[jameshere]

My previously bullet-proof 30 year old Maytag "Neptune" (?) has developed a problem. It will SPIN, but not AGITATE. (there is nothing wrong with the motor or belts).

When running in the "agitate" part of the cycle (water in the drum, but no laundry)the agitator moves slowly or not at all; after a short time a squealing noise develops.

Working from below; turning the large pulley in one direction it locks and the whole transmission rotates (as I understand it should, for spin). Turning it in the opposite direction by hand, no excess effort is needed and the agitator turns back and forth, apparently normally.

I believe there is a friction clutch in there somewhere, and it seems likely that this is slipping, but where is it, and how do I get to it!

James

[magician59]

Please recheck your model number.

[jameshere]

I have - again! I can understand your query as LA208 does not bring any result on various parts search sites, or even a Maytag site I found. It is very clear on the plate below the washer lid - also serial #392133 ZZ

The schematic wiring diagram carries the number A208

I also noted that the numbers LA208 & 209 came up at the foot of my post, as "related models" . . .

James

[magician59]

A208 makes better sense. Parts are still available for your "Dependable Care" machine. Your description sounds like a bad transmission. The part is rather expensive; you could buy a cheap replacement, or even a good used machine for the cost of the part plus the labor to install. It's your call. I am personally a Dependable Care fan; but I would have a hard time convincing my wife to spend that much on a repair of a 30-year-old machine...It's your call.
Part number: AP4318941

[jameshere]

Turns out that my initial asessment of the Brake Unit was incorrect. It appeared to be working as it should when turned CW or CCW by hand, but having removed the basket and powering-up the machine again, the brake was emitting odd noises, and the transmission output shaft suddenly cut-in at normal speed, too and fro.

Removing the pressed cover from the brake unit (using 1" 8-32 screws) revealed a sorry state: most of the lining had separated from the rotor, and the whole thing was full of a thick, black grease . . . well, it was of grease like consistency. I suppose it could perhaps be transmission oil that had found it's way down over the years, and gradually dried-out ?

Guess I need to get the basket out and open up the gear-case and see what is left inside . . . Any comments?

James

[magician59]

Open up the gear case, and it's a gonner.

[applianceman]

Try to pull the agitator up without removeing the set screw. There is a clip that holds the transmission shaft in place, if that clip breaks the agitator will float up during wash and it will not agitate. If this is the case you can simply replace the clip.

When this happens I like to change the oil in the transmission because when the agitator floats up water will get down in the transmission.

Note that this is only your problem if you try to pull the agitator off and the transmission shaft and all lifts out of the transmission.


Clothes Washer Repair Guide

[applianceman]

It occurred to me that your washer might have the flat transmission (not like the one above) and if this is the case disregard my last comment.

[jameshere]

I appreciate those speedy replies, but have to say that you have confused me . . .

I meant to say previously that my 30+ year old transmission is what I would call the "Pancake, Bell Crank" style, not Orbital! So I don't know whether that invalidates everything you both said ?

At this point I can't see a problem with opening-up the split case. In fact, I started to do so but closed it again promptly (for the moment) as thick black oil started to escape; that certainally appears to be what got into the clutch/brake unit!

Nevertheless, I can't imagine that the lubricant started life like that, and I would like to clean it all out and refill with - what? 90EP auto gear lube? Is there any point in trying to find the Maytag Transmission Lube. (part #56080!) that I see on my print-out? Seems to me like an excuse to charge a fancy price . . . Actually it seems rather odd that they even show it, being as there is no facility to add oil to the box; I wonder how it was filled in the factory . . .

Likewise, I can't see how the output (agitator) shaft could be a problem - presumably that comment referred to the later design transmission?

James

[applianceman]

When I answered your question it never dawned on me that your washer most likely had the older transmission. I answered and left work going home and was thinking you don’t have that type transmission if the washer is that old that is why I came back a posted again.

Sorry for the misunderstanding! Just disregard the first post I made.


I don’t know much about the older transmissions so I am afraid I can’t help you with tearing into it. But with all that has been said it does seem like that is the problem.