Thread Number: 87486  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Replacing Maytag Neptune
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 1120409   6/15/2021 at 22:04 (1,016 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        

lwbarkley's profile picture
Our 15 year old Maytag Neptune is on its way out. It has never given me a problem and the matching dryer is still going but the washer has become super loud during the spin cycle and I’m afraid it is going to die on me. I’d like to be prepared and know what I want to replace it with when that day comes. I teach at a low income school so when the washer dies I plan to donate the dryer to a family in need and get a new washer and dryer that match.

I don’t need a huge washer, we have two teenaged girls so there are four in the house but I tend do a load or two a day and rarely fill up my Neptune to full capacity. We don’t have any king sized comforters or stuff like that. We do have a lot of land to manage so we have some dirty work clothes to wash but if they’re ever heavily soiled I rinse them in my mudroom sink before washing them in the machine.

I’d prefer something energy efficient, quiet, and fairly simple (it’d be nice if it had a delayed start since I do like to set a load to be done when I come home from work but that’s not a deal breaker for me, I think I could live without it if I was trading it in for reliability and longevity). I want a machine that can get my garden clothes clean but will not tear up my delicates. There is also an issue with the look of the machines. Our washer and dryer are out in the open in our mud room and that has become the main entrance to our home, no one enters through the front door so the first thing people see are our washer and dryer. I know that shouldn’t matter, but the perfectionist side of me would like for them to look nice. And when I say “nice” I don’t mean fancy, I mean simple and clean looking, no frills.

I think I’ve narrowed it down to two machines: a Miele (the simplest one) and the matching heat pump dryer. The Miele does have a lot of features but I like what I read about it getting the clothes clean but also being gentle and I really appreciate the energy and water efficiency. I also like that I can build a cabinet around it. The second machine I am considering is the most basic Speed Queen top loader since I like reported dependability and the look of the classic top loaders. Our house is unique and eclectic, we built it ourselves and added onto a 200 year old log cabin so I feel like either look (the compacts in the cupboard or the old school top loader out in the ripen) would work for us.

Does anyone have suggestions, maybe an option I am over looking? Or do you have a strong opinion about the Miele or Speed Queen? We have a local store that sells both brands and has technicians that can work on both brands.





Post# 1120411 , Reply# 1   6/15/2021 at 22:32 (1,016 days old) by Canuck (Canada)        

I have a Miele washer and love it. The temperature control is much better than a top loader as it has a heater. Delicates/wool/silk are all treated very well. Cycle times are longer than a top loader though so if speed of washing is important to you a top loader might be best.

Post# 1120416 , Reply# 2   6/15/2021 at 23:28 (1,016 days old) by littlegreeny (Milwaukee, WI)        
Just an FYI

littlegreeny's profile picture
That entry level Miele (WWB 020) doesn't have an extra rinse option if that's important to you.

Post# 1120422 , Reply# 3   6/16/2021 at 04:29 (1,016 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
speed queen tc5

pierreandreply4's profile picture
the speed queen tc5 is the old school clean washer with matching dryer

  View Full Size
Post# 1120424 , Reply# 4   6/16/2021 at 04:43 (1,016 days old) by Easyspindry (Winston-Salem, NC)        
I have a . . .

. . . Speed Queen front loader which is a real workhorse.  It cleans well and spins at 1400 RPM in the final spin.

 

I'm in Winston-Salem.

 

Jerry Gay


Post# 1120427 , Reply# 5   6/16/2021 at 05:50 (1,016 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
1400rpm SQ FL?

They are 1200rpm, aren't they?

Post# 1120445 , Reply# 6   6/16/2021 at 11:49 (1,016 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

What about replacing the bearings?

Post# 1120475 , Reply# 7   6/16/2021 at 17:11 (1,015 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        
Replacing the bearings?

lwbarkley's profile picture
Thank you for the suggestion.

My husband is looking into that option. He found a couple of videos and says it looks like something he’d feel comfortable doing.

I’d be really happy if that works!!


Post# 1120484 , Reply# 8   6/16/2021 at 19:04 (1,015 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
When we had our repair tech come out to fix our Neptune washer, they told us that not only they didn't had the bearing in stock to fix the washer but it would've costed us just as much as buying a new washer so that's what we ended up doing instead.

So in regards to the Miele vs the Speed Queen, here's my only concern with the Miele. The Miele is made overseas. Not only can they be expensive to find certain parts for but also if some of those parts aren't in stock here in the US, it would take a while for the parts to be shipped out here. That's what I like about the Speed Queen better is because its made here in the US. Anyways, those are my two cents here.


Post# 1120488 , Reply# 9   6/16/2021 at 19:43 (1,015 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Replacing the bearings and main seal

combo52's profile picture

Is a good option if you can do it your self.

 

Best replacement for the MT Neptune would be a SQ FL washer, going back to a water guzzling TL machine is not a great idea as the performance is much poorer.

 

John 


Post# 1120510 , Reply# 10   6/17/2021 at 02:15 (1,015 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

@panasonicvac

Yes, if you have a technician service the Neptune that will be quite pricey and theoretically it could make sense to replace the washer, HOWEVER, you'd replace an awesome washer with many years of service left by a washer that would, if lucky, last 5 years.

Of course, either Miele or Speed Queen would be excellent replacements because both are very reliable machines. The problem is the price. I bet you know they're very expensive.

Repairing it as a DYI, if we'll done, can give the Neptune maybe 10/15 years more... maybe the bearings will need replacement again in a few years, but it's WAY CHEAPER.

It's somewhat a PITA to replace the bearings but it's not the end of the world. And if done correctly, the Neptune will purr like a kitten just like it was when it was brand new.


Post# 1120543 , Reply# 11   6/17/2021 at 09:36 (1,015 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
I actually was kind of hoping that we would have the bearing replaced cause I'll be honest here, I did liked that washer. But unfortunately, it wasn't my call to make. And replacing the bearing looked like something that we couldn't do with ourselves. We once tried to figure out of what was wrong with our Neptune dryer we used to have when it burnt out but we couldn't and the technician confirmed to us that it was a bad motor.

I think our replacement washer would last longer than 5 years, I mean we got a recommendation of what brand the technician repairs the least and so we went with that route instead. If I had to go back in time and make a decision again, I'd still replace the Neptune. Had we still had the Whirlpool Duet which we sold with the cabin that we used to have, that one I would've fixed anyday cause those are the best washers that I've ever used.


Post# 1120544 , Reply# 12   6/17/2021 at 09:41 (1,015 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        

lwbarkley's profile picture
@thomasortega

Do you think the kit linked below is a good one for replacing the bearings and seals?

I’d rather keep the Neptune if it’s fixable. It seems worth it to give it a try. I’m happy with its performance and I’d LOVE to not spend the money on a new washer if I don’t have to.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO LWBarkley's LINK


Post# 1120549 , Reply# 13   6/17/2021 at 10:04 (1,015 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
That link is dead for me, unfourtunately...

But of course, or beloved guy from Lorain Furniture and Appliances has a video on it:






His kit includes very high quality bearings but seems rather expensive and is on backorder.

This lip seal kit is half the price:
partsdr.com/part/12002022-lip-se...

And getting the matching bearings shouldn't be much of a hazzle.
The matching bearings have this basically universal naming:
6206-2RS1
6207-2RS1

They can be had for 15€ together over here, but getting them in the US puts the price at 4 times that.
So maybe some local store or other brand would suffice.


Post# 1120550 , Reply# 14   6/17/2021 at 10:19 (1,015 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        

lwbarkley's profile picture
That's the video we watched :) but we saw how long the wait time was for delivery on the kit and thought we'd see if we could find it somewhere else.

We found this one on Amazon, hopefully this link will work.

www.amazon.com/MAH5500BWW...


CLICK HERE TO GO TO LWBarkley's LINK


Post# 1120556 , Reply# 15   6/17/2021 at 11:08 (1,015 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
NBR bearings

Seem to be some Chinese brand or something like that, nothing I have heared of yet.

But I guess they will work just as well as any other spear.
As long as the seal fits well and the shaft is in good condition they should hold up just as long as what was in their originally, probably...


Post# 1120589 , Reply# 16   6/17/2021 at 15:15 (1,015 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
I have used OEM and generic bearing/seal kits.....both seem to work well for replacements....

the first set I ever bought was close to 60.00.....from there on, they can be had for around 20.00, depending on where you go....

I also popped the bearings open and packed more grease in there.....

I usually just banged out the bearings myself.....but there is a TonyTool that makes this job easier if you can rent one....






  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size
Post# 1120655 , Reply# 17   6/18/2021 at 05:47 (1,014 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        
I’ll let you know how it goes.

lwbarkley's profile picture
Thank you for the suggestions and resources. We will get the parts ordered and give it a try.

Post# 1120665 , Reply# 18   6/18/2021 at 07:20 (1,014 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
@yogitunes

ozzie908's profile picture
Loving the dog ...x

Post# 1122293 , Reply# 19   7/4/2021 at 06:15 (998 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        
Need replacement tub cover.

lwbarkley's profile picture
My husband replaced the bearings but he broke a chunk out of the tub cover when he was putting the clips back on it.
He put it back together and we ran it though a spin cycle, it sounds brand new but obviously we can’t use it with water until we get a new tub cover. Unfortunately, WE can’t find one online. I’m going to check our local used appliance store and a place I drive by that always has old machines sitting out front but I thought I’d ask y’all in case those searches are unsuccessful.

It is for a MAH5500BWW


  View Full Size
Post# 1122349 , Reply# 20   7/4/2021 at 22:25 (997 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
how bad is the break on the cover?...pics

Post# 1122381 , Reply# 21   7/5/2021 at 06:09 (997 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        

lwbarkley's profile picture
@yogitunes

It’s bad. It is a hole. I wondered about patching it but was not sure with it being exposed to water and vibration, if it would hold up. We’d have to take the front back off to show you a pic but here is a pic of the chunk that came out.


  View Full Size
Post# 1122388 , Reply# 22   7/5/2021 at 06:58 (997 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
lwbarkly if you still consider replacement

pierreandreply4's profile picture
LwBarkley,

if you still consider replacement do not know if you went fl or topload but just letting you know that i have this maytag washer now that replace a whirlpool duet sure its a topload but so far its pretty good 5.4 capacety and this is the matching dryer moneyshot included as well so you see inside the machine


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 3         View Full Size
Post# 1122397 , Reply# 23   7/5/2021 at 07:56 (997 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
well it would be a bit easier to diagnose where on the cover that piece snapped away from....

it doesn't appear to be a critical section, but I wanted to see where to the sealing area is affected....

I will check my parts areas if I happen to have one, just in case....


Post# 1122402 , Reply# 24   7/5/2021 at 09:23 (997 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        

lwbarkley's profile picture
@yogitunes

We made a video trying to fill it with water. Looks like it’s a critical part 😂






CLICK HERE TO GO TO LWBarkley's LINK


Post# 1122403 , Reply# 25   7/5/2021 at 09:46 (997 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
YOWZA....that is a missing chunk.....

OK...were going to have to search for another tub cover...

stay tuned....we'll get back to you....


Post# 1122404 , Reply# 26   7/5/2021 at 09:49 (997 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
a quick thought while we try to locate one....

here is one in Columbia, NC....if anything, you will have a working machine, and spare parts....

just a quick idea for the moment....


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK on Columbia Craigslist


Post# 1122481 , Reply# 27   7/6/2021 at 06:11 (996 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        

lwbarkley's profile picture
Thank you. I contacted that seller and a couple other ones I found on FB marketplace but have not heard anything back. I’ll keep looking.

Post# 1122564 , Reply# 28   7/6/2021 at 21:43 (995 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        

lwbarkley's profile picture
@yogitunes
I found a guy on eBay who has one! It wasn’t listed but he had a bunch of other parts for this machine so I asked and sure enough he had one.


Post# 1122566 , Reply# 29   7/6/2021 at 21:58 (995 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Nice puppy profile pic.


Post# 1122570 , Reply# 30   7/6/2021 at 23:09 (995 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
well thats fantastic...

keep us posted on your progress....


Post# 1122578 , Reply# 31   7/7/2021 at 06:40 (995 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        

lwbarkley's profile picture
@DADoES

Thanks. He’s a wonderful assistant/therapy dog 😂!


  View Full Size
Post# 1123140 , Reply# 32   7/13/2021 at 05:50 (989 days old) by LWBarkley (Vale, NC)        
Up and Running

lwbarkley's profile picture
We really appreciate the advice, resources, and support we gained from this community. We’re grateful we were able to repair the machine and so far it seems to be working as well or better than it did before. Except, it is SO quiet! Now this old John Hartford song keeps popping into my head:




CLICK HERE TO GO TO LWBarkley's LINK


Post# 1123144 , Reply# 33   7/13/2021 at 08:48 (989 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
Excellent!

yeah, I think sometimes after new bearings it is quieter than when brand new....

you will get many more wonderful years with this now....


now that you know how simple and inexpensive it is to do, you may want to find a spare set that needs bearings....most of my machines I got for 25.00 to free because they needed bearings....

COLD washes is what mainly seems to shorten the life of FL machines....stick with WARM/HOT and some bleach with white loads, and these machines will serve you for many years.....

thanks for posting....



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy