Gary for Model Number LAT8704AAE My Maytag washer makes an intermittent screeching noise only in the agitation cycle and noise is more pronounced with heavier loads and/or high water levels. The unit is close to 20 years old and works fine outside of the screeching noise. There is no noise in the spin cycle. The belts have never been replaced and there is no noticeable water or oil leakage under the unit. A visual inspection of belts indicates some wear but they are not falling apart. Question: Are drive belts the probable cause for this noise or would a more likely cause be a bearing issue? Or perhaps both? If a bearing is likely cause, is there a particular bearing in clutch, transmission, motor or tub that would be priority to check? Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Answer Gary, It's time for a new set of belts 12112425 also check and lubricate the motor carriage rollers/slides with a few dabs of silicone grease WP26594P so the motor slides move freely back and forth. The squeak noise in the agitation cycle, is most likely a "slipping" brake package. If you can lay the washer on it's back, or raise the front high enough to access and remove the transmission pulley, you can add 1 teaspoon of 90 weight gear oil to the brake package, over the lip or edge of the stator. Also clean any residue and oil from the motor and transmission pulley. Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Friday, August 9, 2013