Problem with your Maytag Washer?

Model #MAV4755AWW, this top load washer seemed to be washing clothes alright, but when it came time to spin the water out, it wasn't quite up to the task. The customer noted the motor would run and it sounded like it was spinning, but when they opened the lid, the spin basket was just sitting in one place. With the clothes remaining damp at the end of the cycle, the dryer was doing much more work then normal.

This washer, like many other top load designs, uses a gear case or transmission to convert the rotational motion of the drive motor into the back and forth action used during agitation. Then when it is time to start the spin cycle, the motor will reverse direction and the drive will be transferred into the basket to draw the water out of the clothing. Some washers use a motor mounted to the gear case with a coupler, while others, like this washer, use a belt to transfer the drive from the motor to the drive components.

Since the washer was agitating properly, I suspected the gear case was doing what it should be doing so instead concentrated on the one component that makes this washer spin. Under the base plate is the location of the drive belt along with the motor, pump, and spin pulleys. The motor provides the drive to each of these components via their individual drive pulleys. The pump simply pumps out of the tub in one directions and back in in the other so when the motor changes direction from agitate to spin, the water in the tub goes in the correct direction. The spin pulley, however, works a bit differently.

On the end of the transmission shaft is mounted the spin pulley which is responsible for not only providing rotational drive during the spin cycle, but also is the component that releases the brake assembly which holds the basket in place during agitation. The pulley is connected at the end of the shaft by an 'E' clip and is held tight by one or more metal spacers. Behind these spacers is a helix uses to apply pressure to the break, which will then allow the basket to spin freely. With age, time, and the addition of debris, the spin pulley will no longer be able to completely release the brake. With the brake still partially engaged, and the weight of a full load of clothes, the motor will not be able to start the basket spinning leaving the clothes damp at the end of the cycle. 

With the brake still engaged, the motor will be able to spin resulting in the drive belt slipping on the spin pulley and oftentimes gives off a burning rubber smell. So if your washer smells like the drag strip, it may be time to have a look underneath. 

I installed a new spin pulley after removing the old one and cleaning up the mess of dirt and cobwebs under the base. The new pulley comes with instructions and everything needed to complete the repair. I do want to point out that it is important to use the spacers properly from the kit. Getting the 'E' clip back on the end of the shaft takes some work because the spacers will make for a very tight fit, but that is how it should be. And proper lubrication of the pulley, with the included grease, is important for good long term operation. With the new pulley in place, the washer took off spinning like new even with a full load of damp towels. 

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Source: http://www.technicianbrian.com