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

wrote in message
oups.com...


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?

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.

wrote:
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

Hi,

Is this "motor track" area available to me (to clean and lube) if I
tip the machine on it's side?

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!

http://www.applianceaid.com/images/maymotorrollers.JPG
http://www.applianceaid.com/maytagwash.html#apart

http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=435166
Glide kit for motor mounting plates, set of 4 with poly lube
http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=2791
Washing machine motor slide-plate repair k
jeff.
Appliance Repair Aid
http://www.applianceaid.com/

Is this "motor track" area available to me (to clean and lube) if I
tip the machine on it's side?
Or does the machine need to be further dismantled to clean/lube the
motor track?

Thank you.... Lee Carkenord

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.