Jerry B for Model Number Maytag LA712 I have a 28 year old Maytag model LA712 that my wife wants to keep. The transmission fluid leaked out 15 years ago & a Maytag repairman told me back then that it's not worth fixing and we should buy a new one. I think a little still leaks out now and then. Now, 15 years later the machine still works, but after changing the 2 belts (pump & drive), it sometimes will not spin. I can get it to spin if I push & hold the motor towards the outside (thereby stretching & tightening the belts). When it starts spinning, I let go & it continues to spin. Is it time to replace the transmission or should I try moving the motor a little to the outside thereby stretching & tightening the belts? Right now the motor starts to move slightly when I totally pinch the pump belt together.
Answer Jerry, A quick easy repair, you'll need, new motor tension springs 202718 and Poly Lube WP99003172. Raise the front of the washer and remove the front panel and belts. With a can of compressed air or "WD 40" and a wrag, slide the motor back and forth while spraying the carriage and roller area, Get it as clean as possible. Remove the original springs, slide the motor assembly towards the back, using the poly lube apply a generous amount to your finger and apply the lubricant to the underside of the upper carriage, side rail and lower rail surface, on both sides, slide the motor as far back as possible(towards the front) and repeat the process. Install the new springs and slide the motor back and forth several times, install both belts. Slightly loosen the three(3) 5/16" hex head screws, holding the drain pump to the base(from underneath the base), Hold the motor in position and "pinch" the center of the pump belt together until the inside surfaces meet, and tighten the pump screws. Lower the front and check the spin cycle. Thanks Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Friday, September 28, 2012