The original Maytag washer uses what is called an orbital
transmission. This transmission is a very simple one.
When the motor turns the transmission pulley counterclockwise,
the washer agitates, and when it turns the pulley clockwise, the washer spins.
The major problem with the washer transmission is,
oil leaking from the bottom shaft seal.
When the stem tub seal wears out and allow water from the tank
to leak through the center of the tub into the tub bearing, the bearing gets
rusted and the transmission will run noisy.
Replacing the transmission it is too costly, if you are having a
repairman do the job. I don't do too many transmission replacing, because of the
cost.
If you replace the washer transmission yourself you
probably save about $120. Once you know how to do the repairs yourself, it is
easy to pick up the parts on the town dumpster from washers that people have
thrown away.
People get rid of washers that have minor problems, because they
don't know anything about how the washer works.
You could get a good use transmission from many repair shops for
a low price.
It is very hard to try to explain with words how to replace the
Maytag washer transmission, but I have downloadable video clips that show
you step by step how the job is done.
What I recommend is to see the video clips, this way you know
what is involve in replacing the transmission, then you could decide if you want
to do it or not.
