[majorid]

Hi all, I see several posts on other models with this problem, but I don't know about my particular model. I have a Maytag A482, it's gotta be over 10 years old, I bought it used though, so I don't know for sure.
Anyway, I ran one load this morning fine, then another load. I heard a loud squeal coming from the basement. Turned out to be the washer and there was a burning rubber smell. The agitator looked like it was moving a little bit, but not much.
I moved the washer to spin cycle and that worked fine. At least I was able to get my clothes out after the spin finished.
After googling quite a bit, I see alot of people saying to check the drive belt. On this model, I see only 1 belt on the bottom and it definitely feels like an old belt, but it was not broken.
I opened the front and I didn't see any other belts in there.
So should I try changing out this belt on the bottom or could there be some other problem?
Thanks for any help!

[PS Staff - Sheila]

There are two belts on your washer.

One goes from the motor to the pump and the other one goes from the motor to the transmission pulley.

Remove the front panel and tip the washer back to check the other belt.

Here is a link to your washer model A482.

When you took the clothes out were the spun out or did the water just drain from the tub?

[majorid]

Hi, thanks for the reply. Yes, the spin cycle did spin & drain properly. The only problem I see is the agitation cycle. I'm hoping it's just that belt on the bottom :-)
Thanks for any additional help you might have!

[brucebo]

I have the exact same washer and problem, washer spins but does not agitate. During agitate cycle belt slips and stinks. Changed belt, problem still there. What was your resolution? I'm thinking it must be the transmission or clutch. Looks painfull to fix.

-Bruce

[majorid]

Hi brucebo,
I never heard back from anyone on this thread, but I suspected the same thing as you. I never actually tried to change out the belt though.
My solution: bought a new front-loader washer.
Problem solved.

[brucebo]

I've come to the conclusion that it must be the transmission or a jammed bearing. The agitator and drum are wedged together. This poses no problem during the spin cycle, but during the agitate cycle the tub/drum brake arrests the tub, and since the agitator is wedged to the tub it can't move either and the belt slips on the pully.

-Bruce

[brucebo]

Originally Posted by majorid

Hi brucebo,
I never heard back from anyone on this thread, but I suspected the same thing as you. I never actually tried to change out the belt though.
My solution: bought a new front-loader washer.
Problem solved.

How do you like the front loader? I'm trying to decide between a "cheap" top loader or double the price front loader.

-Bruce

[douglesc]

Originally Posted by brucebo

I've come to the conclusion that it must be the transmission or a jammed bearing. The agitator and drum are wedged together. This poses no problem during the spin cycle, but during the agitate cycle the tub/drum brake arrests the tub, and since the agitator is wedged to the tub it can't move either and the belt slips on the pully.

-Bruce

I own a Maytag A482 since 1990 and yes what you say is starting to happen. I think I am going to do the same............get another washer. If I find something out I will post it.

[brucebo]

I ended up getting a new washer at Costco. A new transmission was well over $200, just for the part. A significant fraction of the cost of a new washer. Definitely not worth it for a washer over 20 years old.

-Bruce

[douglesc]

Originally Posted by brucebo

I ended up getting a new washer at Costco. A new transmission was well over $200, just for the part. A significant fraction of the cost of a new washer. Definitely not worth it for a washer over 20 years old.

-Bruce

Talked to a Repair Guy today and He Quoted $300.00 and He didn't really want to do the Job. I could see the Price going higher than that Once he knew what he was dealing with. I don't want to get emotional over a stupid Washer, Maytag really doesn't exsist anymore. I am Going to Standard Appliance and Probably getting either a Maytag 6700 Top Loader or the Whirlpool 6700, They are top rated by a consumer Magazine. 4.6 cu. ft. capacity..........I was going with a front Loader but I want to try this. Price $859.00. The biggest Front Loader I saw was 4 cu ft. I am a little interested in Speed Queen but their price is high, and after just talking to a Speed Queen dealer I am convinced they make a great machine but be prepared to pay $1400-1500 for a front loader, the top loader is less money but the drum size is 3.3 cu ft.............so is the front loader but because of it being a front loader it is less of an issue. He Also said the front Loader is way heavy. Anyway that's what I know for now.