Indexing Maytag

[48bencix]

I did a second load in my newly aquired LA 712 and the tub was indexing. The first load that I did when I first got it was pretty small, and the machine was on a level floor. There was no indexing at the time. With this larger load, the floor was not as level, tilted forward. I hope that is the cause. Otherwise I understand the brake could be worn and would need replacement. This machine was new in 1985 so the brake could need replacement.

Any opinions?

Thanks, Martin

 

[qsd-dan]

Yep, time for a new brake package.

 

[combo52]

INDEXING MAYTAGS

The leveling of the machine wouldn't affect the likelihood of the tub indexing. MTs of this age will index with a heavy load and in fact it helps protect the clothes from even more damage from the badly designed agitator this machine has. The brake is not worn out but MT did upgrade the brake assembly to try to meet UL standards and replacing it may reduce the tendency for it to index. The best washing MT that I have ever had is my 1975 HA806 we put an orbital transmission in it and the load sensor agitator with the 50 cycle motor pulley its the only MT that I have ever used on a regular basis. At some point I am going to drill out all the holes in the bottom and sides of the tub and install the side tub mounted self cleaning lint filter that was used on the KM BD machines and modify the motor carriage with a pull back motor then the machine will even do a neutral drain. Doing these things should solve the lint and off balance problems that always plagued these machines. Its easy to see why MT was trying to run away from this machine in favor of the Norge and Amana { S Q ] they knew it was not the best performing machine. It was however one of the best built and most durable washers ever, its just to bad that they didn't improve what they had worked on for almost 50 years. But this is what happens when a company is run by a bunch of anti union Republicans.

 

[cphifer5115]

combo52

when you make all those changes to you maytag and make it do a neutral drain, please make a video of it and post on youtube.

 

[scrubflex]

My 1985 A712 indexed with all loads...some more than the others when I brought it...It needed a new brake package...the indexing stopped completely.

 

[qsd-dan]

MTs of this age will index with a heavy load

Naw, it's just a weak brake spring. They are constantly under pressure 24/7 and get weak from time/use. I have a '68 A806 with the original brake package and it doesn't index, even with higher than factory set water levels.

do a neutral drain

Neutral drain?

Its easy to see why MT was trying to run away from this machine in favor of the Norge and Amana { S Q ] they knew it was not the best performing machine.

You gotta be kidding me?! It's common knowledge that the Norge/Amana machines were the biggest pieces of garbage ever designed!

...helps protect the clothes from even more damage from the badly designed agitator this machine has.

Jesus, not this crap again.......

But this is what happens when a company is run by a bunch of anti union Republicans.

This is the not the political forum. Take your political opinions to the dirty laundry forum.

 

[alr2903]

Dan, if 48bencix, did not replace the brake package, is a little index really a big deal? I really like my little A206, a set of king size sheets and pillow cases does really slow down the action. But for a small load it does not use much water. I usually use the modern Tag with the load sensor for sheets, jeans, and huge baskets of towels. alr2903

 

[48bencix]

I'm torn

This machine is destined for a cabin and won't get that much use. I kind of hesitate to spend the $50.00 for the tool and the $50.00 for the new brake for that usage. On the other hand everything else seems in good shape. Maybe I'll see how it runs during the few times I use it. Naturally I'll be watching with the lid open!

I can always do the repair later, but it will be inconvenient where it will be located, not much manuvering space.

Can the change out be done without that spanner wrench? Maybe with a large clamp or pipe wrench?

 

[combo52]

INDEXING MAYTAGS

You differently don't need the brake tool, all you need is a good strong large vicegripps and a hammer. You just grasp the edge of the old break assembly and give the vise-grip a whack and it should loosen, it will then unscrew by hand. I have truly never seen a bad brake assembly in a MT helical drive washer in over 40 years of working on MTs unless the lining come loose or wore completely away in which case you can hear the washer stop a block away. Then and only have I ever changed one, The steel springs do not become weak. MT did upgrade the breaking strength at some point so the new one may stop faster but even old WP BD washers indexed quite a bit before they went to thier fast brake system around 1970 and I never saw where this slight indexing hurt any thing. Its not like a WCI Franklin product where the tub actually builds up a little speed in one direction and starts to cause very poor turn over.

 

[mixfinder]

Has Not Been My Experience

It isn't possible to estimate how many thousand loads of laundry I have put through a Maytag. Seven of us at home and then 6 during the married years plus the laundry for catering, church dinners and the linens for the school where I taught cooking. I have never had the experiences described by Combo. I don't over load, full loads always have good turnover, spotless washes and uber dependable machines have been the norma from Maytag. Its fun to watch it get the wave action going with items like Wranglers, thrown rugs and horse blankets and water slams back and forth as the items go barreling over. All this from a quiet, unassuming daily driver that puts the EveryReady bunny to shame with it's ability to just keep going.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

No matter how good your Ford runs, there's always someone to tell you to go buy a Chevy.

Ken D.

 

[akronman]

indexing

Ummmm, what's "indexing?"

Thanks
Mark

 

[cfz2882]

indexing

that is when the washtub rotates a bit during agitation,
either back and forth in opposition to the agitator or
ratcheting in one direction by design as with westinghouse
and franklin washers-those two companies have claimed the
indexing gives a scrubbing action against the washtub...

 

[goatfarmer]

Norge and Amana?

The Norge designed Herrin built machines, Magic Chef, Performa, and the likes were decent enough, but the Amana washer was just plain trash. Yes, I've seen enough of them to make that statement!
If your Maytag is going to be used infrequently, I wouldn't worry about the tub indexing a bit during wash, it won't hurt a thing.

 

[lebron]

those two companies have claimed the

Which of course is BS, they were just too cheap for a brake.

 

[bobofhollywood]

adjustment required

I think it can be adjusted. Lean the machine back and take the oil cap off. Then turn the brake all the way tight and observe how much space there is between the flat leading edge of the funny shaped washer which is held by the phillips head screw. There should only be about a quarter inch in space there. If there is more take out the screw and reposition the washer. Replace the screw and oil cap and you should be good to go.

 

[jons1077]

Bad design?

Wow! I think simplicity is the key to the design of the older Maytags. I have two of them now, a TOL and BOL model. Honestly they are both two of the best washers I have and that's comparing with a Kenmore beltdrive, a Westinghouse, a GM 1-18, and a GE Filter Flo. Maytag would definitely be my choice for a daily driver if I wasn't able to rotate my machines around. My tubs don't index unless there is a really heavy load in them such as blue jeans. Even then the indexing is mild at most. Otherwise there is just a slight knocking sound as the tub is being stopped by the brake.

The agitator does an excellent job in both of these machines, particularly the lint filter. There is no better lint filter for catching the tons of pet hair that goes in there. There's always a good amount of turnover as well so no complaints whatsoever. The only possible downfall would be the lack of an extra rinse. That's really it and that's not even that big of a deal.

Whoever doesn't like an old Maytag please give yours to someone who can appreciate the true quality that went into those machines.



Jon

 

[48bencix]

Tried it again

Thanks for all of the help on this matter. I ran the machine again with a small load and about 1/2 full of water. This is for my convenience since it is not connected to water or drain right now. The first wash had no indexing and the tub seemed solidly held. The next two washes indexed about one or two inches and the tub seemed looser. I will look into adjusting the brake. But I also think that it probably will not matter with the low usage the machines will get.

It has been mentioned that machines can lay on their side with no damage. Is there a vent hole in the transmission that can leak oil? I need to move the machine on a two hour road trip and could possibly lay it down for the trip. If not advisable I will stand it up and tie it securely in place.

 

[combo52]

INDEXING MAYTAGS

There is no adjustment on the braking force of the brake assembly. There is no vent hole in a MT transmission to worry about leaking oil out of. Hope this helps.