[sfrane]

I have an Amana NAV5805AWW washing machine that doesn't spin -- it agitates instead during the spin cycle. I have installed a new thrust bearing and pulley kit, but that did not help. With the thin 0.032" thrust washer, the pulley barely moves counterclockwise (maybe 1/8") before the shaft rotates -- the cam alignment arrow never gets in between the min and max marks. The motor and belt seem to be fine and are properly rotating the pulley, but it appears that maybe the thrust washer/cam system is not lifting the shaft far enough to release the brake fully.

[Gene]

In order to switch from agitation to spin the motor should switch its direction from clockwise to counterclockwise. Does is do it?

Here are the breakdown diagrams and Parts for Amana NAV5805AWW Washer - AppliancePartsPros.com

Gene.

[sfrane]

Hi, Gene: Thanks for your help. I have confirmed that the motor does change direction for the wash and spin cycles -- when viewed from the bottom, the motor spins clockwise for wash and counterclockwise for spin. However, it is still agitating in both directions. It generally appears that when in spin cycle, the cam is not able to fully lift the shaft and release the brake for some reason.

[Gene]

Try to use both washers and use a screwdriver to pry the shaft to install the retaining clip.

Gene.

[sfrane]

Hi, Gene: Thanks again for your continued help. I had to pry pretty hard with a screwdriver just to get the thin washer on -- there is no way I can get the thicker one on. Based on the thrust bearing instructions, the thicker washer(s) should only be needed if the cam rotates too far and the alignment arrow goes past the max mark. I am seeing the opposite -- the cam rotates very little and doesn't even get to the minimum mark.

[Gene]

Sounds like the solution is to replace the whole transmission.

- The transmission Part number: 35-6615

Gene.

[jmczuwala]

Originally Posted by sfrane

...It generally appears that when in spin cycle, the cam is not able to fully lift the shaft and release the brake for some reason.

I had the same problem as you after installing new thrust bearing kit. I could only get the thin washer on and agree that the instructions say go thinner if you cant get the alignment. I can "push" the cam to relase break, lift the shaft and freely spin the tub.

Just wondering if I really need a transmission if the real problemis releasing the brake.

[fairbank56]

Bad transmission. The agitator shaft should not rotate freely in the counterclockwise direction. The input pinion gear in the transmission has a set of "wings" (all plastic) on it that only allows rotation in one direction. If the wings break off (most common transmission failure), the input shaft can rotate CCW. With nothing to stop the shaft from rotating, there is no resistance on the lower cam to allow the brake cams to work properly. BTW, the shaft is not lifted by the cam action. It is the pulley that is lifted which pushes the thrust bearing against the brake rotor, releasing the brake.

Eric

[jmczuwala]

[quote=fairbank56;804130]Bad transmission.

Thanks. Any special tools needed? Are the tub seal assembly components left or right handed threads? Do I need to replace any of the seal components just to replace transmission?

[fairbank56]

It's a pretty involved process, too much to try and explain here. You may want to have this done by an experienced tech. Basically, you must remove the inner tub, suspension springs, drive pulley, remove the outer tub with transmission and support assembly, flip it over to release and remove the brake parts and remove the bottom of the base support assembly. Now you can pull the transmission. A spanner wrench, wrench adapter, spring release tool and brake spring release tool are used in the process.

Eric