Maytag A612 Damper Assembly Replacement

[jannison]

A little background: I’ve had this A612 since new (1984) and first 10 years may have gotten used once a month, since then perhaps 3 times a month……certainly not a lot of hours. It does not have the later Orbital Transmission.

About 6 months ago I noticed some excess noise during spin cycle, and sometimes a squeak when coming to a stop. I finally investigated and 2 of 3 Damper Pads have been kicked out from their normal position.
I’ve ordered all the parts and special tools for a full rebuild, but only intend to replace the Damper Pads and the Damper assembly, plus re-lube the brake (assuming the squeak is from there). There is no telltale water leak damage visible anywhere.

I have a repair manual and have read a lot of threads, my question is: has anyone tried to replace the Damper Assembly by using a hoist(block & tackle) with straps around the complete tub assembly and lift it enough to remove the old Damper, instead of removing the whole tub, transmission, etc. as one unit and laying it on its side?
I know the belts, pulley, brake and so forth still has to be done.

Thanks for your thoughts!!
[this post was last edited: 9/17/2015-19:09]

 

[gansky1]

Never used a hoist to lift the tub, though that would likely work fine, I usually remove the centering springs around the damper from the base and then place a 4" block under the pulley/brake assembly and allowing the mechanism to be raised up enough to get to the damper surface for repair.  Be sure to brace the corners of the cabinet while it's raised up so that it won't fall off the block while you're working on it. 

 

[kb0nes]

Here is a thread posted by Redcarpetdrew that details the process. I assume this is similar to your model

Lubing the damper pads on a Maytag Dependable Care washer. A How To.

Since I had to do one in the field, I'd thought I'd share the process to let people see how it's done and how easy it is, thereby saving you the heartache of a destroyed damper.. Here goes! In the field, there isn't always room to spread out but there is more than enough room here to get it done.

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[combo52]

Replacing Dampers On DC Maytag Washers

Be ware if your washer has had bad or missing dampers pads for a while and the aluminum damper base has had metal to metal contact you will need to remove and replace or possibly resurface the aluminum damper, otherwise the new pads will not last any time at all against the rough worn aluminum surface.

 

If there is gray-black dust around the damper inside the machine you need the aluminum damper in addition to the new pads.

 

Unless we catch this problem early when we see these in the field the washer is almost always replaced.

 

[jannison]

Thanks for all your inputs................

In my case I already planned to replace the Damper Assembly and Pads.

I am just trying to find a perhaps easier method without physically having to pickup everything up.

 

[scrubflex]

I think it's too late for my A712 because I see grayish black dust surrounding and even extending outward towards the edge of the baseframe.