Maytag LA8650 Washer - Grinding/Scraping/Rattle Noise During Spin Cycle

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 . In the video, it gets off-balance even with nothing in the washer. The rasping sound is intermittent as you can hear in the video. 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

 

Take belt off water pump and try turning pump by hand. See if you hear noise that way. Maytag pumps can make a lot of noise when going bad.You may get lucky and find something in pump if that is where noise is coming from.

 

The pump is in the lower right front, right? I don't think that the rattling/grinding/scraping noise is coming from down there. (Plus, would that have anything to do with the off-balance condition?) It sounds much higher. But I am willing to try what you say - I will go take a look. Thanks!!

 

If noise sounds like it's coming from center you will need a bearing and usually a transmission. Does it roar in spin cycle?

 

Pugsl, thanks for trying to help me. I really appreciate it.

I don't know if you would call it a roar. I made a video before I started disassembling it so that you could hear it. To me, it sounds more like a grinding/scraping/rattling noise. Were you able to watch the video? Here is a link:
YouTube - Maytag LA8650 Washing Machine

-Carol

 

That sounds like the bearings. I never tear one down without replacing transmission also. here is a break down for your machine
MAYTAG | Model #LA8650 | MAYTAG LAUNDRY | SearsPartsDirect.com
On that machine I would not do repair without changing transmission.

 

Oh no, do you think? Replacing the transmission sounds very difficult. I may be getting out of my league.

 

Yes it's a big job. We always set it up for 2 men and 2 to 3 hours with special tools.

 

Is it possible to get the spanner nut/clamping nut off using the spanner wrench without breaking it?

(I do know that it is left-handed thread so I will turn it clockwise to remove.)

 

You need the spanner wrench. Great video; I watched it and it sounds like the tub bearing. If you want to check further, you'll need to strip the machine down to the bearing which is under the tub and see what kind of shape the bearing it's in.

 

Parts and spanner wrench are on order. Will post back when I get the repair underway.

 

Sounds good. The feedback is appreciated. Could you kindly post what it cost you? Thanks.

 

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? (Sorry for all the dirty talk.)

Carol

 

Would it be a good idea to spray anything on there like WD-40 or anything else to loosen it up? Is there anything that would help?

 

Will do - think I'll wait until project complete.

 

I think the rubber mallet is the problem. Try some WD-40 or similar and use a heavier hammer.

 

I did use some WD-40 and let it sit for about an hour. Also, had to put a block of wood underneath to keep the transmission and stem from turning with the clamping nut. The combination of WD-40 and wood block did the trick. I'm gaining on it now. One more trip back into the laundry room and I think I'll have that clamping nut whipped.

 

Clamping nut is off! Woo-hoo! Onto the next step.

 

Allright! Soon, you'll be sitting next to the phone with the Maytag guy. he he Oops- the poor Maytag guy is busy today, no longer lonely at the shop.

 

I finally finished the project! Remaining steps and installation, along with numerous photos, are posted here:
Maytag LA8650 Washer - Grinding/Scraping/Rattle Noise During Spin Cycle - Appliances (Small and Major) - Discussion Areas - TheFixItForum.com - Message Board - Yuku

-Carol

 

You have one of the last of the good Maytags, Hope you have many years of use out of it. Good job. Thanks for the update

 

I was wondering what happened to you and this project. Excellent posting, it will help many others. Check out www.uncleharry.com You could probably make some good part time $$.