MAV8601AWQ Maytag Washer - Instructions

Removed entire cabinet from base, removed drive belt, removed suspension springs, removed tub and transmission together.
Removed 6 screws from brake housing to access snubber. Didn't have the special tool to compress the spring for reassembly, but used 3 longer screws to pull the brake housing back down...worked fine. Reinstalled transmission / tub and replaced all 6 springs. Reassembled cabinet. Unit spins great now...like new.

I'm not a washing machine technician but I did nurse a new Kenmore machine for 23 years and was ready for a replacement. Craigslist advertised a Maytag I was interested in and I bought it with the seller's assurance that it worked perfectly. It didn't and I went online to try and figure out what might be wrong. Clearly, the tub was traveling beyond it's design limit and I suspected a spring or two might be involved. Somewhere online, I found the illustrated parts diagram and then went looking for additional information. To my extreem delight, I came across a do it yourself repair video that demonstrated the procedure well enough that I was completely confident I could make the repair with little effort. That video was one of several service related appliance videos offered for free throughhttp://www.do-it-yourself-washing-machine-and-dryer-repair-help.com/index.html/ The final consideration was whether I could buy the replacement suspension springs and snubber ring for less than I paid for the washer. I found PartSelect and within minutes, I had the parts ordered. The parts arrived within 4 or 5 days, as promised, well packaged and in perfect shape. This morning, using the video as a final reference and the new parts, I completed the repair with only a minor hitch. Without the special spring tool used in the video, I struggled a bit with getting the new springs attached. That's where my wife came in handy (after all, she was movitated). Having her tilt the drum toward the spring landing made it much easier for me to stretch it into place using an adjustable locking plier. I actually enjoyed the whole procedure.

Easy repair replacing the water valve assembly. Good advise from other posts helped much.

First we stuck cardboard in the hole until the new plastic part came and then we snapped it into place. I feel like a rocket scientist...but I learned that you should not stand on your washing machine lid.

followed directions you gave. Simple

Part Select data showed that over 60% of the time, this issue of the washer shaking was due to broken support springs for the tub and over 30% of the time, it was a worn/broken snubber ring. So, I initially purchased the six springs and snubber ($30 total) from this site and completed both of those repairs. I leveled the washer securely and tested it again. However, the washer still had the issue of shaking during the spin cycle with no improvement. So, I then researched again for this issue and parts recommended were a lower bearing kit or transmission. Since the transmission replacement was $429, that wasn't worth trying. So, for the $52 lower bearing kit, I ordered it from along with a new belt ($22) (even though the existing belt didn't show any signs of significant wear, but I changed it anyway). The new bearing kit was installed and the washer is now operating like new. I used the current videos on the website for replacing the parts that I ordered, and they were perfect step by step instructions. It made the repair very simple for anyone with any sense of do-it yourself ability and with minimum, ordinary tools. So, for approximately $110 for parts and doing the repair myself, the washer is like new again. Thank you!!!!

As for how I did the repair , I just followed your instruction video . The instruction video provided by Part Select was very very valuable.
The snubber ring was a piece of cake BUT would have been really difficult without the helpful hints in the video like replacing three of the screws in the rings collar with three longer screws so as not to disturb the spring under it.
The suspension springs were a bit more trouble since my washer doesn't have an access panel on the back however THANKS TO YOUR TIP to stretch the spring and put coins between the coils made this much easier . I don't know many guys that are strong enough to lay down and reach through the front and put those springs on the back.
Of coarse the belt was easy.

I also really like you list of probable solutions to the problems with the machine.

My wife is now happy with her washer again therefore I am also happy.

Thanks so much.
I can see me being be a loyal customer for many years to come.

top cover lifts up and folds back to expose the water solenoid switch. Disconnect water inlet hoses and wires and replace switch.

Followed video on the website.

unplug cord,disconnect hoses,pop front clips,swing up the top,unplug wires,unscrew bracket with valve,replace valve and reinstall.I did replace hinge because I pulled up to hard the top.

Removed front panel also right side panel to get to the springs. Used vise grips to extend springs and used coins to keep springs open for replacing.

Parts needed: Snubber Ring and 6 Springs (don't put the old springs back)
Unlug the AC cord, open the top from the front it snaps open with a little force and hinges on the back, remove the 2 screws on the front cover and take it off, tip the washer and remove the belt, take off the pump hose from the back It was not necessary to remove the back cover. Remove the little hose going to the basket from the control module. Remove the 6 springs and lift the complete drum out of the waser and turn it upside down. You can see the plastic snubber ring that is worn, loosen the 6 screws just enough to get the old ring out and the new one in. WARNING: DO NOT TAKE THE SCREWS ALL THE WAY OUT OR THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY WILL RELEASE AND A SPECIAL TOOL IS NEEDED TO PUT IT BACK. Seriously! Install the new ring, center and tighten the screws. Put the tub back in. I found it handy to support the tub with a 2x3 to get the springs back in. Connect hoses back up. It really isn’t that bad, a couple of scraped knuckles.

I watched the installation video. It was very helpful to see it done before doing the repair. I followed the video to take the old springs out and installed the new ones. Remember to check the snubbed ring and replace it too. The new springs and sunnier ring solved the banging and moving during the spin cycle. Now the washer is like new and the repair was less then $100. Thanks parts select, the help was greatly appreciated.

Removed the old hoses and screwed on the new hoses.

Watched video from on YouTube. Disasembled dryer by removing cap from timer knob. Pulling timer knob off the shaft. Removed three # 15 torx screws from the top of the dryer. Top panel rolled forward. Depressed plastic tab removed timer and unplugged wiring harness. Ordered parts from this site online. Parts arrived in 2 to 3 days. Parts were installed following reverse order from above.