[sardine]

Happy New Year all!
Our old Maytag is acting up.
The tub will fill but it then groans for a few seconds trying to start to agitate, and then kicks out ( thermal overload?) It refuses to agitate despite repeated resets.
If we bypass the agitate cycle it runs through the rest of the cycles with no difficulty.
I should also note that it squeals loudly at the end of the spin cycles - does it have a brake?
Suggestions? We would really like to keep it.
Many thanks, Doug

[sidfink43]

See if you can open it up and find something jammed in the tub/basket area, like a sock or something. See also if the transmission pulley will turn easily.

If you cannot locate an obstruction that it is likely the transmission is gone, in which case you would thank it for its many years of service and move on.

[sardine]

Thanks for your response sidfink43.
There is nothing jammed between tub and surround and the pulley turns relatively freely.
I have put it on its' back and removed the drive pulley and bearing.
Now I encounter a notice warning of a 200lb spring ready to project a large piece of metal at me!
I don't know how to remove this or whether I should.
I think the problem is related to the brake being worn out (hence the squealing every time the machine stops) with possibly debris clogging up the brake /clutch assembly.
Is it worth proceeding?
Do I need special tools and know how?

[sidfink43]

Yes, you need a special brake tool, and I do not have any documentation on how to get into this model to send you.

I think you are better off putting your money into a new machine. Seems like you have received a lot of life from this model, better than average so you have earned the right to move on.