Maytag A-183 "Spinning out of control"

[hood]

During the spin cycle the washer starts to shake violently and begins to walk across the floor, even though it is level.  I am suspecting a spring or something that holds the tub in balance is broken.  

I am not sure what to look for or how to get the top of the lid off to look at the inside of the tub.  Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

-hood

Model A-183

[JWWebster]

Some repair photos... go colts lol

[Repair-man]

Photos may not help with the diagnosis, JW..

The older Maytags, such as the a183, have a concrete balance ring built into the top of the spin basket, making them a very top-heavy machine. Even though the legs are fairly well set, this machine cannot be operated on a weak floor system. To see if your floor is indeed the issue, place a nickel on the top of the washer cabinet in front of the lid, then stand 1 foot out in front and jump  up in the air and come down on the floor with both feet. If the coin falls, the floor will not  do for this machine.

The only other cause for a severely off-balance tub is worn tub bearings and a worn boot stem, which translates into a $150 repair if you do it yourself.