitored. Thank god it wasn't a heart attack but they did see I have PAC and PVC in the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Basically I am having premature heart beats. Anyway I practically begged sears to install a white tub. But they said they have to order what the washer came with. Still glad I have a new tub coming. Will make sure to zip all zippers and sort. Just taking it easy today. What's up guys? What you washing?