Neptune noisy with any spin

[sallym]

Front-load Maytag Neptune washer makes groaning/squealing noise when moving the tumbler (either direction, wash or spin cycle).  So far, it's washing & spinning OK, ie not leaving clothes wet.  It's 10 years old.  We are moderately handy, not experts!  Should we try to repair, or just wait until it seizes up & dies?

Model MAH3000AWW

[Repair-man]

As long as the noise is confined to the wash cycle and not a horrible growling noise as it spins, you jus need a new belt. The belts only last about 5 years, since there is no transmission on the machine. The proper kit is a 12001788 and comes with instructions!

The 2 little parts shown below are called motor isolators, and also come in the belt kit. Maytag discovered early on that the soft black rubber grommets holding the motor did not hold up well, so they invented these hard plastic ones to replace it. These will  hold the motor in a stiffer posture than the original grommets. The kit is very self-explanatory, and should make the machine well again.


Part # 12001788 Kit, Belt & Isolator, AP4009041

[sallym]

Thank you for your reply.  Now that I listen more closely to the entire cycle, I find that the sound is more of a groaning (not squealing).  It happens with every revolution of the tumbler, during wash and during rinse/spin.  The groaning is quite loud as the tumbler begins to move.  It's present as the spin cycle starts, then gets higher in pitch as the spinning speed increases.  Once the spinning speed is very high, the groaning seems to disappear.
Does this change your diagnosis?
Thanks.

[Repair-man]

This resembles an early onset of bearing failure. While a new belt will certainly help after all this time, you can only wait and see if the noise changes or gets worse later on, right?

Bottom line, replace the belt.