If you want to cut directly to the chase, here is a link to the video (detailed description of problem below): YouTube - Maytag LA8650 Washing Machine

I have a Maytag Model LA8650 Washer that I purchased in 1991. It has never given me a day's worth of trouble until recently. During the spin cycle, it makes a terrible grinding/rattling/scraping sound. Sometimes it sounds like there are loose metal parts rattling around (like loose bearings or something), but not all of the time. It also seems to get off-balance very easily - even when the load is balanced . If you notice in the video, it gets off-balance even with nothing in the washer. The rasping sound is intermittent as you can also hear. Then it makes a different sort of grinding/rattling/scraping sound as it stops spinning.

I checked the belts underneath and they seem fine. I can turn the belts by hand. I can find no evidence of any leaks. It washes clothes fine, does spin, and does drain the water fine. It doesn't leap or bang around. The only problem is that it makes that horrible noise during the spin cycle and stopping the spin cycle and both noises are definitely different/new than in the past.

I took video of it in the spin cycle and stopping so that you can hear the noises. I removed the front panel so you can see inside, too. Near the end of the video, I turn off the spin so that you can hear the scraping noise it makes as it comes to a stop. (There is a small crashing sound early in the video that is unrelated to the washer - I lost my balance and bumped into some plastic shelving. :( ALL other noises in the video are from the washer, not my shoes or anything.)

Please see some still photos and link to the video below. I sure would appreciate any help. Thanks very much!

Carol


Link to Video: YouTube - Maytag LA8650 Washing Machine

Thanks for the reply! Just to make sure I understand, something in the drain hose could make the grinding/rattling/scraping sound that I've been hearing inside the machine? The noise has been getting progressively worse for the past few weeks, so it doesn't seem likely that it is in the drain hose but I'll take a look and report back.

did you remove the inner tub? i suggested that

you may not need to replace any parts at this point .just remove tub first.

The spanner wrench, Washer Tub Bearing Kit (Part 204013), and Washer Mounting Stem & Boot Seal Kit (Part 22204012) all finally arrived. Got busy with the spanner wrench. I've whacked it around and around the center post with the rubber mallet. Must have slowly made three or four full circles. But the nut still does not spin freely. Yes, I am going in a clockwise direction. I can tell that it has unthreaded somewhat because the inner basket now spins easily. But it looks like I have a long way to go to get the nut off. How many times around will I need to go with the spanner wrench? Every time I walk by, I whack at it until I am tired. Is there any risk that I am stripping the threads? Or is this proceeding as normal?

Carol