Steve S Scott Afb , IL January 10, 2015 Appliance: Maytag Top Loading Washer A112 Maytag Washer A112: Maytag clothes washer always had a terrible smell. How to replace Clamp Nut (Machine-Thread). I took the wash basket out of the tub to remove all the sludge and scale that had accumulated over the years. But I did not have a spanner wrench to remove the large nut holding the basket to the center shaft. No problem - I used a hammer and chisel on the ears. But didn't realize it was a LEFT HAND THREAD!! That's when the nut split in two and I had no choice but to purchase another. Long story short, it's back together and the washer doesn't smell anymore. Live and learn... 8 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 2+ hours