Maytag LA506 can't agitate, and makes an unpleasant smell

[unforgettableid]

Hi all! We have a Maytag LA506, series 04, serial number 873489 TC, manufactured in '87. This is the almond-colored variant of the oddball Maytag A506. You can see the brochure at: https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?6804#start_6804.4

It was working reasonably reliably for about 35 years.

Recently, I started a load of laundry and went upstairs. Suddenly, I heard an unusual noise coming from two floors down. By the time I got downstairs, the noise had stopped.

Ever since the noise happened, the machine has no longer been able to agitate. It can still fill; and it can still spin and drain. However, it can't agitate.

The lower belt seemed loose. We tried replacing it, but this didn't help.

Now, some or all of the time when the machine has tried to agitate, there's been an unpleasant smell. Perhaps a smoke smell.

I think the brake also is no longer working correctly when I interrupt the spin cycle. I think the machine takes significantly longer than usual to stop spinning.

A.) Any suggestions, please?

B.) Is it likely worthwhile for us to try to open up and fix the machine? Or would it be better to just buy a brand-new washing machine instead?

Thank you for reading this!

 

[qsd-dan]

Remove the transmission belt and spin the center transmission pulley counter-clockwise (clockwise will spin the inner tub). If it's difficult to turn or seized up, the agitator bearings are shot.

 

[combo52]

Transmission replacement time, we see this quite often in the field.

 

The two major things that we see killing MT DC washers are tight sizing transmissions and shot damper pads with all the dreaded black dust from ground aluminum damper domes.

 

On the newer MT DC washers like the LAT models bad [ NLA ] timers are the major reason we are junking these machines.

 

We see at least a dozen DC MTs junked every month including an occasional center dial machine still.

 

You can fix your washer if you want, it is usually easier if you can find a low use machine and use as a parts donor or even just get another machine, good used machines are still out there or at least ones that don't need such major repairs. 

 

John L.

 

[unforgettableid]

I appreciate your replies!

No matter whether we spin the transmission pulley clockwise or counter-clockwise, the drum or basket seems to turn in the direction we chose. It's a bit more difficult to spin the pulley counter-clockwise than clockwise.

 

[qsd-dan]

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No matter whether we spin the transmission pulley clockwise or counter-clockwise, the drum or basket seems to turn in the direction we chose.

 

Remove the rubber cover from the center pulley and verify that the stop lug components are all there and not broken (stop lug key, washer, and screw). If they're, it sounds like the clutch washers or pinion gear inside the transmission are broken or something is broken inside the brake package.

 

 

 

 

 

[neptunebob]

I will replace the belts on my sister's Maytag

It is LAT 3914 AAF model and 30 years old.  She says it squeals and doesn't always spin the water out but I hope this will be the repair.  She really wants to keep the washer.  Hopefully, it won't be anything more serious.

 

Is there any way to preserve the timer so it might last longer?  If the part is NLA is it possible to have a Whirlpool timer in there?

 

I found a transmission but for the ridiculous price of $615 so there probably is not a new transmission in the future.  That is from Repair clinic.

 

What are these "damper pads"?  If they are worn is it possible to replace them?  At what point is does the washer become scrap?

 

She used to have a Maytag repairman who fixed her washer when it was needed but he had to have surgery and probably will retire after wards.  He told her keep it, but I think the only repairman she has now will be me. 

 

[qsd-dan]

She says it squeals and doesn't always spin the water

High probability of the motor carriage incorrectly clutching from debris in the tracks and lack of lubrication. Verify that the pump pulley turns easily.



LAT 3914 AAF

No model number for that but there is an LAT3914AAE. Timer is Part# 22001025. Lots of them on Ebay.


What are these "damper pads"?  If they are worn is it possible to replace them

 



 

 

[unforgettableid]

We ended up deciding to replace the Maytag LA506 with a brand-new LG machine. But, again, I appreciate everyone's suggestions!

 

[unforgettableid]

Dear Neptunebob:

Another possibility, if your sister is open to it, would be to replace her old Maytag machine with another old Maytag "Dependable Care" machine which is currently working well. (This replacement machine could be older or newer. It might even have more features. But it could be quite reliable.)

Perhaps you could find such a machine by contacting her old Maytag repairman, or another local Maytag repairperson, or a local used-appliance shop. If they don't have such a machine in stock currently, perhaps they could keep an eye out for one and could notify you once it comes in.

I wonder why she likes her particular machine, and why she wants to keep it.

 

[keith]

Good luck with the LG

I do wish you the best with your LG, I’ve heard a lot of good things about them, however they are notorious (at least around me) for having a heck of a time to get them fixed. Same for Samsung. I found this out AFTER mine failed after 7 months of use….

Very long painful story short: I had an LG for 7 months before it failed and LG couldn’t find a tech to come out and fix it. A month of waiting and calls to LG resulted in me having Lowes buy the machines back (only because I bought the Lowes extended warranty and they refused to touch it because it was under LG’s 1 year joke of a warranty, while LG kept saying they couldn’t find a service tech and basically I was out of luck ).

This was in 2018 btw.

No washer for a month after 7 months and a company who didn’t do anything to help me get the warranty repair disgusted me so I went speed Queen (which cost LESS than the LG set, and had a better warranty- 5 year entire machine).

 

[neptunebob]

Unforgettable....

Actually, I think the belts might be enough this time.  We will find out tomorrow.

 

The reason she likes the Maytag, which I recommended back then, besides being a matching set is that it does a good job washing the clothes like any classic machine does.  I don't know if you know about how I complain about her husband, Gary.  Gary is really loud and smelly (and a narcissist) and does not have the best personal hygiene but he gets away with it because he is a doctor (primary care physician).  So she needs an effective machine to get his clothes clean.  

 

It's possible her Maytag repairman might replace the damper pads when he fully recovers from surgery.  I was wondering what parts to "Stock up" on that she might need later on.  

 

As for LG:

Despite my name I have had an LG washer for some.  So far have not needed service so I don't know what it is like to get a technician.  I have noticed that it can be rather noisy, knocking when trying to spin on a medium load of old lady clothes.  The default is a warm wash so you have to select hot on purpose (to get warm wash at all).  It frequently smells and I have to run the tub clean cycle often but that is because mom uses a lot of fabric softener.  I always have to clean debris out of the rubber gasket and I have to spray Shout in there but it's hard to move aside to do that.  It's good for loads like rugs and spreads but now I think I know why most housewives back then chose top loaders.  

 

[neptunebob]

I replaced the belts...

And it seems to agitate and spin faster as the old belts were stretched out.  It still makes the SHRIEK right at the end, when the tub stops spinning.  Could that be the "damper pads"?  She is going to find another Maytag repairman, as I saw the you tube video and a special tool is required, plus the insides need supported.  I also told her to be gentle with turning the timer in case it is later NLA.

 

[repairguy]

Sounds like a dry brake to me.

 

[combo52]

Dry Brake

Hi Bob, It's easy to just squirt around 1/2 ounce of oil in the brake from below, you don't need to take anything apart or need any tools, just use a zoom spout turbin oil.

 

John L.

 

[neptunebob]

I think I will get that turbine oil..

She even told me that it is now a shriek, less than a SHRIEK so I think the belts did help.  Should I order the damper pads too?  Are there any other parts that wear that I should try to get before they are obsoleted?  The middle of the agitator was full of black mold and caca but the machine appears to be in otherwise good condition.

 

[good-shepherd]

Should I order the damper pads too?

Check them first, if they are still intact they can be re-lubed with silicone grease. Lube the motor glides with the same grease and check the springs (should be two).

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?54335

While you're at it, rest the machine on it's back overnight to get some gear oil into the upper trans shaft bearing.