Help sought diagnosing problem with Maytag A606 - VERY loud thump

[jakemike]

I have a 1960s era Maytag A606 washing machine that makes this VERY loud thump when it begins the spin cycle. It begins VERY loud and infrequent, but then as the tub spins up, the thump slowly decreases in intensity and increases in frequency before fading away completely.
It clearly stems from something with the motor because it causes the lights (on that circuit) to dim dramatically, as shown in the video. I'm surprised it hasn't tripped the circuit breaker.

Any help on diagnosing this problem is appreciated!

 

[coldspot66]

Sounds like an open run winding in the motor. Replace the motor.

 

[qsd-dan]

Did you recently replace the drive belt with an aftermarket brand? I've seen that happen. Running the washer on an extension cord will do that during the spin cycle.

 

[goatfarmer]

Bad spot in the belt? Bad pulley?

 

[combo52]

A606 Loud Clunking Sound At Spin Start

How does it run in the wash agitation period ?

 

If it runs ok in agitation it is likely a bad timer contact not sending power to the run winding in spin.

 

John L.

 

[jakemike]

Thank you all for the quick replies - I really appreciate it.

I have never replaced the belt; nor have I tipped it up to check out the condition of the belt or pulley.

It is not on an extension cord and this problem developed somewhat gradually over many weeks - and has gotten to the point that it is incredibly loud and jarring.

It is strange because it starts out very very slowly, but LOUD. When the spin cycle begins, it is only one thump every few seconds, but then as the spin rate increases, the thumps come more frequently, but get gradually calmer. By the time it is fully up to speed, the thump is entirely gone.

It shows up in any spin cycle, but there is no apparent problem during any agitation cycle.

 

[qsd-dan]

Check the easy/cheap areas first.

 

Inspect the transmission belt, it's designed to initially slip during the spin cycle but overtime the fabric wrapped portion wears away and the belts grips instead of slips.

 

Check that the motor carriage glides smoothly, the rollers/glides are not worn or missing, and the tracks are clean, free of debris, and well lubricated. Clean the motor pully grooves and as well as the pump. Check that the pump pulley turns smoothly with little effort.

 

[jakemike]

Belts!

Thank you! At least so far - that is exactly what the problem is. I tipped the machine back and inspected the belt and found two very worn patches on it -- one in which the rubber was starting to break away, and another 2" stretch in which the rubber was gone and only a thin coating remained over the metal strands.

So I have ordered new belts.

I have not yet tested out the machine by running it without the belts to see how the motor responds.

My new concern is whether there was any damage done to the motor as a result of running with the worn belt.

 

[repairguy]

More than likely there is no damage to the motor. If you don’t use new old stock (NOS) Maytag replacement belts or the Whirlpool equivalent you will create a whole new problem.

 

[goatfarmer]

Glad you have it figured out!

 

[jakemike]

These are the belts I ordered; they should arrive tomorrow. Hopefully they are the right ones for an A606 without creating new problems?

Whirlpool 12112425 Pump and Drive Belt Kit (AP4011179) - AppliancePartsPros.com

The Pump and Drive Belt Kit is an OEM replacement part for Whirlpool washing machines. The Pump and drive belt kit is responsible for helping to drain water from the washer drum during the wash cycle. The pump and drive belt kit works by powering the washer's pump to remove water from the drum...

www.appliancepartspros.com

 

[qsd-dan]

It claims to be genuine Whirlpool parts so you should be fine.

 

[good-shepherd]

These are the belts I ordered;

Ouh-faa.. $43 bucks plus shipping for two v-belts.

Retailers and others are jumping on the bandwagon to jack prices wayy up using the lockdowns as an excuse, then bitch because they can't find employees to work for 1998 wages.

 

[DADoES]

 
PartsDr has it listed $16.18, says Whirlpool OEM.

 

[combo52]

Yay Glad You Figured It Out

This demonstrates the problems of diagnosing problems without the full story, I had asked how does it run in agitation mode, even though it would not have made as loud a noise the motor would still be jumping and making a bumping noise.

 

$44 is too much for a belt for this washer [ you only need the main drive belt, the pump belts generally outlast the washer ]

 

John L.

 

[rp2813]

I immediately suspected a belt issue but when I watched the video, in spite of the tell-tale rhythmic sound, it made me wonder if something like a deteriorated belt could trigger such a bad case of Tourette's in that motor.

 

I'm glad that's all it was.  Belts are a cinch to replace on these vintage Maytags, and I'm betting you'll be impressed by the improved performance.

 

[good-shepherd]

not yet tested the machine by running it without the belt

I'm not sure this mystery is solved until the new belts are installed and the noise is gone.

I've seen some pretty chewed up Maytag belts and they never made the motor jump like that.

If the belts were at fault, shouldn't it happen during agitator as well?

 

[eronie]

I'm thinking the large flat spots on the belt are grabbing on the motor pulley. Note the start switch in the vid.

 

[jakemike]

Success!

Success! Thank you all so much. I installed the new belt and it purrs like a kitten now; all the way through the spin cycles. Fortunately it appears no (obvious) damage was done as a result of running with the worn belt.

I've attached some photos of the damaged belt.

I'm a bit annoyed I overpaid for the belt, but I'm relived the problem is solved relatively easily. I was really fearing it was a bearing problem (and did not want to take on that all-day repair job) or that it was the motor, which would have obviously been even more expensive.

Thank you all again - I really appreciate the help.