Maytag Brake Assy

[MarcM]

Maytag Brake on toploader quit functioning. Tub spins freely when motor stops. I took brake apart and it looks OK. Oil was dirty so I wiped it out and put in new. Still doesn't brake. Any ideas?? Thanks
MarcM

[MSKLAUNDRY.]

In all the years of fixing Maytag tops I can't remember the last time I needed to change a brake package.

The first thing I would check or replace is the brake bearing, part # 200835 which sometimes causes the pulley to stick in the up position.

Also make sure that you install the stop lug correctly on the bottom of the transmission shaft.pulley should be hitting it from the side not the top with a small gap between it.

How old is the washer and which tranny does it have?

[MarcM]

The brake bearing is good and the lug is in the correct position. The washer is a model A23 CD and has an orbital transmission. It is a 1989 model 14 years old. I have 30 of them and have never had a brake problem either!!?? So I'm stumped.
MarcM

[MSKLAUNDRY.]

When the washer agitates does it also spin?

[SudsMan]

I have 16 older Maytag top loaders and have found that the brake can be kept from operating by the spiral shaft being rusted and not letting the brake do its thing. The rust comes from a leaky tub seal.
A short term fix is to remove the brake assembly, along with the top bearing. When you do, be sure to look for water droplets in the grease on the splined shaft and/or on the spiral shaft and/or in the rubber plastic cup that covers the bottom lug. Finding water is a clue to a bad tub seal. Anyway, for the short term fix, wipe off ALL grease from the splined shaft and from inside the brake assemby and from the spiral shaft. Use some very fine sandpaper, emery cloth or crockus (sp?) cloth to remove any rust from the spiral shaft. Make sure you clean off any debris from this operation.

Re-grease the spiral shaft and the splined shaft. I use a while water proof grease for this. But loads on and wipe off the excess after you've re-assembled the brake assembly. I usually get a few months more operation out of doing this. And this quick fix and be done wit the washer insitu. Just pull it out a little and tip it back to gain access to the underside. Eventually you'll have to replace the tub seal.

[MarcM]

The bearing that sits on top of the drive pulley was covered with grease and seemed to spin freely on the drive pulley surface. However when I wiped off all the grease I could see that the bearing was badly cracked and was frozen. A new bearing P/N 800235 did the trick. Thanks Marc, you were right!!!

[MSKLAUNDRY.]

Another satisfied customer!!!