Help! 1978 Maytag A208 knocking during agitation.

[thatwasherguy]

Well, I thought I was done rebuilding this machine, but apparently I’m not. There is a knocking sound during agitation that wasn’t there when I dismantled the machine. It only does it on the counterclockwise stroke, about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through it. At the same time, the tub indexes just a little bit. Could this all be caused by the new brake I installed when I restored the washer, or is it something else, such as the transmission pulley being too loose. I only ran the machine one cycle with it knocking, as I didn’t want to damage anything. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Thatwasherguy.

 

[qsd-dan]

Any chance you can make a Youtube video of the entire cycle from start to finish?

The knocking sound can be from an incorrectly adjusted stop lug, same goes for the tub indexing. I'll be able to tell from a video when the machine goes into the spin cycle if it's adjusted too loose or tight.

You mentioned a new brake package. Is this new brake package an aftermarket one or a genuine Maytag/Whirlpool brake package? I've seen aftermarket ones pop up on Ebay and never tried them so I can't comment on their quality. Did you lube the transmission splines before installing, and if so, what kind of grease did you use?

 

[thatwasherguy]

Thanks! It’s a genuine brake package. I totally forgot about the splines. As luck would have it, I filmed the cycle. Here’s a link to the rinse and spin portion of the cycle.
Thanks,
Thatwasherguy.

 

[qsd-dan]

The stop lug is adjusted too tight. Loosen it to at least 1/4" (1/4-3/8) play using very light one finger pressure. This should fix the indexing tub.

That knocking sound is quite pronounced. When you installed the stem, did you tighten the set screw down firmly enough? Flat side of the stop lug is installed pointing down (towards the pulley)? If so, the dry brake splines may be causing the knocking issue. Remove the brake package and liberally apply a nice coat of the thickest grease you can obtain to the transmission splines.

 

[maytag85]

My Maytag A606 makes somewhat of a knocking sound like that but hasn’t gotten any worse in the 3 years I’ve owned it. Some Maytags knock while agitating and some don’t.

 

[maytag85]

Why are the comments off on the video?

 

[thatwasherguy]

Thank you guys!

I got rid of the knocking, but am now experiencing a couple of new problems. The machine agitates as it accelerates in the spin cycle. Once it's up to speed, it's fine. It only seems to do it when the machine is empty. If there is water and clothes in the machine, it doesn't appear to do it. It also made a strange rattling sound from about 3/4 to 7/8 speed the first couple of cycles, but that seems to have gone away. It didn't seem to be off balance, either. As far as the youtube comments go, I didn't realize that they were off. I'm new to posting on youtube.
Thanks,
Thatwasherguy.

 

[qsd-dan]

How did you eliminate the knocking sound?

The few times I've seen agitation during the spin cycle was a timer issue, and it was always a Mallroy timer for some odd reason.

 

[brisnat81]

@dan, how does the timer cause agitation during spin? If the tub is spinning and agitating, the motor is obviously turning the right way to release the brake. If it was agitating rather than spinning that makes more sense