cleaning/lubing "motor track" on Maytag washer

This washer is a top loading Maytag, model A308/A308S. Its 26 yrs old, has served a family of 2 faithfully with no repairs needed.

A recent problem with the agitator action has led to kind advice to me that says that maybe the "motor track" needs cleaning and lubing.

Is this "motor track" area available to me (to clean and lube) if I tip the machine on it's side? I do rememember that when its tipped over like that, that there are 3 pulleys and 2 v-belts visible. Not much else to be seen. The pump belt is adjustable from that position.

Or does the machine need to be further dismantled to clean/lube the motor track?

Thank you.... Lee Carkenord

Reply to
carkenord
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Take the front panel off. two screws and lift out the bottom. The motor is in the front on the right side. If it is not moving freely, give it a shot of WD-40 and see if it loosens. IIRC, there are two spring holding it for tension. They may have lost some tension over the years too. Could be other problems. After 26 years the accumulated wear of a lot of farts is going to lessen the quality of the wash. Time to think about a new machine.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

position.

Hi,

Nope. But the washer may need to be tipped up to remove the motor pulley and motor nuts to remove the whole motor and bracket assembly to take apart the motor and for a proper cleaning and relube. Remove power first!

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kit for motor mounting plates, set of 4 with poly lube
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machine motor slide-plate repair k jeff. Appliance Repair Aid
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Reply to
Appliance Repair Aid

Tip the machine backward. Use blocks or something to hold up the front of the washer while you work on it so for have about 8 inches of space to work. You will need an allen wrench to loosen the set screw in the motor pully so you can remove it. Remove the two front panel screws found at the lower part of the front panel. Lift the panel out and swing it up till it comes off. Unplug the machine. The motor, found in the front/left corner has a dust cover on it. Remove it. With the machine unplugged carefully pull off all the colored wires going into the motor. There should be corresponding color markings on the terminals so you can pit them back correctly. If they are faded of you cannot see them, either take a digital picture or write down on a pad where each wire goes. Now, with the pully and belts already removed, feel underneath the machine where the motor mounts. There are four small nuts (3/8ths or 7/16ths) in a square pattern around the motor shaft. Remove these carefully. These are often rusted and will shear off the motor mounting studs if overtorqued. You may need to allow penetrating oil to loosen them first. Once these nuts are off you can remove the motor/mount assembly. It should be fairly straightforward getting the mount separated from the motor and then cleaning and lubing the mount. It is a very simple design. Make sure the four wheels don't have flat spots on them. If they do, you should replace them. Clean up the metal parts that form the wheel track with steel wool so the surfaces are smooth. Use a little (just a little) grease on the tracks and axles on reassembling. This isn't really a very complicated job once you get started. Hope this helps

Brad in Bend OR.

Reply to
Brad Behm

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