Maytag A106 problems

Hi Carly, you have gotten great use out of this washer, and your decision to buy a new Speed Queen is a good one. the squealing noise when the machine is a dry brake, this is fairly easy to fix, the excessive vibration during spin is likely bad damper pads. Bad damper pads is usually the end of the line for MT washers, while the pads are cheap putting them in is a MAJOR repair AND if the machine has been used with bad pads you also need to replace the aluminum damper assembly and this requires complete dissemblely of almost the entire machine. As a repair professional we NEVER repair MTs when they have this problem.

The noises you are hearing are not bad belts, loose supports or a bad clutch, your MT washer does not have a clutch, and if the tub supports were loose it would be leaking water like a sieve.

The good news is that you can keep using this washer as long as it is getting the job done, and the even better news is a new SQ washer used under the same conditions will wash far more clothing and last longer than even this MT did.

John L.


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Post# 748909 4/9/2014 at 16:29 (3,668 days old) by carly1 ()
Checkrate/Likes I have a 36-year old Maytag A106 that is exhibiting a lot of problems lately. The washer shakes violently during its spin cycle but it never gets off balance or moves. The machine runs a bit louder than normal and squeaks throughout each spin cycle. After the machine completes its final spin, it makes a very loud high-pitched squealing noise. This high pitch squeal only happens at the very end of its final spin as the machine is shutting off and it is extremely loud. Even though the machine shakes and sounds terrible, it actually works well. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing these symptoms? Since the machine still works, is there any danger of using it while it is making these strange noises? I am going to order a new Speed Queen to replace it, but I'd like to continue using it until it arrives unless there is a legitamite reason not to. I'm really sad to see this old machine finally die because it has been an excellent washer. I have been doing multiple loads of laundry in this washer each day for the past 17 years and it hasn't needed any repairs until recently.

Post# 748965 , Reply# 1 4/9/2014 at 19:18 (3,667 days old) by Gilles8000 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Squealing* Check under the washer. There's 2 belts. One for the agitation and spin and the other for the pump. It could very well be that the belts are wearing down. Replace both belts and that should stop the squealing. These belts are very easy to replace. When you do replace them be sure they're the right ones. Buying a new washer will never last as long as these old vintage models.

Post# 748967 , Reply# 2 4/9/2014 at 19:24 (3,667 days old) by brucelucenta ()
Checkrate/Likes It's the sure spin clutch at the bottom of the machine that is causing the squealing. I won't hurt to keep using it. The vibration may be because of the supports that screw into the outer tub have loosened and need tightening. I have had that problem before with an older machine. It is probably leaking ever so slightly too, where the screws hold the supports to the outer tub.

Post# 748982 , Reply# 3 4/9/2014 at 20:13 (3,667 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)
Checkrate/Likes *Also....* ....The damper pads could possibly stand to be replaced. These are three polypropylene pads that are under the spin base. They are glued to the baseplate of the washer (the gray metal "floor" of the washer), and they are lubricated with a substance called Polylube. The spin base rotates on the three pads. A set of damper pads, complete with instructions and Polylube, is less than $20. It's a DIY repair if you're handy. Worn damper pads squeal and squeak, and the noise is worse in cold weather. The noise is most pronounced in the spin cycle. Search here on "maytag damper pads" if you want to know more.

Post# 748991 , Reply# 4 4/9/2014 at 21:32 (3,667 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Noisey MT Washer* Hi Carly, you have gotten great use out of this washer, and your decision to buy a new Speed Queen is a good one. the squealing noise when the machine is a dry brake, this is fairly easy to fix, the excessive vibration during spin is likely bad damper pads. Bad damper pads is usually the end of the line for MT washers, while the pads are cheap putting them in is a MAJOR repair AND if the machine has been used with bad pads you also need to replace the aluminum damper assembly and this requires complete dissemblely of almost the entire machine. As a repair professional we NEVER repair MTs when they have this problem. The noises you are hearing are not bad belts, loose supports or a bad clutch, your MT washer does not have a clutch, and if the tub supports were loose it would be leaking water like a sieve. The good news is that you can keep using this washer as long as it is getting the job done, and the even better news is a new SQ washer used under the same conditions will wash far more clothing and last longer than even this MT did. John L.