How to Replace a Maytag Washer's Drive Block

A loud, knocking noise coming from the washing machine during the spin cycle is often caused by an unbalanced load of laundry. Opening the washer and redistributing the load can stop the noise, but if the noise persists, especially at the end of the spin cycle, a damaged or broken drive block is usually the culprit. Ignoring the noise could eventually cause irreversible damage to a Maytag washer’s transmission and motor. Replace the inexpensive drive block to avoid the expense of replacing the washer’s transmission, motor or the washer itself.

Phillips screwdriver
Flat-head screwdrivers
Tape
7/16-inch socket
Socket wrench
Spanner wrench
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Disconnect your Maytag washer from the wall outlet.
- 2
  Find the two screws on both sides of the front panel about six inches from the ground. Remove the screws, releasing the front panel.
- 3
  Grab both sides of the front panel along the bottom. Pull out and up to release the panel from the clips holding the front panel to the top panel. Some Maytag washers have two clips on the very bottom of the front panel. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the clips to release them from the washer’s frame. Pull out and up to release the front panel from the top panel.
- 4
  Pull the hose from the bleach dispenser at the front corner on the top panel. Remove the two hexhead screws holding the top panel to the side panels on the washer. These screws are in the top left and right corners.
- 5
  Tape the Maytag washer’s lid shut. Lift the top panel up and rotate it back away from the washer’s cabinet.
- 6
  Pop the fabric softener dispenser from off the top of the agitator to access the agitator cap if your model offers this feature. Pry the cap from the agitator with a small, flat-head screwdriver to access the agitator bolt.
- 7
  Place a 7/16-inch socket onto a socket wrench. Use the socket to loosen and remove the agitator bolt from inside the agitator.
- 8
  Grasp the bottom of the agitator and lift it from the wash tub to access the spanner nut.
- 9
  Place a spanner wrench onto the spanner nut. Tap the spanner wrench with a hammer to loosen the nut and turn it counterclockwise. Remove the nut from the agitator shaft.
- 10
  Press down on the top of the tub ring and unsnap the tabs holding it onto the top of the inner and outer washtubs. Remove the tub ring from the washtubs.
- 11
  Grab the inner washtub with both hands and lift it from the outer tub to access the drive block on the agitator shaft.
- 12
  Tap the bottom of the drive block with a hammer to loosen it from the shaft. Pull off the original drive block and discard it.
- 13
  Align the notches in the inside of the replacement drive block with the tabs on the agitator shaft. Push the new drive block onto the shaft. Gently tap the drive block into place with a hammer.
- 14
  Replace the inner tub into the outer tub. Reassemble your Maytag washer by reversing the steps you used to disassemble it.

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