Knock Knock, Who's There?

[mixfinder]

Mom has a Maytag LAT9124. It has been a quiet and very dependable partner. A couple weeks ago her care giver washed a large bulky comforter in her washer and every since it knocks while agitating. I noticed that if you hold the tub still with your fingers while it is agitating the noise goes away. I am of the thought it is a tub brake issue. The repairman came out and diagnosed a bad pulley and replaced the large pulley under the clutch. Noise the same. It works fine but the noise bothers mom who does not want anyone touching her laundry. It makes sneaking around to wash a little harder because the knocking gives it away. Am I right, is it a tub brake issue? What repair would be required to make the washer silent once again.
Thanks,
Kelly

 

[combo52]

KNOCKING MT WASHER

Don't waste your money it will never hurt anything and in many MTs its normal for a little knocking sound while agitating. We used to have to explain this to owners of these when they were brand new, I have never seen it cause a problem of any kind that affects the performance of the washer.

 

[mixfinder]

No Problem

I do agree that it will not affect performance. The bigger issue is getting laundry done becuase my mom who has Alzheimer's gets unhinged if anyone does laundry. After 16 years of near silent Maytag operation to a steady bang, bang, bang, causes mom to constantly wonder what the noise is, why am I washing, what am I washing, don't I know they have issues with the well, just leave it and I'll do it later, etc. The first 17 years of her marriage we had no running water and it took her years to get used to knowing it was just a faucet twist away. She has reverted back to being obsessed with water. Her latest is digging a cistern to store water in case the well goes dry. For those reasons I need to have this washer repaired or replace it with a like machine. The only thing worse is to change machines for anything other than an exact replica.

 

[cphifer5115]

maybe you could try to change out the agitator to one that has smaller fins that would be easier on the transmission.

 

[bobofhollywood]

time for a front loader

Sorry to hear about your Mom. Sounds like time to go invest in a new front loading washer. They use only about 1/3 the water of a top loader or less. The maytag should not knock. It didn't knock for 17 years and the fact that it does now indicates that something has been compromised recently. You are right. Front loaders also wash better too although they do take longer to complete a cycle.

 

[qsd-dan]

You can try "tightening" up the lug adjustment to 1/4" play. Worth a try anyway. To completely eliminate the knock, you may have replace the brake package though. Sometimes a worn transmission belt will cause that knock too.

 

[mixfinder]

All Bets are Off

Started the washer with a load yesterday morning. It agitated about 2 minutes and let out a loud grinding noise and stopped action. The motor runs, the pump drains, the washer will neither agitate or spin. The tub turns easily by hand. New transmission is on the way.

 

[bobofhollywood]

belt

Silly question but have you checked the drive belt ?

 

[qsd-dan]

New transmission is on the way.

I have a brand new orbital transmission you can have for free (still in the box). At this point, it would be nice for it to be out of my way.

 

[mixfinder]

Amazed

I can hardly believe the generous offer of a transmission and I am afraid words would fail to express how much it means to me. We had a transmission frieghted in from Seattle yesterday so I don't know how to gracefully get out of accepting it after the local appliance store stood on their head to get it here. Nicer and more generous people abound among my friends here at AWorg. I hope to have a chance to return the kindness. I am deeply touched.

 

[bobofhollywood]

take pictures

I have replaced a number of transmissions but not recently. It is a big job of course and certainly one worthy of a photo shoot. If you could take and post photos of the job I bet a lot of people here would be interested in seeing just how far apart a Maytag comes in order to replace the transmission. It comes WAY far apart ! Best of luck on restoring the nearly silent operation.

 

[mixfinder]

The Days Drag On

There was a stainless washer/spacer/key on the floor after the washer was removed for repair. The mechanic called to ask if I had taken the washer apart because he couldn't find a critical part. It was the spacer. I dropped it off and waited and waitied and waited. He was having trouble attaching the spacer and waiting for tech help. Today I am told the new transmission is defective and they have reordered. Maybe I should offer to tip the repairman and see if it helps speed up the process.

 

[qsd-dan]

washer/spacer/key

It concerns me that this tech can't figure out how to remove/install a Maytag transmission. It doesn't get any easier or simpler than working on a Maytag.

I'm assuming the key you're referring to is this little guy.

 

[mixfinder]

Thats the Key

The tech has never before worked on a Dependable Maytag. He is a Whirlpool trained tech. I see a new washer in the wings before he's done with his attempts.

 

[bobofhollywood]

what a drag

That's why taking pictures also helps. You can see where parts go back together after something like this happens. This is terribly upsetting without a doubt. Sorry to hear of your misfortune.

 

[mixfinder]

As the Pulley Turns

The second transmission went in. The first time the washer agitated but wouldn't spin. The second trasmission sins but won't agitate. Whirlpool tech has determined the spin bearing is bad which will require removing the brake package (I still think the issues is there). The part is coming from Santa Monica so it will be next week before there is update. Unbelievable! I feel sorry for the tech, a 26 year old, new to the industry and Whirlpool trained.

 

[qsd-dan]

The first time the washer agitated but wouldn't spin.

The transmission is totally out of the equation during the spin cycle. If your machine has the older top cover that's sealed by a triangular gasket and aluminum clamping band, he probably shoved the top cover all the way down, jamming it against the inner tub. Jammed top cover against inner tub = no spin. It's a common misconception overlooked by rookies.

I'd hate to imagine what this poor soul would do to a belt drive WP/KM if he can't handle a Maytag

 

[mixfinder]

My Buddy Dan

Thanks for the info. I printed your reply and I'll drop it off in the morning. Thanks again for your help. You're becoming a knight in shining armour.

 

[qsd-dan]

If he needs visual aids, here's the thread RCD posted on a tub bearing/stem seal replacement on my HA806. Post# 392933 shows the tub top, triangular seal, and clamp. I believe your mothers washer still utilized that older design.

Changing a Maytag tub bearing and seal: A how to...

Recently, Dan wanted me to show him the steps on changing a Maytag Dependable Care platform tub bearing and seal on his HA806 that I gave him. What we here at the shop call a 'stem and boot job'. There has been interest expressed on my possibly sharing that with all of you. In the interests of...

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