Maytag LA512 Is my brake engaging when door is opened?

[maytagbeliever]

I just completely refurbished my machine and ran the spin cycle to make sure the seals seal properly. It seams like the brake is not engaging when I open the door. The motor stops, but it seems like the tub just keeps spinning too long (no clothes or water in tub - just empty). Shouldn't the tub slow down pretty quick when the door is opened during the spin cycle?

 

[eurekastar]

I had that problem with my A407 until I figured out that I hadn't put any grease on the helical shaft which allows the transmission pulley move freely up and down the shaft.  When I greased it, the brake worked as it should.  You might try removing the pulley and put some grease on the shaft if you haven't already done so.  The transmission pulley is what engages and disengages the brake, depending on on which direction it's moving.  That's why it spins up and down the shaft.

 

[maytagbeliever]

Yes, I greased it with waterproof Valvoline gear grease and I know it must be going up and down because when drive belt goes one direction the agitator turns and the other direction, the whole transmission and tub turns for the spin cycle. I thought the brake was a safety feature to stop the spin cycle faster if lid was opened during the high speed spin cycle? Tomorrow I plan to hook the machine up to water and let it go through a whole wash cycle with water and see how it does.

 

[qsd-dan]

The stop lug adjustment is probably set too tight. 1/4" - 3/8" freeplay between the drive lug and pulley lug. Do not go tighter than 1/4"

Make sure the stop lug is positioned properly. The drive lug should be to the left of the pulley lug.

 

[maytagbeliever]

I found out the problem! I took the brake off and noticed the top brake bearing was not seating all the way up the transmission shaft. The Rustolium paint I added had to be removed and then the bearing seated properly up the trans shaft. Then I reinstalled the brake and reset the cog 3/8" spacing at the first resistance. And for the first time I could see/feel that when I continued turning the trans pulley, then you could feel the brake being disengaged. No one went this far to explain this would be happening when operation properly. And when your repairing a broken washing machine for the first time, one doesn't have the reference of how a good machine operates. After testing now the brake really slows the pinning tub down fast and the brake actually barks at the end is grips so well. Problem Solved Thanks God!

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>... and the brake actually barks at the end is grips so well.</blockquote> Ideally it shouldn't make a noise.  Maytag's brake is a "wet brake" lubricated with a bit of transmission oil.  Maybe yours needs a teaspoon of oil added?

 

[maytagbeliever]

Brake Engaged when rinse cycle started to spin out the water

I was shocked that my washing machine started to go into the rinse cycle when I could hear the break was engaging. So I immediately cut off the machine. then when I restarted it was ok and spun all the water out, filled up rinsed and did it's final spin without incident. Do you know what could cause this? Maybe the 3/8 inch gap was a little too small? I this is dangerous in that it could break another pinion gear?

 

[maytagbeliever]

Brake Engaged when rinse cycle started to spin out the water

I searched and think I found the solution here:

 

[qsd-dan]

If the brake is engaging while spinning out, you have a completely different issue than a lug stop adjustment. This usually points to a timer problem unless the motor is cycling the protection circuit.

The stop lug adjustment is essentially out of the equation and not of importance during spin portion of the cycle. It's only important for braking down after the spin has completed and keeping the tub stationary during agitation.