I think my Maytag A806 heard me say "walk"

[daslightingguy]

And didn't want to feel left out!

I recently inherited a beat-up, old Maytag A806 washer Serial # 202930HF and the matching dryer and while the dryer works wonderfully, the washer shakes all over the place during the spin cycle.

One of my friends mentioned that the damping springs (or lack thereof) might be to blame, but I can't even figure out how to get the washer open to look at them.

Also, since I'm curious, could someone get me a general date from that serial number? I want to see if it beats my stove for the oldest appliance in my house award.

 

[qsd-dan]

Welcome to our site!

HF= March, 1969

As far as the washer "walking," make sure it's level. The 4 feet underneath are adjustable.

Usually when there are damper/damper pad issues, you'll hear it screeching during the beginning of the spin cycle as it ramps up to speed. If the machine is roaring during the spin cycle, that would be the radial bearing going out.

Keep us updated!

 

[daslightingguy]

Thanks for the date!

Just went down and shimmed it so the sides were perfectly plumb, (the feet are all rusted tight, and getting those loose is going to be a bear,) and it's still doing the same thing. It doesn't screech, per se, but it does sound like a squeaky bicycle while it's coming up to speed. No roar, either, just a ridiculous amount of vibration that follows the drum like it has an off balance load in it.

 

[lebron]

I have to say I appreciate all these people with old Maytags coming to our site and working out their issues, rather than just throwing them out!

 

[daslightingguy]

Found out how to get the front panel off, and took a look at it. The damping springs are there, although they look original and have a fair amount of rust on them, and the tub doesn't return to center when rocked.

 

[dnastrau]

Damper pads

Sounds like the damper pads that the tub pivots on are dry. Do a search on damper pads and "poly lube" and you will get tons of posts on the subject.

 

[brettsomers]

Also, use some kind of rust treatment on the feet to loosen them up. The machine should be nearly impossible to "shimmy" into level-ness unless your machines feet or the floor itself is not quite right.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Dampers...

Looks like it's time for me to do a how to thread on damper pad inspection and lubing. It's not really hard. You should be able to easily move the tub around by grabbing the agitator and moving it side to side. If it's stiff or very difficult to to move, you at least need to lube the pads. If you look at where the damper (it's the aluminum 'upside down salad bowl' that the three arms attatch to) meets the zinc coat steel base and see what looks like black dust, then it gets more fun. That black dust is actually ground aluminum which would mean the pads were gone and the damper is grinding on the base. This isn't terminal but will require a bit more work and a new damper. They're still available but aren't cheap which is why I always tell any Maytag Dependable Care washer owner from the Highlander to current to do pad checks regularly.

Shame on me. I do tend to get long winded... The damper's purpose is to allow the tub to move around during wash/spin and not transfer that movement or vibration to the base and cause shake or worse walking.

RCD

 

[volvoguy87]

Dampers!

PLEASE do a thread on dampers! I need to know how to inspect, lube, and replace the pads!

Thanks,
Dave