Washer leaks and terrible noise at spin cycle..

Washer Repair
,
1

This is a Maytag Legacy washer, 8 years old. It started leaking just at the end of 3 years.
so I put a tub to catch the water. I was assuming that the liquid fabric softener(Downy) I was using, has something to do with it. So I stopped using liquid fabric softener(Downy), instead started using dryer sheets. Amazingly the leak stopped in couple of weeks. Recently I restarted using the liquid fabric softener(Downy). The leak came back! I had to remove about 12 quarts of water every load. It has been like that for a few weeks, and now all of a sudden, I have a terrible loud sound :mad: when it goes to the spin cycle! (No problem at agitation mode)
Your comments are appreciated.
Thanks.

2

Lets take these things one at a time, first the leak.
You will need to take the front of the washer off in order
to find it. Take the two front screws off at the bottom
then swing the bottom up so that the top clips release from the
top. You might need a putty knife to help release them from the
top.

Once you have the front off you should be able to see where
the leak is located. Check the dispenser on the top (it may be cracked)
or anything that has a hose attached to it. If you run the washer keep
your hands away from the transmission.

3

Thanks Glen for the helpful reply.
Any comment on the part that I should order?
Any comment on the very loud spin cycle?
Regards,
cskadavil

4

— Begin quote from cskadavil;132880

Thanks Glen for the helpful reply.
Any comment on the part that I should order?
Any comment on the very loud spin cycle?
Regards,
cskadavil

— End quote

I really don’t know what to tell you until its been established
exactly where the leak is at. The front needs to be removed
and you need to inspect the inside while its going through
its cycle. From the description you gave earlier the leak is
large enough that it shouldn’t be terribly difficult to spot its
location.

5

You need to replace the tub bearing and seal. This is usually accompanied with the replacement of the tub mounting stem, for good measure to assure no leaks after the job is complete. This is a rather involved procedure: a pro can do it in about an hour; and it requires the use of a special spanner wrench. Your decision: My professional opinion is that it is well worth the investment in material and time for the repair. You should get another twenty years of service out of the machine, provided the water damage isn’t severe.

6

Thanks for the pic
I"ll "ditto" what Magician just said.

Your washer is leaking from its main tub seal, through the tub
bering and overtop of the transmission. The tub bearing being
washed out with water would explain the noise you are having
during spin. This is why I wanted to address the two problems
one at a time starting with the leak. This is not going to be an
easy job. It involves taking the top loose, removing the agitator,
removing the inner basket then removing the outer tub before you
you can actually start replacing the parts needed for repair.

As far as the parts are concerned you will need both of these
[Part Details - SEA Spanner wrench, part number: AP3538707](http://www.appliancepartspros.com/part_details.aspx?part_id=4372971"]Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Tub bearing kit, part number: AP4372971[/URL]

Part Details - WPL Mounting stem repair kit, part number: AP4390013

You will need this spanner wrench to remove and install the new
mounting stem nut. Do not attempt this job without it. Although
whether you want to attempt this job is up to you, it a big one.
[URL="http://www.appliancepartspros.com/part_details.aspx?part_id=3538707)

7

Thanks magician and glen for the help.
I am ordering the parts.
Best regards,
CSKadavil

8

Now that I have ordered the parts, do you think that there is instructions in the kits, on how to dismantle the machine and install the new parts?
best regards,
cskadavil

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Order Date: 09/29/09
Order Number: 843229
Shipping Method: Standard (fast)
Payment terms: Credit Card

Part Number Description Qty Price

AP4372971 (6-2040130) Tub bearing kit 1 $40.00
AP4390013 (6-2095720) Mounting stem repair kit 1 $37.00
AP3538707 (TB123A) Spanner wrench 1 $19.06

                                                       Subtotal     $96.06
                                                       Tax          $0.00
                                                       Shipping     $6.95
                                                       Total        $103.01
9

I believe there are some instructions that come with at least
one of the parts you ordered. But I don’t remember just detailed
they actually are. Here is a service manual. It doesn’t cover
you specific model number. However the drive train is the same
and the steps to actually replacing the seals and bearing are
going to be the same. The part that shows this area is in section 3.

http://www.servicematters.com/maytag_library/docs/16010373%20(16001145).pdf

10

Today I tried dismantling the washer to replace the Boot seal and Bearing kit. Took out inner tub and old boot seal. Disconnected water hose and 3 bolts to outer tub.The outer tub is lose, but it comes off only half inch. It does not come OFF. Looks like it is stuck. Is there anything else to remove? Or is it the rust on the bearing that makes the problem?
Appreciate your comments and help.
Thanks,
cskadavil

11

If you have removed the thre mounting screws, the tub should come out. If the sleeve is rusted to the bearing, It will be better than having to remove it from the transmission housing. Be persistent, but don’t use any force tools. You don’t want to damage the tub. Try WD-40 or penetrating oil. Once the tub (and bearing and sleeve) is out, lightly sand the transmission tube lightly, so that the new sleeve slips over the tube with little friction. Don’t overdo it, though. Your goal is not to be able to spin the sleeve on the tube…just to easily place it on the tube.

12

Hi Magician,
With your help, I did the work with great enthusiasm. It was a thrill. The leak has stopped. But, sorry to say, as I mentioned in the beginning, the great loud noise is exactly same at the spin cycle: no more, no less!
Rap up.
The leak was there for a few years, but the loud noise at the spin cycles started last week.
Any more magics?

best regards,
cskadavil

13

Can you describe the noise; or, better, post a recording of it?

14

Hi magician,
here is a link to the spin sound.
It is actually very loud. Nobody can stand in the laundry room.
http://www.ngsmusa.org/ngsm/test/spin.mp3

Thanks for your help and interest.
regards,
cskadavil

15

That sounds like the tub bearing. But since you said you replaced that, I would try to isolate the noise: Remove the pump drive belt and put the machine in spin. If the noise is eliminated, Replace the pump. There is a smaller bearing; it usually comes with the transmission kit. It is located at the base of the transmission mount and serves as a guide for the tranny. Also, there is a nylon ring between the tranny mount and the machine base, called the "snubber", or, dampner. Try coating it with corn starch to reduce noise. It must be clean first.

16

hi magician,
Well then, do you think I can get that part (tube) by itself?
I don’t think it will come off easily. The old one was stuck. So I used a mallet and a flat head screw driver to get it out. It broke off like tree bark. Even though it looks like steel, it is very soft metal. Any suggestion to get it out without breaking? (it is quite tight and fragile.)

one more question.
When I was working on the machine, there was a white plastic half washer/spacer kind of thing. (semi circle, 1 1/2 inch diameter) I believe it was on top of the transmission rod, just under the agitator. Can you please make sure I put it on the right place? . I have attached a picture of it, for your convenience.
Thanks
cskadavil

17

sorry: I’ve been very busy home schooling my son. I have a feeling you won’t see an improvement until you proceed as suggested above. Everything needs to be in its proper place. Are you anywhere near Houston, TX, by any chance?

18

Give me a call. 713 367 9943. Maybe we can look at it together. I’m in Tomball.

19

I got lucky, I grabbed the bottom of the front panel and pulled it forward and it just popped open.

20

I changed the mounting stem and tub bearing. Still have the high pitched terrible sound. I bet it is from the rear bearing and or the other bearing below it. Is this a tough fix? Can I just buy the bearings, the brake tool. Pull the old bearings out and replace? For the meantime, can you just grease the bearings? Thanks.