Maytag belts: aftermarket appliance belts (not automotive) OK?

[dnastrau]

Good evening:

Since Maytag uses the transmission drive belt as a clutch, I know how critical it is to have the correct type to allow for the proper amount of start-up slippage. My question is: has anyone had any experience using aftermarket replacements for the OEM Maytag belts from an appliance part manufacturer like Supco, Gemline, Jason, etc? My hope is that they would be made the same way to allow slippage like the OEM Maytag belts, and would be the right diameter as well.

I am asking because I see these replacement belts for Maytags made by companies other than Maytag/Whirlpool(FSP) at many of the online part suppliers. This may be important in the future because no one knows how long Whirlpool(FSP) will keep making the OEM Maytag belts.

Andrew S.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The aftermarket belts are SUPPOSED to be built to allow the needed slippage. Gemline being the more common. What I hate are the ones that go to Grand Auto or PepBoys or something like that and buy purely automotive belts and then call me to come fix the mess after they try using them...

RCD

 

[surgilator_68]

The aftermarket belts work but they are not as good as OEM.

 

[dnastrau]

Get the real McCoy while you can...

...sounds like the best advice here then. I will be ordering a set for my A700.

Thanks,

Andrew S.

 

[mixfinder]

The Real Deal

I bought a set of belts with motor rollers and springs from ebay for an amazing price of $6.99 plus shipping for a toal of $10.03. I ordered them on Thursday and they arrived today.

 

[circlew]

OEM source

Doe's anyone know who makes the special belts for Maytag? I may be wrong, but I very seriously doubt they (Maytag or Whirpool FSP) make or ever made the belts themselves. They likely come from a company that specializes in belts and other rubber items. There were a couple factories nearby that made small parts (knobs, trim strips, etc.) for most of the major appliance and auto manufacturers. One of them was Randall Div. of Textron, and the other is Pennant Moldings. Perhaps if FSP decides to drop this item, the OEM will sell them under a different name.

 

[dnastrau]

Great deal!

You got a great deal! Darn it! I ordered a set of OE belts from another Ebay vendor a little while ago for $9.99 including shipping but no springs and rollers. If I had known that the $6.90 auction that you got was OE Maytag I would have gotten those. Oh well - $9.99 is still a lot cheaper than the dealer. My rollers and springs seem to be OK.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

All I see on the side of the new OEM belts is Made in Mexico. The Neptune belts are made by Hutchinson.

RCD

 

[autowasherfreak]

I think I paid over $35.00 for my set they were OEM (FSP) belts.

 

[combo52]

MT DRIVE BELTS

The OEM FSP belt is better for the main drive belt and you can buy it separately the pump belt almost never wears out and the generic belt for the pump will work just fine.

 

[dnastrau]

Mixfinder - I ended up ordering the same deal today

Luckily the original Ebay vendor canceled my winning bid today as he was out of stock on the belts. Now I ordered the same "kit" that you got. $10 and change for a set of belts, motor carriage springs and rollers shipped. You can't beat that! And, they still have more of them (see link).

Andrew S.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300404114539

 

[kenwashesmonday]

I would think that the Maytag transmission belt is a "clutch belt" like those found on small tractors. These are available from farm supply stores. Something to keep in mind in case Whirlpool discontinues the Maytag belts.

Ken D

 

[brianl]

Does this work for most vintage Maytag washers? I have an A142 that I would like to replace the rollers, springs, & belts on.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[dnastrau]

A142 belts

Hi Brian L.:

Yes, those belts should work and the springs and rollers should work as long as your machine has the motor mount that slides on rollers. Some earlier machines apparently had a pivoting motor mount, but my '61 A700 has the sliding type for example.

Andrew S.