[theSarge13]

I have a top-load washer that seems to not agitate properly. It is not obvious, but it seems not to agitate aggressively enough. Clothes do not turn over, and after a whole cycle there is still undissolved soap on the top of the load. It seems to spin just fine. Both belts have been replaced recently hoping to help the problem, but to no avail. It does not seem to matter what cycle mode (regular, gentle, etc.) it is on either. I'm on the verge of replacing the transmission, but I don't know if that is actually the problem or not. I'd appreciate any help.

[applianceman]

Reach in and try to lift up the agitator. If when you do so the entire transmission shaft comes up and out of the tub there is a clip that is broken. This page will help with locating and replacing the clip. How To Repair Maytag Washer Agitators


When this happens water can enter the transmission and the grease needs to be replaced. That page also discusses that.

If the agitator will not lift up post back and we will go from there.

[theSarge13]

Thank you for your reply. I think I actually found the problem, however. I decided to do some more experimenting and found that the pump belt had been over-tightened thus not allowing the drive belt to tighten enough. To make things worse, the springs on the motor mount were tired and were allowing just a little too much slippage on the drive belt. I think the problem is solved. I just need to replace the springs and adjust the pump appropriately. Just for good measure, I checked the agitator as well as you suggested and all seems fine there.

Thanks.

[applianceman]

They are the next things I would have told you to check. I am glad to hear you got it going! I didn’t mention before due to the fact it was spinning fine.

[Vader]

Remove the transmission cover and be ready to catch the oil. Check for wear in the gear follower/clevis that drives the upper shaft. Check for wear in the shaft splines and the agitator spline.