Loud Maytag Washer

[rp2813]

I've been house-sitting for some friends who have what I think is the first year Maytag extra-large capacity washer after the center-dial design. The control panel is brown and the timer control is on the far right. I'm guessing this machine is about 20 years old. I was looking forward to using it and was really disappointed when agitation started and the cabinet vibration was so loud I couldn't even enjoy the sound of the long stroke action at work. It wasn't any better during spin. I kind of think there's a component that needs replacing and that the machine isn't ready to give up the ghost just yet. Any ideas on what would cause this noise? The machine peforms fine otherwise and still looks like new. I'd hate to see them junk it because some repair guy tells them it's not worth fixing so he can snag it for himself or something.

 

[johnb300m]

our 23 year old LA511 is very loud now. I may think that the motor is starting to die.
Well, one thing's for damn, sure, we're going to replace the motor.
Anyone know of a good source for new Maytag motors?

 

[rp2813]

John, that was my first guess too. It seems way tired and there's also a weirdness when you open the lid and close it again during agitation. It's such an instantaneous re-starting of the motor that I don't recall was the case with my early 70's center dial machine. No "kicking in" sound when the lid is lowered. Maybe it's just me but something seems to be out of whack with the motor on this one. It pains me to "hear" a Maytag at all. They are so good about going about their business in a quiet and efficient manner and mine was silently plugging away until the day I gave it to a co-worker for her daughter. No comparison between my old trooper and this newer model from a noise perspective.

 

[johnb300m]

yeah, ours has just gotten slowly progressivly louder. In fact it just occured to me a few weeks ago when I went home to do laundry. I asked my parents "does the washer sound louder to you?"
They couldn't answer, but it is quite loud. Louder than I remember.
I guess we'll just wait till it dies. Then replace the motor. Everything else on it is PERFECT.