Maytag Washing Machine: screeching, excessive shaking, burning odor

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine screeching, shaking excessively, and emitting a burning odor? These issues typically occur during the spin cycle and can indicate serious problems such as unbalanced loads, worn suspension components, or drive belt wear. Addressing these symptoms promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure safe operation.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag washers often use specific suspension/shock designs; replacing all shocks/rods at once is recommended for balance.
  • Some models may have direct drive motors where stator/rotor failures can cause burning smells.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load or improper leveling

How to Identify: Occurs when the machine shakes only during spin cycles; clothes feel unevenly distributed; machine feels unstable.

Part: Load distribution / leveling legs

Worn or damaged suspension/shock components

How to Identify: Excessive vibration even with balanced loads; machine rocks violently; parts visually broken.

Part: Suspension rods / shock absorbers

Worn drive belt or pulleys causing screeching and burning friction

How to Identify: High‑pitched screeching noise; burning rubber odor; belts visibly worn or frayed upon inspection.

Part: Drive belt / idler pulley / motor pulley

Overheating motor or rotor/stator failure

How to Identify: Burning smell accompanied by humming or struggle to rotate drum; electrical components show burnt smell.

Part: Motor / rotor and stator kit

Worn drum bearings

How to Identify: Grinding or screeching noise that changes with drum rotation; loud noise during spin; resistance when turning drum by hand.

Part: Drum bearings

DIY Solutions

Ensure Proper Load and Leveling

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: bubble level
  1. Stop machine and redistribute laundry evenly in the drum.
  2. Use a bubble level to check the washer is level; adjust the leveling feet until stable.
  3. Run a small test load to verify reduction in shaking.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not attempt internal repairs while machine is powered.

Inspect and Replace Suspension/Shock Components

Moderate 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, replacement shock absorbers or rods
  1. Unplug the washer and tip it back with assistance.
  2. Remove the bottom or back panel to access suspension/shock parts.
  3. Check for broken or worn parts; replace all suspension rods or shocks if needed.
  4. Reassemble and test with a balanced load.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is unplugged; use assistance to tip machine safely.

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt/Pulleys

Advanced 90–150 minutes
Tools Needed: socket set, screwdrivers, belt/ pulley replacements
  1. Disconnect power and access the belt area by removing panels.
  2. Visually inspect belt and pulleys for wear, fraying, or damage.
  3. Replace worn belt and any damaged pulleys; ensure proper tension.
  4. Reassemble and test operation for noise/odor reduction.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before internal inspection; be familiar with belt routing.

Professional Repairs

Motor or Stator Replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $450

Drum Bearing Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Burning smell persists after basic checks
Visible smoke or electrical burning odor
Machine fails to spin or exhibits motor stalling

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and level washer regularly: Excessive vibration and premature wear
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect belts and remove debris: Screeching and belt wear problems
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine screeching, excessive shaking, burning odor?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, worn suspension components, or a damaged drive belt.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine screeching, excessive shaking, burning odor myself?
Redistribute the load, level the washer, or inspect and replace suspension parts or drive belts.
How much does it cost to fix screeching, excessive shaking, burning odor?
Professional repairs for motor or stator replacement may cost $200 - $450, while drum bearing replacement ranges from $150 - $350.
When should I call a technician for screeching, excessive shaking, burning odor?
Call a technician if DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if the problem appears to be complex.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged bearings
  • Unbalanced load or improperly loaded drum
  • Faulty drive motor or motor coupling
  • Worn drive belt (even if recently replaced)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn bearings. Disassemble the washer, remove the drum, and check the bearings for wear. Replace if necessary.

  2. Rebalance the load. Ensure that the drum is loaded evenly and not overloaded. Adjust the load as necessary.

  3. Check and replace the drive motor or motor coupling. Test the motor for functionality and replace if it's not operating correctly.

  4. Inspect the drive belt for proper installation and wear. Replace if it shows signs of damage or if it was incorrectly installed.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Maytag Model A112 Series 4 Washing Machine Problems

Community Discussions

screeching noise, excessive shaking, burning rubber-like odor

Replaced drive belt and removed obstruction, but issues persist.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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