black gunk and shrill squeal - Maytag A108

[Maytag-Dave]

We've been using our Maytag A108 for a long time, and recently it will put sticky, greasy black gunk into the wash, which then gets on the clothes. When the brakes are applied after a spin cycle, there is a short, sharp, shrill squeal. I'm guessing these might be related, and wondering if anyone has suggestions for me. Thanks!

- David

 

[kenmore71]

To be certain:
Either the stem seal or the boot has failed and leaked water into the spin bearing, the radial bearing and perhaps into the brake itself. You are looking at a minimum of $100 in parts perhaps more. If the current washers on the market weren't so crappy I would say you should go shopping. However, that said, your machine MAY be worth fixing. Mark

 

[kenmore71]

Which is my way of saying that, if you can do repairs yourself, it is an involved project. The initial parts of the Stem Seal and Spin Bearing retail for just shy of $100. If you have the tools and the know-how this project takes 1-2 hours. After that further tests need to be run to determine if either the brake or the radial bearing have been damaged by leaking water. The radial bearing is a relatively cheap and easy fix. The brake is a bit more expensive and involved....

 

[alr2903]

What a month.

Dave, My A108 is seized up.  I was hoping, I would only need  new belts. No such luck.  I do have a second LAT machine.  I have unplugged the A108, will try to see if it works when it warms up.  alr 

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Other, less scary, ideas!

The brake may just need lubing! Unlike many other brands, Maytag Dependable Care models use a 'wet' brake. Usually, one just takes a tablespoon or so of Maytag transmission oil and puts it in the brake assy to quiet it down. Been there, done that and never got the free t-shirt...

As far as gunk in the clothes, I'd also check the lint filter/fabric softener dispenser in the agitator. I often see people who use fabric softener and/or never clean the dispenser/filter and after a while it builds up and starts leaving 'oily spots' among other sins as the nastiness inside the top of the agitator starts coming out in the wash. Shoot, I still find people who didn't even know that there WAS a lint filter to remove and clean...

Just some common things to check...

RCD

 

[kenmore71]

Those are all good ideas, RCD. I just replaced the whole mounting stem and spin bearing on a machine not long ago and my brain immediately went to that! IF that were the problem here there would most likely be noticeable leaking going on too.

 

[Maytag-Dave]

Thanks all!

Wow, thanks everyone!

I'm thinking that my Mom did show me the lint filter long ago, but I promptly forgot all about it and haven't cleaned it for years. It IS very dirty, but looks more brown or grey than black, so I'm not sure if that's where the sticky greasy black gunk is coming from.

As for such a big fix for the squeal, I could probably do it, but it would take me longer than that, I'm sure. I'll have to see what my father thinks. Thanks again!

- David

 

[goatfarmer]

It's not too hard to lube a Maytag brake assy. If you unplug the washer, and then tilt it back, the brake is the round metal piece located above the center pully. There is an opening that encircles the assembly on the top, you should be able to feel it with your fingers. Take an oil can, with a flexible spout, and squirt some heavy oil into the opening. Not much, a teaspoon or so will work.