Maytag brake assembly question, used on LAT series and others

[billythekid]

I've got a Maytag LAT8214AAE washer that I bought new in May 1994, and over the last few years the brake assembly has displayed a few very random (< 2 keywords) anomalies. The list includes squeal when spin begins, doesn't engage brake at end of a spin cycle (inside drum freewheels), and fails to release when the machine proceeds from an agitation to spin cycle, and thus smokes the belt. All random failures. This machine happens to have the brake assembly that's held together with 8 hex screws, and in the 1994-1997 Maytag washer service manual, there is a simple procedure to open these assemblies. So now the question: given the behaviors noted, if I open the brake assembly, is there any likelyhood that cleaning and replenishing the oil (automatic transmission fluid for lube, would use Mercon V) in this assembly will cure the noted issues? This assume of course, that there is no obvious damage or wear to any internals. Thoughts?

 

[qsd-dan]

Check the stop lug adjustment and make sure it's within spec.

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?28069

I had a rare situation on my A9900 where the pulley was sticking a bit and didn't feel right when engaging the brake during a restoration process. I replaced it with another new brake package and the problem still existed. Grabbed a spare transmission pulley, installed it, and problem went away. Very uncommon problem though.

The brake package can be opened up, just remember it's under 200 pounds of pressure. Here's a trick to opening it up without the use of special tools:

Replace every other brake drum retaining screw...one at a time... with 1 ½” long 8-32 machine screw and snug them against the drake drum. Remove the four remaining brake drum screws and then alternately the four long machine screws just inserted. The idea is to lower the brake down evenly to avoid bending it. As the screws are loosened, the brake spring will reach the limit of its extension. You will run out of spring pressure before you run out of screw thread.

 

[billythekid]

I was in there looking at things last week and did in fact, remove the pulley. The stop lug adjustment was correct at 3/8", but what I did notice was that the pulley movement on the acme thread seemed somewhat sticky and had a bit of a drag feel. Seemed odd but I wrote it off, as IMO the motor would have no problem overcoming the drag. Felt like a consequence of old, dry dino base grease, but since the rubber cap over the lug had some opaque white grease in it, unused, I assumed the pulley was installed on the acme thread with silicon grease. My personal and limited experience with silicon base grease is that it doesn't gum up. The bottom of this machine was very clean, no dust accumulation. Thoughts on the silicon grease vs maybe Maytag did in fact, use a dino base grease on the thread?

 

[combo52]

Maytag dependable care brake assembly’s

I’ve only seen a handful of brake assemblies ever fail in a Maytag, all of them had a bad linnings and they squealed when the thing came to a stop. They were early 60s machines only, never saw a bad brake on an 06 MT or newer machine.

 

The brake assembly does not use automatic transmission fluid it uses a heavy oil 70 80 90 weight etc. would be ideal.

 

I can’t imagine any reason to take a brake assembly apart you can’t get a parts for it anyway.

 

The problems you’re having with your washer don’t sound like brake problems.

 

John L.

 

[billythekid]

If not the brake assembly that's causing issues, what might I look into, and why? Thanks.

 

[qsd-dan]

It's sounding like it's the helical threads or the transmission pulley.

Remove the transmission pulley, and for fun check the pulley bearing for smooth operation. In rare instances, the bearing shell will crack.

Remove the brake package and carefully inspect the helical threads for burrs or anomalies. Also inspect the pulley threads. With the brake package out of the way, you can carefully run the pulley the entire length of the helical shaft without fighting the brake spring. Something should reveal itself at this point.

With the brake package out, remove the radial beating and check it for smooth operation.