Maytag LAT9416AAE tub seal leak. 1999 date code

[fordiesel69]

1. Aquired as a spare, tub seal leaks, if I replace now and then not use it, will new seal dry out and fail.

2. Is there any sources to get a new outer porcelin tub, this one has some rust starting. Cannot find any online.

3. How hard is this job, I do not have the spanner wrench, and 34 dollars seems high for a one time use. Any tips to avoid having to buy one.

4. Is this even worth it to fix, everything else is good, and so is the cosmetics.

 

[DADoES]

 
1)  No.

2)  Can't say about that.  There are various methods for dealing with rusted tubs.

3)  I did one for the first time several years ago for a friend in less than an afternoon.  RedCarpetDrew and beekeyknee have excellent posts in the archives detailing the procedure.  It's always much easier to do any job with proper tools.  The old spanner nut may need to be chiseled-off but not sure how you'd properly tighten the replacement without the tool.  Perhaps someone else will clarify if that's possible.

4)  Yes, per the condition you describe.

 

[henene4]

New outer tub

New in box that would probably set you back by 100-300$, guestimated.

You could search for a cheap donor machine to just swap the tub and possibly even the seals. Grab some spare parts for the future of it, too.

Or, if rust didn't get deeper into the metal, clean the areas with rust with a wire brush, sand it until all the rust is gone, apply some rust-remover, then paint with a water resistant protective paint or something like those email paints for bathtubs, 2 or 3 coats. Should be fine. Just make sure as much rust a possible was removed before painting.

 

[fordiesel69]

Do I only need The upper stem seal kit, or shall I also order the bottom bearing kit and take the tub off. It is not noisy at all, it just drips.

 

[fordiesel69]

Anyone

 

[lorainfurniture]

Just replace the seal

 

[super32]

Replace both the mounting stem/seal kit and the bearing. Those bearings do not like to get wet.

 

[fordiesel69]

Too late... I did not order it in time based on the above info. will keep an eye on it.

As far as the mineral buildup on the outer tub, is it better to leave it alone or use lime away and clean it like new. P.S. I know already the area near the seal needs cleaned I'm talking about the whole thing.

 

[super32]

You scrub some of it out. Maybe remove any excess chunks. I would use a scotchbrite blue or an old tooth brush. A squirt of limeAway or CLR shouldnt hurt.