[WilliamN8427]

My parents have a Maytag washer (A612H Series 04) that is over 20 years old, best guess.

The washer has been sitting on a carpeted floor for the past 3 years without any issues. Lately, during the spin cycle the washer will jump all over the floor as if the load is severely out of balance. If I lean on one corner of the washer, I can still feel the severe vibration in the unit during the spin cycle, but it doesn't jump around with the extra weight of my body applied.

My father thought it was because it was on the carpeted floor or that maybe the bracing under the floor had become loose. I checked the floor bracing and it is fine and I don't believe for a minute that it's due to the carpet after 3 years of use there. I also physically checked the leveling feet and used a level on the unit -- all is fine. I also took the front off the washer and can't see any physical damage or broken springs, etc.

We ordered the metal pad kit that is made for carpeted floor installations, from this site, and will try it out, but I don't think it will make a difference.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what would be causing the machine to severely hop around during a spin cycle?

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Open the lid of the washer and pull the tub toward you, if the tub does not center itself the pads in the center of the support that sets on the base may need to be lubricated or the pad have worn out.

Here is a link to your washer model A612H.

[WilliamN8427]

Originally Posted by PS Staff - Sheila

Open the lid of the washer and pull the tub toward you, if the tub does not center itself the pads in the center of the support that sets on the base may need to be lubricated or the pad have worn out.

Here is a link to your washer model A612H.

Hi Sheila,

When I pull the tub toward me (pulling on the agitator), or away from me or left/right, it will sometimes slightly try to return to center. For the most part it stays off-center.

From the "Tub, Agitator, MTG. Stem & Seal (Ser 04) diagram (from the link you included), I'm not sure which part are the pads you are referring to. Could you please point them out to me.

Also, how big of a job is this? I am mechanically inclined, but have never torn into a washer for this type of repair. Should I get the service manual, or is it something that can easily be done?

Thanks for your help.

[PS Staff - Sheila]

On the diagram that I sent you the pads are number 2-3956, on the parts list they are number 23 part number PS60137.

This is a fairly simple job.

Take the front panel off the washer.

Remove the two screws holding the top down. Tape the lid down so it does not fall open onto the console.

Remove the nuts from the three eye bolts. The nut positions should be marked by placing strips of electrical tape around the bolts just above the nuts before loosening.

Remove the drive belt.

Tip the washer back and lay a 4X4 by one foot piece of wood under the center drive pulley.

Set the washer down on top of the wood block.

The complete assembly of the tubs and damper should be pushed up from the base far enough to get to the damper pads.

Inspected the pads and if they are still there all you will have to do is lubricate them and put the washer back together.

The lubricant part number is PS204999. You will need two tubes.

Make sure the area is clean before you lubricate.

If the pads are worn you will have to replace them. The part number is PS60137 these come with the lubricant.

Scrape the old pads from the base.

Use a decreasing agent such as alcohol to remove any grease from the area.

Apply rubber adhesive part number PS22845 to the area where the old pads were removed.

Apply the new pads to the base and let dry. The top surface of the pad should be located 3/32 of an inch below the center opening in th base. The distance between the pads should be about 5/8 of an inch.

Lubricate the damper pads with the silicone grease.

Reassemble the washer.

If when you put it back together the tub is not centered you can center it using the eye bolts.

Here is the damper pad kit.

[WilliamN8427]

Thank you, Sheila.

I ordered the pads/grease and the adhesive. I would rather have the parts on hand just in case.

Thank you for all your help, Sheila.

[WilliamN8427]

Originally Posted by WilliamN8427

Thank you, Sheila.

I ordered the pads/grease and the adhesive. I would rather have the parts on hand just in case.

Thank you for all your help, Sheila.

The repair went easily, as you said, Sheila. Thanks again for the help.

[keiri]

I have a frigidaire top load washer model # FWS223RFS1 during spin cycle it thumps even if it is empty when i move the drum it does not go back to center just like the maytag but when i look at the parts list and diagram i do not see damper pads is my problem the same as the one above or not thanks in advance for any and all help

[WilliamN8427]

Originally Posted by keiri

I have a frigidaire top load washer model # FWS223RFS1 during spin cycle it thumps even if it is empty when i move the drum it does not go back to center just like the maytag but when i look at the parts list and diagram i do not see damper pads is my problem the same as the one above or not thanks in advance for any and all help

If I were you, I'd post this as a new topic in the Washer Repair section. I think you're more apt to get a response.

Good luck -- Sheila was a great help to me.