How to test the belt on an unbalanced Maytag washer

If your Maytag washer is unbalanced during spin and agitation, the problem may be with the drive belt. Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your appliance back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The testing information in this article is based on model number MVWC400XW4 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What does the belt do?

The drive belt is a flexible, loop-shaped band that connects the washer’s motor to the transmission. When the motor turns, the drive belt transfers that rotational force to the transmission, which then spins the washer drum and agitates the clothes.

The key functions of the drive belt are:

• Power transmission – It transmits the rotational force from the motor to the transmission, allowing the drum to spin and the agitator to move.
• Drum rotation – As the belt spins, it causes the transmission to turn, which in turn rotates the washer drum.
• Agitation – The belt’s rotation also powers the movement of the agitator, which creates the back-and-forth motion that helps clean the clothes.

If the drive belt becomes worn, cracked, loose, or misaligned, it can cause the washer to become unbalanced during the spin and agitation cycles. This is why troubleshooting and potentially replacing the drive belt is often one of the first steps in resolving issues with an unbalanced washing machine.

Tools and materials

• 5/16” socket

The tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance. Consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.

Read more:  How to fix an unbalanced Maytag washer

Testing steps

1. Unplug the washer from the power source or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Carefully lay the washer down so that it is lying on its back. This will provide better access to check the drive belt on the bottom.
3. Locate the belt shield, which is a protective cover over the drive belt. Use a 5/16″ socket to unscrew and remove the mounting bolts holding the belt shield in place.
4. Carefully remove the belt shield and inspect the belt for any signs of wear, cracking, fraying, or flat spots. Run your fingers along the belt to feel for these issues.
5. If you notice any damage or uneven wear on the belt, it will need to be replaced. 
6. If the belt appears to be in good condition, you can reinstall it. Start by placing the belt over the motor pulley.
7. While holding the belt in place on the motor pulley, rotate the belt and guide it over the drive pulley. Make sure the belt is properly aligned and seated in the pulleys.
8. Replace the belt shield and secure it back into place using the 5/16″ mounting bolts.
9. Carefully tilt the washer back upright and plug the power cord back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.

Read more:  Maytag washer not spinning or agitating: A troubleshooting guide

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Maytag washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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