Maytag Damper Pad Diagnosis?

[lowefficiency]

Quick question:
Does anyone have either a video example, or a good description, of how the tub on a 1970s 2-belt Maytag should feel or move when the damper pads are in *GOOD* shape, and properly lubricated?

There are dozens of write-ups and repair guides on the forum here, YouTube, etc., but while many describe symptoms of potential problems, they all seem to stop short of actually showing or describing how the machine responds (or should respond) when the procedure is complete and everything is in order.

I have a machine (my A408), which runs fine, and doesn't vibrate or walk across the floor on spin. It also doesn't have any aluminum dust on the base that would indicate the metal-on-metal grinding from a failed/missing pad. So it passes what I've found as the "bad damper pads" test. But grabbing the agitator, I can push the tub off-center, and it will stay where put. Is this normal/expected, or a sign that lubrication is needed?

 

[good-shepherd]

I can push the tub off-center, and it will stay where put.

Thats about normal for an older machine.

However, I just set up friend with late 1998 or so Dependable Care Maytag after her Speed Queen had problems. Even though in good shape and less than 20 years old I checked the pads and they were a little dry. After lubing, pushing the tub to one side and releasing would result in the tub springing back slightly towards center whereas before and with older machines the tub mostly stays put when released. Overall tub movement was better as well with very little effort needed.

Not really that difficult, I didn't even bother with silicone grease, just used some Sil-Glyde Brake lubricant I had on hand, worked fine.

Moral of the story: If you've got a DC Maytag pushing 20 years old or more (often wayy more) safe to say it needs, or will need this service at some point.

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]

Lubricating MT DC Damper Pads

You can just lay the washer on its side and squirt a little turban oil on the damper pads from below the base-plate, then tip the washer the other way and do the other side. I have done this hundreds of times and it works just as well as the much more difficult way described above in the link in replay #1.

 

John L.