[rsteinle]

Symptom - Washer makes squealing noise during spin cycle. Takes much longer then normal for Tub to reach full spin speed
Checked - Trans Pulley and Bearing look OK. Motor and Idle wheel bearings spin OK. Drive Belt is tight, excellent condition
Test - Washer on side (tub empty) Turn on spin cycle... Sprayed WD-40 on all 3 Bering's, no change in Squealing noise level
Noticed - Looking through drain hose access (cover plate removed) I can see very fine white powder under and around lipped pan (with 3 tub support brackets)
Problem
Could problem is inside that unit, which contains Spin Bearing.? Access from bottom of washer (6 screws) HOWEVER notice on part says... Caution Parts under 200 Lbs tension, follow instructions for removal (which I don't have)
Question - How do I remove parts under 200 Lbs spring tension.?
Please Help
Any advise and suggestions would be greatly appreciated... Could problem be elsewhere.?
Thanks... Rob

[bettyboop]

there is a factory tool that techs that work norges(performa) it's a metal tube fits over the part your talking about, it has 2 long slits on its sides which a forked pin( looks like a large bobby pin)slides thru ,and and when this tool is adjusted in till the spring pressure is equilized you can safely repair your washer. I CAN'T THINK OF A WAY TO DO IT WITHOUT THIS SPECIAL TOOL. BETTY BOOP

[rsteinle]

Betty, Thanks for the reply.
I was afraid of something like that. I see that tool lists for $99. The Maytag repair man should't be lonely when you need a $99 tool to replace a $30 bearing. I called Maytag and found out their closest authorised repair dealer is over an hour away.
In 35 years of owning and repairing all of my appliances (including 2 rental units) this will be the first item I can't repair. It's the only Maytag I have ever owned, and it may the last.

Thanks again,
Rob

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

Go to web site www.applianceguru.com/forum2/12608.html You will get specific info there to replace snubber ring without the $99 special tool.

[rsteinle]

AppGuy, thanks for the info and link (I need to read it again).
Question - Would a defective Snubber Ring create the fine white powder I found under the lipped pan with the 3 support arms holding the tub, and cause the squealing noise...?
Question - Is that the only part I need to order and replace.? Or could a bearing also be bad.?
Safe to Use - The "Real Boss" wants to know - Is it safe to use washer pending repair, or will (could) that cause additional problems.?

Thanks again,
Rob

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

Follow the directions. I think they say to use fine emery paper on the metal housing and dump corn starch on the new snubber.

[rsteinle]

First I took the agitator & inner tub apart; check for objects (none found)
Then I removed the main drive wheel under the washer, and disassembled the cam assembly and bearings. I completely greased the bearing, shaft, and cam assembly (I used motorcycle chain grease as that's what I had)
Put everything back together. It still squealed when I tested just the spin cycle and an empty tub.
However - After I ran it through a complete cycle - No more squealing noise.
Six loads later, my wife is most happy to report it's still working fine.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, replies, and assistance.
It took me a while to isolate the problem, but I love the easy fix.

Rob