A strong smell emanating from your Maytag washing machine could be an issue to be concerned about and could signal an issue that requires to be dealt with promptly. This type of issue could result from diverse causes, like worn-out bearings, a belt that is not functioning, or a problem with the motor.
This article will outline the most frequent causes of burning smells from the Maytag washer and offer step-by step instructions for how to fix these issues. We’ve got you covered, no matter if you are experiencing a minor issue or a major issue. With the right approach you can fix the problem of a Maytag washer with an unpleasant smell and go back to washing your clothes with ease.
Drive Belt Or Spin Belt:
Some models of top loading Maytag washers make use of belts to drive the motor. If the Maytag washing machine is not agitating and stops agitating, the belt could be the cause. How to determine that the drive belt inside theMaytag washing machine needs replacing:
- Disconnect your Maytag from the power source prior the beginning.
- To take off the drive belt, you will need to remove the clamps holding it in place. Attached to the drive motor is the belt. To access the drive belt, you’ll need to take off the back panel or cabinet.
- After removing the belt, check it for fraying, burning or cracks.
- You can replace your belt with a Maytag replacement belt in case you encounter any problems.
Pump Belt:
Top load Maytag washers utilize the belt to operate the drain pump. This belt is normally a typical V-shaped belt, which connects the motor that drives it to a pulley on the drain pump. There could also be an idler pulley that is used to provide tension on the belt. If you experience a burning smell of rubber from the inside of your Maytag washer, inspect the pump belt. How do you determine if the pump belt in aMaytag washing machine is in need of replacing:
- Disconnect your Maytag washer from the power source and open your washer’s cabinet.
- To check the pump belt find it, then take it out. The belt is connected to the pulley of the motor that drives it. To remove it you’ll have to pull away the clamps that keep it in place.
- Take a look at your pump to identify indications of wear, burn or fraying and damages.
- If your belt displays any of the above symptoms the belt is in need of an Maytag replacement belt for your pump.
Motor Pulley
The drive motor utilizes pulleys to turn the drive or pump belts. Motor pulleys are made from metallic or synthetic materials to provide maximum contact with belts. If the pulley is worn or rusted, it may create excess friction and overheat or cause damage to the belt causing a burning smell. How to inspect the motor pulley on the Maytag washing machine
- Before you start this examination, unplug your Maytag washer.
- To look at the motor pulleys, locate it and remove it. You’ll need to dismantle the cabinet in order to do that as well as taking off any belts attached to the motor pulley.
- Take a look at your motor’s pulley for signs of accumulations of dirt, grease, or other materials in addition to indications of wear, damage, or burning.
- If you notice the pulley is worn or damaged, you’ll require a Maytag replacement pulley
Drain Pump:
The drain pump of a Maytag washer machine is used to pump the water from the wash tub prior and during the spin. It can be motor-driven belt driven, electric or motor driven. The drain pump might be shut off if there’s an unpleasant smell emanating of the Maytag washer after or during the spin cycle. The burning smell is typically caused by the belt sliding across the pulley of the pump in belt-driven models. Models with an electrical drain pump are more likely to smell like an electric motor. How to inspect drain pump in a Maytag washing machine:
- Disconnect the power source from your appliance and then take off the front panel or cabinet. Once you’ve located the pump, inspect all connections and hoses that are flowing out of it to identify the source.
- Replace the connector and hose if there is any issue.
- If the leak is coming from the pump, you will need a Maytag replacement pump.
Idler Pulley Wheel & Idler Pulley Arm:
Some models of top load Maytag washers use an idler pulley mechanism for tensioning the pump belt or drive belt. If the idler’s pulley gets blocked or the idler arm does not pivot easily, then proper tension on the belt can’t be established and friction or belt slippage will happen, causing the belt to heat up and produce the smell of burning. How to check the wheel of the idler pulley and arm of a Maytag washing machine:
- Check the idler wheel, pulley and arm. Look for indications of wear, damage, cracking, or burning.To inspect the pulley, you’ll have to take off the belt drive from the pulley. To unwind the belt, move the idler pulley toward the drum, which will reduce the tension.
- Then, allow the belt to slip it off.
- To ensure smooth operation, check the pulley wheel. It should not sway or sway.
- If you notice any issues when performing the checks above You will require a Maytag replacement idler arm or pulley wheel.
Direct Drive Motor Coupling:
Some top load Maytag washers employ a direct drive motor coupling, instead of a belt in order to transfer the power of the motor to the. The drive coupling made consisting of two plastic drive forks and the rubber coupling. It joins the motor to the transmission. The drive shaft is linked to one fork while the other is attached to the input shaft of the transmission. The rubber coupling between the drive forks absorbs force and keeps them from breaking when the motor shaft rotates. The coupling wears over time. At some point, the drive forks could slip , releasing an unpleasant smell. How to check the coupling of the direct drive motor within a Maytag washing machine
- Like other inspections, it is important to ensure that your Maytag has been disconnected from the electrical source.
- It is necessary to remove the coupling of your Maytag washer to observe it with a keen eye. You will need to take out the entire cabinet for the washer. The model you have depends on it, you might also need to take out the drain pump or motor.
- Examine your motor coupling to see if it is damaged, cracked burns, wear or cracks.
- It is necessary to replace the Maytag direct motor coupling when you encounter problems with the coupling.
Clutch Assembly
Some top-load Maytag washers feature the clutch assembly which drives the washing basket through the spin cycle. If your Maytag washer is emitting a burning smell, it could be the result of the worn-out clutch. Your washer may produce an ominous sound when it is in the spin cycle. A worn or damaged clutch may be indicated by shavings and brake dust under the Maytag washing machines. How to check the clutch assembly of theMaytag washer:
- When you have disconnected the appliance from its power source then open the Maytag washer’s cabinet in order to find the clutch unit.
- Remove the clutch assembly of your Maytag appliance and inspect it thoroughly. It is located below the tub that is attached to the basket drive unit. You may have to take the drive motor or transmission off based on the model you have.
- Check your clutch assembly for any indications of burns, damage, fraying, or wear.
- If you find any of the above signs it is time to get a Maytag replacement clutch assembly.
Glide & Spring:
Some models of Maytag washing machines utilize an arrangement of a spring and glide in the drive motor to aid in tensioning the belt. The drive motor may be mounted on a pivot to the base frame , and a spring providing tension. To allow the motor slide across the Maytag washer base frames, a nylon or lubricated glide is attached to its bottom. This allows the drive belt or belt of the pump to slip slightly when the motor starts to turn on. It functions as a clutch. If the glide does not slide freely then the belts can become overheated and produce a smell that is burning. How to check the spring and the glide on the Maytag washing machine.
- Unplug your Maytag washing machine prior the start of.
- Remove the front panel of the washer in order to locate the glide(s) and spring(s). It is possible to find the springs and glides for the drive motor by removal of the front panels.
- Verify that the motor pivots correctly The springs aren’t stretched, and that the surface is free of dirt or corrosion.
- If you are able, look over the glides for signs of wear or burn.
- Maytag replacement springs are possible when you find any issues or damaged components during these checks.
Drive Motor: In most Maytag washers, the primary drive motor operates the mechanical functions of washing cycles, including agitation or tumble and spin. It can also be used to run the drain pump. If a problem or defect occurs with one of the motor-driven components , it can cause the drive motor to overheat and produce the smell of burning. If the problem is significant the motor could overheat enough to fail. A common symptom associated with a failing drive motor is a buzzing or humming noise when the motor is in the process of starting. Here’s how to test the drive motor of the Maytag washer:
- After you’ve verified that your washer isn’t connected then remove the cabinet from the Maytag appliance.
- Disconnect the drive motor and test it. There are several wires connected to it. You can remove them by pulling on the connectors in the metal, but not the wires themselves.
- You are testing the motor’s resiliency and also the connection to ground. In both tests, your multimeter needs to be set at Rx1. To test continuity, connect the probes to the motor terminals. You should receive a reading close to or exactly zero.
To determine the ground connection, hold one probe in the terminal and attach one probe to the unfinished metal housing, you shouldn’t receive any reading in this test. If your multi-meter readings do not match those above, you need a Maytag replacement drive motor.