Maytag A606 unable to spin

[oldwidget]

Relates to an earlier post where the washer sometimes required a hand push to start the spin. Gradually the requirement for the hand push became less frequent, until the washer was operating normally.

That continued for over one year. After that, some belt slipping was noticed in the form of squealing noises as the spin got up to speed.

Finally, a few days ago, the spin would no longer start at all, even with the hand push.

Inspection of the belt drive showed that the large main drive pulley (coaxial with the tub spin axis) dropped downward a few inches. It still rotates its shaft (which is about 3/8 inch in diameter) and turns freely with the motor, but there is no connection at all with the transmission and tub.

We tried placing a wood block under the pulley to hold it in its normal vertical position, but there was still no connection to the transmission and tub.

So it appears that something has broken at the top end of the shaft. This problem appears to us to be very difficult to repair, so, regretably, it looks like we will need to retire the Maytag after over 45 years of service.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this problem, and whether we might be wrong about whether an extensive repair would be required? The new washers available don't inspire much confidence

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Dave

 

[oldwidget]

Earlier thread is 61294

I note that the washer was only working normally since last March.

 

[combo52]

Non Spinning MT Washer

The top of the shaft that the drive pulley turns goes all the way into the transmission and the pinion gear is held onto the top end of the shaft with a screw that screws down into the shaft. The screw either came out or the head broke off the screw, in either case its either another transmission or an even bigger repair if you try to fix that transmission.

 

A new Speed Queen top load or front load washer is a far better machine than this old MT ever was, so there are great replacements available if you don't want to fix this washer.

 

[barcoboy]

Is the washer still agitating? If the problem was related to the pinion gear on top of the drive shaft inside the transmission, wouldn't that cause agitation not to work as well?

 

[oldwidget]

Thanks for the inputs

combo52--after looking into it more, we came to the same conclusion and decided to replace the MT with a new Speed Queen. A bit pricey, but it looks like a durable machine with basic functions and also some manual controls, like being able to select water level. And you have confirmed it's a good way to go. Interesting to note, the Speed Queen website predicts "only" 25 years of service under our estimated usage. Not that we need another 45!

barcoboy--we haven't tested agitate since the failure to spin occurred, so it's likely that it won't agitate either.

 

[msmaiden]

oldwiget

We also have an A606 (Turquoise color!)that finally gave out on me in October. It would agitate but not spin. thanks to the fine folks here we figured out that the transmission ran out of oil.
I hated to say goodbye after so many years and so many miles (it traveled all the way from CA when we moved)but as you know parts are impossible to find.

Well after much research as well as a couple of close calls buying used off of craigslist we decided to get a Speed Queen. I wanted a machine that is a near to my old Maytag as possible nowadays. And I can confirm that after three months it IS as close to my A606 if not a bit better. I chose the mechanical dial and I can add as much water to the tub as I choose.

I am very,very happy with this machine. It is made here, has a belt that can be replaced and the transmission is actually metal.
I am so glad I didnt buy one at Home Depot or Sears or get one off craigslist.

Did you get yours yet? I dont think you will have regrets. And when I compared the price to what I saw in the Sears ad it's about the same $$

As for my A606, I didnt want to see it go to the dump so it is still in the basement. In the Spring I will probably be looking to send it free to anyone in need of parts.

 

[msmaiden]

sorry, I spelled widget wrong,

no way to edit...