Maytag Neptune Dryer 4000 noise

[sparky823]

I have a Neptune 4000 dryer and lately when you first start it there is a strange noise. I know this sounds crazy but it is the closest thing I know to describe it-sounds like when a box fan is blowing and then wind blows against the fan how that sounds-well that is how this sounds. It drys fine and really doesn't make this noise the whole cycle just for the first few minutes. But then I don't really stay out there and listen-you know. What could this be? Also, I have metal duct, and I have checked it and it is clean even outside. To me this has always been a fairly noisy dryer but this sound isn't normal. Thanks for an ideas you have.

Model MAH4000AWW

[AJ]

Hi sparky823

I would take a look at the blower fan wheel.
You will have to remove the front of the dryer to check it.

It's a plastic part and they often strip out were they slip on the motor shaft.

[sparky823]

Thanks. I will check that out. Is it easy to get to the blower after I get the front off?


I might need to post this in another post but I will ask anyway:
I have the Neptune 4000 washer and I read about people having trouble with the bearings going out. So far I have no trouble there, that I know of. What if anything, can I do to make mine last longer without any bearing problem or do they just wear out regardless?

[AJ]

Thanks. I will check that out. Is it easy to get to the blower after I get the front off?

Not much to it, just make sure you disconnect the power to the dryer first.

Here is the Service Manual for your dryer.

[AJ]

I might need to post this in another post but I will ask anyway:
I have the Neptune 4000 washer and I read about people having trouble with the bearings going out. So far I have no trouble there, that I know of. What if anything, can I do to make mine last longer without any bearing problem or do they just wear out regardless?

The only thing I can think of that will make it last longer is to unplug it and not use it.

Sorry,

Really though there is nothing much you can do.

[AJ]

On second thought you want to make sure you are using HE soap that is made for the front loaders.

They say to much soap or not using HE soap takes the tub seal out.

Once the seal goes the tub bearings get wet and go out.

[sparky823]

Thanks for the manual. I will check out the dryer.

I use the HE but some of it soaps up like crazy. Sometimes I thinnk there is just no way to win---except maybe unplug it all! HA

Thanks again! Great Site.

[Bob]

Thanks for the manual. I will check out the dryer.

I use the HE but some of it soaps up like crazy. Sometimes I thinnk there is just no way to win---except maybe unplug it all! HA

Thanks again! Great Site.

Please keep us updated on what you find with the dryer.

[AJ]

Thanks for the manual. I will check out the dryer.

I use the HE but some of it soaps up like crazy. Sometimes I thinnk there is just no way to win---except maybe unplug it all! HA

Thanks again! Great Site.

Have you tried cutting back on the HE soap?
How old is the washer?

[sparky823]

Yes I cut back and only use 1/8 cup liquid. I rather use powder but they don't make an unscented HE powder that I know of.

I bought these in Jan 2000 or 2001-have to check the book.

I had to have the door lock and board replaced and the warranty was out but Maytag paid it and gave me 6 more months warranty after that. The guy that did it only replaced the board and so it wasn't long and it quit again, I called them back and he said he would have to order the part. After 3 weeks (!) I still had no washer so I called Maytag back and they said that was ridiculous and they sent another servicer and he fixed it the next day. The previous guy kept saying the part wasn't in or theydidn't have clearance from Maytag to do it which Maytag said they had faxed them the work order 2 different times. Anyway haven't had anymore trouble with it since then. Hope I don't. If the bearings go I think it will go. I can't see putting all that money in that repair plus what we paid for these to start with, but I do like this washer. I think all the F/L have problems from what I have read. I think if I was getting a new traditional washer I would get a Speed Queen (are you laughing?)
They just seem well made but then so did the F/L when they hit the market. Don't think anything could beat the old Maytags!IMO.

[apptech]

I think all the F/L have problems from what I have read.

If they could only make a tub seal that could withstand a little soap!

[sparky823]

I looked at the blower on my dryer but it seems fine. It stops as soon as you stop the dryer and doesn't have play in it.

Seems like the noise comes from the back of the dryer. I did notice that when you look in the drum it seems like it isn't even all way around. There is a bigger gap at certain spots on the back of the drum. When you turn the drum (that is kinda hard-is it supposed to be) you can tell the drum is off center in places around the back. Is that normal? I havent checked anything else. Could a roller be worn causing this or something else?

[AJ]

When you turn the drum (that is kinda hard-is it supposed to be)

Yes, they are not very easy to turn by hand.
I would remove the drum and check the two back rollers.

[AJ]

How you coming with the dryer?
Did you get it repaired?

[sparky823]

Well I did take the front off again and looked at the rollers but not good cause I didn't take the drum out so you can't see them that good. I need to do it but just keep putting it off-one thing-then another-today Aunts washer.

I have wondered from listening to it is it possible,even though it seems to be blowing good out of the vent outside, that there could be a blockage up inside the pipe even though I have the metal duct? It just sounds like air that is blowing backwards or restricted I should say. I know sometimes when you clean the filter some lint will fall down inside there,not a lot just a piece or two. Maybe the fan has a problem and I just didnt see it but it turns fine and stops quick. To me these Maytag dryers are really loud compared to others I have had--but then maybe it is cause the washer is so quiet. When the dryer is on you can't even hear the washer except on the spin. I have also read that the new motor replacement for the Neptune is even QUIETER than the original??

I will try to get back to the dryer plus get the valve on my Aunts washer. Just trying to help her out since she is 81 and on a fixed income so thought if I could do it for her it would save her some $$$.

Thanks for checking back with me.