[tjg79]

Hello,

I have a top loading Maytag that seems to trip the out-of-balance switch very often. I can usually reset the switch by opening and closing the lid. After reset, it may trip the switch very soon or go for a few minutes before the next shut down due to the switch. I suspsect something, perhaps a balance spring or bumper is worn out. Before I disassemble the unit to inspect, is there anything that I should be looking for?

Regards

[richappy]

Is it spinning when it trips?

[tjg79]

Originally Posted by richappy

Is it spinning when it trips?

No, it trips in the wash cycle. The wash tub is slightly off center. Not so much off center that it won't resume by raising and lowering the lid. Is there a spring that assists the tub to remain centered? If so, I suspect I have a problem with the spring.

Regards

[richappy]

This is a dependable care washer, the best they made. Pull the front panel off and check the springs, one may be loose or stretched.
If the tub seems too loose, you have bad friction pads under the tranny dome.
You would need to use vice grips to pull the springs off, then slip a 2x4 under the tranny pulley to raise the dome, then chisel the pads off and replace.

[tjg79]

Originally Posted by richappy

This is a dependable care washer, the best they made. Pull the front panel off and check the springs, one may be loose or stretched.
If the tub seems too loose, you have bad friction pads under the tranny dome.
You would need to use vice grips to pull the springs off, then slip a 2x4 under the tranny pulley to raise the dome, then chisel the pads off and replace.

After pulling the front panel, I don't see any loose or stretched springs. With the tub empty, if I move the tub towards the back of the machine or towards the right, it returns back towards center with spring force. If I move the tub towards the left t side, it barely returns at all. If I move the tub towards the front, it returns towards center, but not as good as when moved towards the rear. Is this an indication of a spring problem or a damper pad problem?

I'm thinking of replacing all three springs and the damper pads.

Regards

[tjg79]

Because the interior of the washer looks to be in excellent condition, I'm going to remove the springs to get access to the damper pads and apply some silicone grease. Then reinstall the springs and add a small amount of additional spring tension by tightening the eye bolts that adjust the spring tension.

Regards

[richappy]

This seems like a good idea, you can go to www.applianceaid.com for info on this. Also,you may find one of the damper pads is broken.

[tjg79]

I see some grease residue on the sheet metal base and it's dry and hard. I suspect the grease on the damper pads has dried out and not performing as intended. The damper pads may be worn or in otherwise bad condition from the dry grease and friction. This machine is twelve years old and in otherwise excellent condition.

Regards

[richappy]

I have never done this job, but I would replace the damper pads, one may be worn more than the others causing the problem.

[tjg79]

Thanks for the advice.

I'll get the new damper pads before I go to the trouble to inspect the original ones. From what I see of the grease visible, they're likely saturated with dried grease.

Regards