[kayakcrzy]

Good job, now that is the way to save money. I like that. Tom ApplianceEducator.com

[tgbarton]

I had the same problem with the same model and called Maytag. They initially told me that the drum wasn't covered by warranty and that I was SOL. The store I bought it from told me the same thing, so I took the thing apart and tried the welding option.

Unfortunately, the weld didn't hold, which didn't surprise the welder. He said a patch wouldn't work any better since the metal was so thin that it would just crack along the edges of the patch.

Not wanting to spring for a new drum ($250+ with shipping), I decided to try Maytag again, but this time armed with other accounts of the same problem from the internet - including the one on this thread - and threaten a class action lawsuit! However, I didn't even have to raise my voice as the representative who answered my call this time said he'd send somebody out, since the drum and assembly are covered under a 5-year warranty! He couldn't explain why the previous representative hadn't mentioned that...

He said the service call will cost at least $65, but couldn't tell me what the total is. I asked if I could do the work and he said that they'd still have to charge me for whatever a drum replacement costs, even if the tech does nothing except drop the drum off at my house (kinda like what auto mechanics do in charging by the job, not the hours). I'll be sure to post again here if the charge is much past $100; otherwise, I'm just happy I don't have to buy a new dryer. It'll take a lot to make me buy another Maytag (or any of their other brands), though...

[jswalter319]

I just found out that the drum cracked on our 2 year old Neptune as well.

[jswalter319]

Hi all, I just called Maytag at (866) 616-2601. They were able to look up the purchase date of my dryer (3-years this August). Then, they said they would pay for the replacement drum if the Sears authorized repair company (A and E Factory Service) installs it. So, I only have to pay for the labor.

[Alkema]

My drum is also broken - it is cracked right in the weld on the back of the drum. I was told that I was out of luck and on my own. Shame on Maytag - based on how this cracked in the weld, it is clearly a workmanship issue. I will not purchase another one of their products.

If anyone decides to do a Class Action Suit, count me in.

[jswalter319]

The repair man who came yesterday said that he has dealt with several of these models with cracked drums very recently. If just one repair guy in the SF Bay area has seen this problem several times, imagine how many units nationwide actually have the problem.

As I mentioned, Maytag quickly told me that they will pay for the part, but I am paying for the repair (about $137).

[SoCalMom]

The STAINLESS STEEL DRUM of my Neptune Dryer split at the seam in 2 places. And of course this ocurred 2 months after the warranty expired. I was told "unofficially" by a Maytag technician that he knows of this problem and although Maytag will not own up to it, they certainly know about the defect as well.

Normal use of a dryer should not be able to bust open a metal (i.e. STAINLESS STEEL) seam. The technician suggested I be patient and expect to be on the phone with Maytag Customer Service for at least 2-4 hours as they will transfer me around. Of the few repair jobs of this nature he has done, Maytag has only sent a replacement drum free of charge to 1 customer. Of course his customer paid $50 for shipping and $150 for the install. The replacement STAINLESS STEEL drum apparently costs about $300.

Long story short, I was told both on the phone and in an email that Maytag is not aware of this problem and is also not responsible for any damage that occurs after the warranty. Their website makes no mention of this drum splitting defect. Furthermore, I was told by Maytag that the drum splitting may have been user caused. Yes, that makes so much sense...clothing, towels, bed sheets can really wreak havoc on a metal drum that is supposed to just spin them around.

I am going to try to remove the drum and have it welded too. I am just not ready to spend another $1000 on a new dryer, let alone spend another $500 to repair. I forgot to mention that the Maytag technician hoped the new drums he had installed for his other customers will be free of this defect.

I will never buy a Maytag again.

[SoCalMom]

After reading the recent replies, I decided to call Maytag again.

The Customer Service Rep told me the same blah blah blah I had heard before. She insisted there is no 5 year warranty on the drum assembly, but that she could note my dissatisfaction about the Maytag dryer.

So those of you who were able to get a replacement drum for free - koodos to you.

Out of curiousity I asked for a quote for the drum. IF purchased through Maytag/Whirpool, today's price for the drum is $206.10 + 18.00 shipping + sales tax + technician installation. Just a month or so ago, the price and the shipping was much higher.

May opt to repair the darned thing since I read that welding won't fix the problem.

[ezie]

after research and an email to maytag i found out there are way to many people out there with the same problems. in my personal opinion its not the consumers fault that maytag sold us a defective product and after they are well aware of the problem they still charge us to fix it!.. they should be recalling all these dryers.. but we all know that is not going to happen. I for one am tiered of the long hold time when you call maytag and the run around after you finally get to talk to some one. Im also tiered of the snaged bath towels and riped clothes. I am trying to start a class action law suit if there isnt already one out there for this maytag dryer.. does any one know if ones started for this product if not any one want to join