Maytag LA612 question

[mpatoray]

Hello,

My neighbor told me she is having an issue with her Maytag washer. When it is spinning the wash tub is highly unbalanced like an uneven load, this even happens when the machine is run with nothing in the tub, it also takes about 30 seconds to get up to speed when empty.

The machine has been in the same spot since 03-89 and has never had anything except a timer replaced.

She does not want to buy a new washer as she does not have the money.

Any ideas?

Matt

 

[pulsator]

I would take the front panel off and check to make sure all three tub supports are still securely bolted in place, I would also change the belts!!! My best friend has one of the last Newton Drive Maytags from the mid to late 80's I believe and has replaced the belts 3 or 4 times!

 

[qsd-dan]

I wonder if a piece of clothing made its way into the outer tub?

 

[pturo]

Also, the motor is on a "sled" with springs, and needs to be able to move forward with some resistance, to act as the clutch on the spin. Good idea to see if the motor will move forward twords center a few inches. Lube may be needed or springs on the motor sled. The belts do seem to go all at once and both need to be replaced when replacing to provide proper tension for pump and spin/agitaion to work in sync. This brillant design eliminates the need for a clutch, or wig wag device common on Whirlpool/Kenmores which can be troublesome.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I agree about it most likely needing belts. The age seems about right. As far as the tub seeming to be out of balance, I'd definately check the damper pads where the wash mech meets the base. You should be able to move the whole tub and trans assy around pretty easily. If it's very stiff, the pads may have to be lubed with PolyLube. If you don't then the damper (the aluminum 'bowl' that the three tub support arms bolt to) will eventually 'rip' the three felt pads off the base and then go to metal on metal and make a very painful grind noise when the tub assy moves back and forth. You'll also see lots of 'black dust' around the damper that is ground up aluminum. At that point, while it's not terminal, it gets fun to replace the pads and the ground up damper. If you catch it soon enough, you can just lube them and save yourself a ton of grief. By the way, all you happy 'Tag owners out there, YOU should be checking yours right about now no matter what the age of the machine. Don't say I didn't warn you...

RCD