Remove the transmission belt and spin the center transmission pulley counter-clockwise (clockwise will spin the inner tub). If it's difficult to turn or seized up, the agitator bearings are shot.

Transmission replacement time, we see this quite often in the field.

The two major things that we see killing MT DC washers are tight sizing transmissions and shot damper pads with all the dreaded black dust from ground aluminum damper domes.

On the newer MT DC washers like the LAT models bad [ NLA ] timers are the major reason we are junking these machines.

We see at least a dozen DC MTs junked every month including an occasional center dial machine still.

You can fix your washer if you want, it is usually easier if you can find a low use machine and use as a parts donor or even just get another machine, good used machines are still out there or at least ones that don't need such major repairs. 

John L.

No matter whether we spin the transmission pulley clockwise or counter-clockwise, the drum or basket seems to turn in the direction we chose.

Remove the rubber cover from the center pulley and verify that the stop lug components are all there and not broken (stop lug key, washer, and screw). If they're, it sounds like the clutch washers or pinion gear inside the transmission are broken or something is broken inside the brake package.

It is LAT 3914 AAF model and 30 years old.  She says it squeals and doesn't always spin the water out but I hope this will be the repair.  She really wants to keep the washer.  Hopefully, it won't be anything more serious.

Is there any way to preserve the timer so it might last longer?  If the part is NLA is it possible to have a Whirlpool timer in there?

I found a transmission but for the ridiculous price of $615 so there probably is not a new transmission in the future.  That is from Repair clinic.

What are these "damper pads"?  If they are worn is it possible to replace them?  At what point is does the washer become scrap?

She used to have a Maytag repairman who fixed her washer when it was needed but he had to have surgery and probably will retire after wards.  He told her keep it, but I think the only repairman she has now will be me. 

She says it squeals and doesn't always spin the water

High probability of the motor carriage incorrectly clutching from debris in the tracks and lack of lubrication. Verify that the pump pulley turns easily.



LAT 3914 AAF

No model number for that but there is an LAT3914AAE. Timer is Part# 22001025. Lots of them on Ebay.

What are these "damper pads"?  If they are worn is it possible to replace them

Actually, I think the belts might be enough this time.  We will find out tomorrow.

The reason she likes the Maytag, which I recommended back then, besides being a matching set is that it does a good job washing the clothes like any classic machine does.  I don't know if you know about how I complain about her husband, Gary.  Gary is really loud and smelly (and a narcissist) and does not have the best personal hygiene but he gets away with it because he is a doctor (primary care physician).  So she needs an effective machine to get his clothes clean.  

It's possible her Maytag repairman might replace the damper pads when he fully recovers from surgery.  I was wondering what parts to "Stock up" on that she might need later on.  

As for LG:

Despite my name I have had an LG washer for some.  So far have not needed service so I don't know what it is like to get a technician.  I have noticed that it can be rather noisy, knocking when trying to spin on a medium load of old lady clothes.  The default is a warm wash so you have to select hot on purpose (to get warm wash at all).  It frequently smells and I have to run the tub clean cycle often but that is because mom uses a lot of fabric softener.  I always have to clean debris out of the rubber gasket and I have to spray Shout in there but it's hard to move aside to do that.  It's good for loads like rugs and spreads but now I think I know why most housewives back then chose top loaders.  

And it seems to agitate and spin faster as the old belts were stretched out.  It still makes the SHRIEK right at the end, when the tub stops spinning.  Could that be the "damper pads"?  She is going to find another Maytag repairman, as I saw the you tube video and a special tool is required, plus the insides need supported.  I also told her to be gentle with turning the timer in case it is later NLA.

Hi Bob, It's easy to just squirt around 1/2 ounce of oil in the brake from below, you don't need to take anything apart or need any tools, just use a zoom spout turbin oil.

John L.

She even told me that it is now a shriek, less than a SHRIEK so I think the belts did help.  Should I order the damper pads too?  Are there any other parts that wear that I should try to get before they are obsoleted?  The middle of the agitator was full of black mold and caca but the machine appears to be in otherwise good condition.