Ragnar
Premium Member
- Model Number
- MVWC6ESWW1

I have a Maytag Centennial Top Load Washer that is really being a frustration.

I bought this washer new from Lowe's approx eight years ago. has been good up until this past year. It got to agitating before filling, it seemed to not be synchronized, stinking bad and dancing all over the floor while spinning. Well I tore it down. It was disgusting. I cant believe how much scum had built up in the inner tub. Well I cleaned it. all new springs and pads also new load/temp control. Reassembled it and it worked like a charm for about 3-4 months...then it started making a "ratcheting" sound one morning 2 weeks ago.
I automatically took it to the garage and tore into it. Initially I was at a loss. Couldn't find anything that was obviously wrong. Took it down to the gear case. Separated and tested the motor..which appeared to be OK. The pump spins OK without noise. I put the gear case in my vice and torqued it with my drill. No noise. Made a drill bit to do this

The teeth on the motor and transmission are intact and the wafer that goes between the gear box and motor is ok. I went ahead and tore the gear box apart? I figured there had to be something worn or broke? Nope. Not even wear on the plastic gears. Refilled and resealed and reassembled the washer. Same noise.
I watched a vid on you tube...the guys Maytag was making the same noise only when agitating...and said it was the "agitation cam" $22.00 part. Tore it down this am and replaced the agitation cam. Reassembled only to hear the same noise and also noticed for the first time that the drum was not moving with spinning or fully moving when agitating. You know how you can hear the water sloshing...it is moving but not as much as I thing it should.
Ah hah...it got to be the clutch. When I tore it down it looked in ok shape. The pads were not terribly worn, but went and got a clutch kit $44.00 and installed it. I think the noise is improved but it still is not spinning and agitating?
Super frustrated. I really think I am missing something incredibly small "upstream" but I cannot find a service manual. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Ragnar