Maytag A806 Screech at the Beginning of Spin Cycle

[tygerlondon]

Hi all, my beloved A806 has a terrible screech at the beginning of the spin cycle.

Although I normally do my own repairs on this machine, I had a repair person out sometime ago who (without hearing the sound--because the machine was "too old" to mess with) suggested it might be the brake.

I originally called the repair person, as I was confused that the sound was at the beginning, rather than the end of the cycle. Could this still be the brake?

Grateful for any advice. A few notes: I replaced both the belts and pump 1.5 years ago and the damper pads one year ago. Besides some balance issues (knocking) with heavy loads on regular spin, there's no other issues. The machine is in an enclosed porch area where dust is abundant, though I try to keep everything wiped down.

Thanks again.

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[combo52]

Screeching Sound At start Of Spin Cycle

The common cause of this is the main belt which is supposed to slip as the machine accelerates and pumps out the water causes this noise.

 

The belt may be oily or worn, the pump belt is probably too tight which causes too much slipping of the main belt and very fast wear of the main belt.

 

It should not be difficult to get a repair person to look at this problem, Maytag built washers with this drive system till just ten years ago, just ask for someone who has 20 years experience and at least some gray hair.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

It's only the drive belt squealing a bit. They do this sometimes as they start to spin. It's not hurting anything to use it like it is, but if the noise is loud enough that it bothers you, cleaning the pulleys and perhaps changing the belts should stop the squeal.

 

[tygerlondon]

Thank You

Combo52 and Kenwashesmonday, thank you for your help. I'm glad to hear it's only the belt/something I can get to without taking those dang springs off. Thanks again. I appreciate all the insight those frequent here have.

 

[rp2813]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the use of genuine Maytag belts.  If the replacements you put on a while back weren't from Maytag, that could be why they're making noise now.

 

[combo52]

Proper Belts For A MT Washer

We have used generic belts designed and labeled with the MT Pt# for many years with no problems, I refuse to give WP nearly $30 bucks for a set of belts when you only need a main drive belt 98% of the time that we buy  for around $5.

 

Yes it is important to use a belt with the proper friction properties for the washer to operate properly, you can't get a belt at the auto-parts store.

 

[tolivac]

"Clutch" belts-try a farm equipment place.Say Agri or Tractor Supply.They may have a right size Clutch type belt.These belts are used in some types of BD mowers,too.