[mamagraham]

Maytag washer wont agitate. It spins fine and pumps out water. The belt was damaged in 2 spots. Put a new belt on, still the same. The motor, pulleys and trans seem to be working proper. We can meve it by hand and ran it for a visual. Removed the agitator and everything looks good except a lot of dirt build up. We can not move the tub freely at this time but maybe we shut it off mid cycle in all this testing. Husband can get it to turn with a good yank. Could it be a stuck brake? Where is it? Or maybe a bearing. I've read posting for 2 days on a dozen sites. Need help!

[sidfink43]

I suspect the problem is in your transmission. If the motor will run with the belt off in agitate mode then the transmission is likely the problem. The brake could be an issue, but only if there is a mechanical breakdown of it.

Here is a service manual for your machine.

http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...s/16022937.pdf

[mamagraham]

I figured as much, thanks for the manual. I found a used nonoperating washer for parts on Craigslist for less than a used transmission ($50). Is there a way I can test it before I buy it to make sure it works? The seller does not seem to know what the problem is except that it cost $80 to fix. I am inclined not to bother with them as I can't seem to get a direct answer as to it's mechanical issue. A reputable repair shop may have one hand and is closer but closed till Monday, maybe better to wait.

[sidfink43]

I am not a fan of used mechanical parts in general and used transmissions in particular, and would strongly suggest that if you want to minimize your cost and maximize the liklihood of success that take the money and put it into a used Whirlpool/Kenmore/Roper direct drive top loading machine.

In our area you can get a very good used machine on Craig's List for about $100 to $150, usually towards the lower end. We also have a Habitat for Humanity Home Store that sells used appliances in that price range (I test and repair for them on a volunteer basis so I am biased, so take that into account).

These machines will do a great job on your clothes, last a long time and if they need repairing it is easy to do and the parts are inexpensive.

[mamagraham]

I took it to a repair tech that would said it was probably a bearing. Turns out it is the transmission and now he does not have a new or used one. Looking at $300 into parts and labor. Called Local Maytag Dealer and found out it is under 10 year warranty, Yea. I just have to pay for service and labor. The unfair thing is the Maytag repair shop says other parts need to be replaced as part of a new tranny job, totalling cost of new trans, other guy did not. What do you know about this? They said the belt and a bearing that runs $125. Maybe a thrust bearing. I just put a new belt on it the day before I took it in so I doubt that, and the guy who has it said the bearings are good. What's you opinion?

[sidfink43]

Yes, that work probably should be done, except the belt which the repair tech probably did not know was new. Those parts, see this tech bulletin on the bearing and seal

http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...TDL-0060-B.pdf

will fail and you don't want to spend all that money on the labor for the transmission and put old, worn parts back in. The labor is already paid for so it is not a bad del. The reason it costs so much is that Maytag has a large mark up on parts, as you can see if you search for the parts on this site.

That being said I stick with my original position. Put the money in a good new or used washer, a no frills top loading one and you should be much happier.