Maytag Neptune MAH4000AWW burning smell during spin cycle.

[ksujason]

My Maytag Neptune MAH4000AWW washing machine has developed a burning smell during the spin cycle. It seems to be spinning out fine, it just smells really bad. This machine is about 8 years old.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[JWWebster]

Your water pumps bearing is probably going out. Under neith the bottom is the drive belt. Remove it and turn the pump by hand. Look for bearing seperation, exposed metal, stiffness, etc.

[whirlpooltech]

Under neith the bottom is the drive belt.

What are you talking about JW.

This is a Maytag neptune front load washer. The belt in located on the back of the washer.

All you have to do is enter the model number in the top left hand corner box and click "Get Diagram" to see were the belt is located.

ksujason,

Can you describe the burning smell. Does it smell like rubber, plastic or more like something electrical getting hot?

[JWWebster]

Sorry I was thinking about a different washer. AJ has some pretty good pictures of front load washer problems.

[ksujason]

The smell seems more to me like a rubbery type smell. It does not have that electrical component smell to it.

Thanks for everyones suggestions

[whirlpooltech]

I would remove the back panel and take a look at the belt.
See if the belt is rubbing on the back of the outer tub.

Maytag Neptune Drive Belt Part # 12001788

[ksujason]

Ok, I opened up the back side and looked at the motor and belt. They appear fine, and the motor spins freely with no slop. I did find a little water in the very bottom.

I started a load to see if I could figure out what was stinking. As the tub was filling, I could see a few drips of water leaking out of the back side. It looks like it could drip onto what looks like a solenoid in the back. I guess this could be causing the smell.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks

[whirlpooltech]

It looks like it could drip onto what looks like a solenoid in the back. I guess this could be causing the smell.

Could you post a photo of what you see?

[ksujason]

I think I figured out the smell. As you see in this picture, these two wires have dropped down and are rubbing on the belt during the spin cycle. Those I can fix.

It does drip a little bit when it starts the first spin cycle. The second picture shows the area where it is dripping. I just cant figure out why it would drip only when it is spinning.

Thanks

[Repair-man]

Your tub bearing is apparently leaking. I'm surprised you have not observed a louder roaring sound during spin...you will eventually.

[ksujason]

How tough is the tub bearing to replace?

[Repair-man]

$465 tough


Maytag Neptune Outer Tub, Bearing Seal Kit Part # 22004465

[ksujason]

Does that require replacing the outer tub assymbly that is listed on this site for around $415?

If that is the case, then I guess I will have to decide if it's worth it to replace.

Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this?

[Repair-man]

I'm loaded with both

As a Neptune owner myself, not to mention a factory service tech during the inception of the product, I have replaced at least 300 outer tubs during my career. I have it down to 55 minutes, by the way.

What would you like to know?

[ksujason]

Well I am trying to figure out if it worth spending $450 to fix an 8 year old washer. I know a new one would cost around $800 to $1000. This machine has had some heavy use throughout its life and I am not sure if there will be more things going out from here.

Is this the main trouble spot for this model?

Thanks for answering my questions.