Maytag Dependable Care washer, movement during spin cycle

[billythekid]

So to replace the Maytag LAT8214AAE I bought new in May 1994, I'm restoring a Maytag Dependable Care washer, LAT4916AAE, build date 12/97. Today, I've discovered (finally, took maybe 30 loads) that the machine will, under a certain loading and random imbalance, move a couple inches in the spin cycle. I've inspected and lubed the vibration pads early on in the resto, the machine is properly leveled, and the leveling pads appear undamaged (no splits, etc). I've also noticed that the out-of-balanced kill switch works, so apparently somewhere between an imbalance that trips the switch and no machine movement, there exists a sweet spot. Knowing this and in the interest of stopping the movement, I've got a few questions: a) the leveling pads, are these an item that get hard with age and should be replaced? b) if the pads Sellers make a killing on them, lol. c) if not the rubber feet, what else to look for? Thanks in advance.

 

[repairguy]

Are the jam nuts on the feet run up tight against the machine?

 

[billythekid]

Yes, they are tight.

 

[combo52]

Walking DC MT Washer

If the feet are in as far as possible and the lock nuts tight you probably have a weak floor, MT washers never behaved well on weak floors, also the spin drain tends to cause more out-of-balance conditions.

 

John L.

 

[qsd-dan]

Dry damper pads. Time to re-lube:

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

 

[billythekid]

Thanks for the feedback, I've got the following updates:

1) The machine is located in my basement, on a solid, poured concrete floor with old skool, hard linoleum flooring squares. This floor goes unwaxed.

2) There is a gentle slope on this floor, by design, to direct water towards a floor drain in the event of a disaster (ex, pipe failure). Because of this, one foot on the washer needs to extend a bit further out than the others in order to level the machine. The remaining legs are MOL in as far as possible, with minor adjustments made to level the machine.

3) The damper/vibrations pads (and the fitting above them) were inspected, cleaned and re-lubed early on in the restoration. The pads were inspected, and no tearing, looseness, or damage was noted. Attached pic is typical for all pads. Comparing pics of new pads VS what is on my machine, they appear to be about the same thickness as new. Along with no damage they actually had what seemed to be adequate grease. After re-lubing and with the machine level, centering of the tub relative to the opening on top of the machine was verified.

So now the plot thickens as it seems the usual things have been looked at. Where do I go from here?