Orbital Maytag squeaks during agitation.

[grnappliance]

A few people already know about this issue, but I haven't been able to pinpoint the source of the sound yet. My Orbital Maytag makes a very audible squeaking or screeching sound during the wash cycle whenever the transmission agitates in a direction. I inspected the belt part of the drive system, but that doesn't seem to be the source of the problem. The same thing can be said regarding the sliding plate for the motor. Best guess would be something with the transmission? I would appreciate any insight on this problem that way I am better prepared to fix it when the time comes. Thanks!

Example video(Youtube):

 

[combo52]

Squeaking Maytag

Did not hear any squeak, this is not your machine I take it.

That poor machine on the YouTube video really ought to get the better load sensor agitator in a 50 cycle pulley. That machine is only about 60% loaded. What a waste of water.

John.

 

[qsd-dan]

Weird noise....

The squeak does occur rhythmically with the stroke of the transmission.

 

Have you ran the machine with the front panel removed? Sounds like a metal on metal noise.

 

The only area I can think to check at the moment would be to remove the transmission pulley and inspect the pulley bearing. When removing the pulley, make sure there's some grease under the rubber cap and on/around the stop lug assembly.

 

The sound is too sharp and high pitched to be coming from the transmission internally.

 

[eronie]

Oil the damper pads !!!!!

 

[qsd-dan]

Oil the damper pads

It doesn't sound like damper pads or it would make noise during the spin cycle.

 

[grnappliance]

If this provides a clue, whenever I push the tub to the left, the noise stops. When I push it to the right, it gets worse.

 

[qsd-dan]

How is the noise affected if you push the tub down and to the left vs up and to the right?

 

My guess is that belt tension is affecting this. If the motor carriage is solidly bolted to the base (no loose bolts), the rollers/glides are in good condition, one of the springs is not off the track or broken, I still believe it's related to the pulley/bearing/stop lug area.

 

[qsd-dan]

Just reviewed your Youtube clip again and the basket is not coming up to speed fast enough before the spray rinse is engaged. It's critical that the motor carriage tracks are clean, well lubed, all rollers/glides in good condition and lubricated especially the sides that face outward towards the face of the carriage. Pump belt tension is extremely critical as well, most overtighten it and the loosens the transmission drive belt tension. Also make sure the pump pulley is not beginning to seize up from dry/worn bearings.

 

The tub is off center leaning to the left. If the springs/damper have never been touched since coming off of the assembly line, your cabinet is not properly leveled. Also make sure the drain hose height in the stand pipe is in the low 30" range from the floor.