The original pump was getting jammed intermittently, more and more often. I cleaned it out, but that didn't help the jamming. So I ordered a new pump. Have your new pump on hand and look at it to see how it attaches. The original pump, a different part number than the replacement, lasted about 7 years of almost everyday use, with multiple loads each day.
My washer model Maytag MHW5500FW0 has the pump at the bottom back, in an awkward position. This took me about 2 hours due to the awkward positioning, and I'm slow, but it was much cheaper to fix myself than calling a repair person, and I learned how to do it. Always follow safety practices when working on machines.
Steps to replace the pump assembly:
1. Unplug the machine.
2. Shut off washer hot and cold valves, and disconnect water hoses.
3. I had to move the washer out, and I used some lifting tools and wheels for that.
4. Take the back cover off. There's some 1/4" screws that can be driven by a nut driver. But not all the screws need to be taken off, you'll see some that the back cover is not attached to, with a cutout. No need to touch those, they hold up brackets.
5. Disconnect the power connector on the pump. It pulls apart.
6. At the bottom of the machine, there is a clean-out plug on the pump housing. Place a container underneath to catch the water, then unscrew it. Mine was especially difficult to unscrew, as it's at an angle to the side. On some machines it's directly in the back and easier to reach. You may need to apply leverage if it's stuck. I used a adjustable wrench with a rag on it to get it started, as mine was very stuck. Then I could loosen it by hand.
7. After drained, disconnect the hose clamp on the pump, and move it backward up the hose a bit, and remove the hose. I used some pliers, but hose clamp pliers would be especially helpful here. Some water will come out of the hose, wipe it up to avoid thinking it's a leak in a future step.
8. There are 4 screws holding the pump assembly up onto the tub. Use a socket set with a small wrench and a 5/16" (I think, can't remember the exact size) socket to remove the screws. There is a screw in the back you can't see, and can only feel. Carefully place the socket on it and take out all screws.
9. Carefully pull down on the pump to pull it out of the tub, it's just a friction fit. Tell the pump what you really think of it.
10. Insert the new pump, carefully (and awkwardly) holding it up while carefully inserting it into the tub. Insert the screws, which is awkward as one of them may not be in a visible location, like my machine. Screw each one in a small amount at a time, in a pattern, to pull the pump upward gently. Hand tighten the screws, don't over-tighten as the screws just go into plastic. You will feel them get tighter sharply at the end. Make sure all the screws are properly seated, and the pump's mating surfaces are attached to the tub housing!
11. Re-connect the drain hose, by inserting the hose onto the pump. Then move the hose clamp back on to the end, by using pliers to hold it open while moving it.
12. Re-connect the pump's power connector, keeping the pump side connector half in the holder slot. Both halves will slide into each other.
13. Fill the tub with water with a bucket, to check for leaks. Let it sit for a few minutes and check again.
14. Re-attach the back panel, hoses, open the hot and cold valves, and plug in the machine. You're done!