Maytag A106 leaking oil

[maytaga106owner]

I am a owner of a Maytag A106 that was purchased by my grandmother in 1978. The washer still works well most of the time and hasn't needed any repairs since I got it 12 years ago. When I recently moved my washer, I discovered that there is a lot of black oil or grease underneath. I've been told that it is probably oil from the transmission and the transmission will eventually need to be replaced. An appliance repairman in my area said it wouldn't be work fixing it due to the high cost of parts and labor. I am not a handy person and have no intention of attempting to fix it myself.

Since many of the people on this form are familiar with these old Maytag machines, I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer for me. Is this a pretty typical problem given the age of this old machine? Can the machine continue to run for a while before it causes any problems with washer performance? Could the oil eventually leak onto the tub if I continue using it? I do not want to get rid of a washer that has provided me with so many years of good service but I don't want to risk ruining my clothes if the oil were to leak into the washer tub. After reading reviews of washers that are currently on the market, I realize what a gem I have had all of these years. When I tell people that I have a 1978 washer that still runs perfectly, they cannot believe it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[brianl]

Well from what I do know about these machines, there is a seal on the lower part of the transmission that eventually leaks. Mine drips a little especially if it has not been used in a long time. There are replacement transmissions that could be put in, or if your mechanical enough, you could repair that one yourself.

They can run for a while and lose a good amount of oil, but eventually, it will cause issues if enough is lost and the machine is run. You shouldn't have an issue with fluid coming into the tub, since that is a different seal that would have to fail.

The members here familiar with the machine could walk you through a step by step repair and help you get going again. Best of luck to you.

 

[goatfarmer]

Major undertaking to fix that leak, pretty much involves complete disassembly of transmission. It will run Ok, but can't say for how long.

 

[combo52]

A106 LEAKING OIL

Just keep using it, you should clean any oil off the main drive pulleys and replace the main drive belt every so often, but it is seldom worth repairing. I have seen MT washers run 20 years while leaking oil. If it finally all leaks out the transmission may seize and stop agitating, but unless you want a really big project or have $500.00 burning a hole in your pocket I would cross that bridge when you get there.