[Roadrider18]

10 days ago I replaced the snubber and all suspension springs. The machine has been working normally.

Yesterday, during the first spin cycle, the washer started making a very loud thumping noise, vibrating the entire house.

I started troubleshooting and found the upper transmission shaft, which the agitator connects to, now has about 1/8 - 1/4" up/down play. Yes, the agitator bolt was tight.

The upper shaft of Part # 25 is the shaft with free play.
Transmission replacement parts for Maytag MAV6257AWW WASHER, ATLANTIS | AppliancePartsPros.com

Apparently, during the spin, the loud thumping noise is the shaft/agitator moving rapidly up and down.

I have looked throughout the machine and see no other possibility.

My question to forum experts and others, is this a transmission replacement?

Thanks for any help!

[sidfink43]

It is very difficult to say, diagnosing noise and balance issues is very difficult from afar.

That being said I think it is more likely a seal or bearing issue.

[Roadrider18]

Sid...

You are spot on with the difficulty analyzing issues form far away. And, perhaps even 3 feet away!

I was certain my work had created another problem. Or, I had failed to correctly reassembled the unit.

Well, I pulled the unit out and set it on an old carpet remnant. I removed the front panel to re-inspect my work. I couldn't find a any issues. I plugged the unit it and put in spin mode. No loud noises or thumping.

I started looking elsewhere.

I looked at the bottom of the machine and noticed the 2 rubber pads on the front feet had worn completely through. 20+ years ago, I welded up a stainless steel drip pan for the washer to sit in. So, a very small vibration during spin was creating a clash of steel against steel that sounded like orchestra symbols.

I cut 4 2" squares from marine seaboard and drilled recessed holes for the unit's steel fit to sit in. I reinstalled the unit positioning the seaboard under the feet.

The unit is now extremely quiet with no issues. The issue was merely isolating the steel components from one another with an insulating material.

Thanks again for the help!

This site has saved me a lot of cash and time with insight, tips and techniques on the repair of my dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer.

[sidfink43]

Well great, glad you got it diagnosed and ready to go. Thanks for the update too.