How to test the drive hub on a Maytag washer that is unbalanced

If your Maytag washer is unbalanced during spin or agitation, the problem may be with the drive hub. This part is responsible for transferring the motor’s rotational force to the washing machine’s drum during the spin and agitation cycles. If the drive hub is worn or damaged, it can cause the drum to become unbalanced during operation.. 

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 washer 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.

Tools and materials

• 7/16″ socket
• Flathead screwdriver

The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

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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.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• 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.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

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Testing steps

1. Unplug the washing machine or turn off the circuit breaker powering the washing machine.
2. Open the washing machine lid and locate the agitator in the center of the tub.
3. Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry off the center cap on top of the agitator.
4. Use a 7/16″ socket wrench to remove the agitator bolt in the center of the agitator by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Carefully lift the agitator plate up and set it aside.
6. Inspect the drive hub, which is the component the agitator connects to. Look for any cracks, breaks, or a damaged retainer clip on the drive hub.
7. If you find any damage to the drive hub, it will need to be replaced with a new one.  
8. If the drive hub appears to be in good condition, then the issue is likely being caused by something else.
9. To reassemble, place the agitator plate back in its original position and secure it by screwing the 7/16″ agitator bolt back in clockwise.
10. Press the center cap back into place on top of the agitator.
11. Plug the washing machine back in or turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power.
12. Run a test cycle to ensure the washer is now balanced and operating properly.

Read more:  How to fix an unbalanced Maytag washer

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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