Has your Maytag washer stopped agitating or spinning, even though the motor runs? A worn gearcase is a common cause. The gearcase, also called the transmission, turns the motor’s power into the back-and-forth of the wash and the spin. When it fails, the tub just will not move the way it should.
Replacing the gearcase is one of the deeper washer repairs, but it is doable at home with a set of sockets and some patience. Here is how to do it.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- What the gearcase does and why it fails
- The tools to gather first
- Simple safety steps
- How to reach and replace the gearcase
What the Gearcase Does
The gearcase sits under the wash tub and connects the drive motor to the wash plate and basket. It converts the motor’s spin into the agitation that cleans your clothes and the high-speed spin that drains them.
Worn gears or a leaking seal inside the gearcase rob it of that drive. The result is a washer that fills and drains but will not agitate or spin properly. At that point, a new gearcase is the fix.
What You’ll Need
- A replacement gearcase that matches your model
- A 1/4-inch nut driver
- A 7/16-inch socket
- A 13mm socket
- A 10mm socket
- A 5/16-inch socket
- A flat-head screwdriver
Note: Tools vary by model. Check your owner’s manual for the exact fasteners on your machine.
Safety First
- Unplug the washer and disconnect it from the water supply.
- Remove the fill hoses and confirm the tub is fully drained.
- Work with a helper, since the tub and gearcase are heavy.
How to Replace the Gearcase
Ready? Take your time and follow these steps in order.
- Unplug the washer, shut off the water, and remove the fill hoses.
- Remove the harness cover and the two hinge screws with a 1/4-inch nut driver, then lift the top panel forward and lean it back.
- Pull the lock tabs to remove the tub ring and set it aside.
- Pry off the wash plate cap with a flat-head screwdriver and remove the wash plate.
- Lift out the spin basket to expose the tub and the gearcase below it.
- Disconnect the drive motor and any wiring attached to the gearcase.
- Remove the gearcase bolts using the matching sockets, then lift the old gearcase free.
- Install the new gearcase, bolt it in, and reconnect the motor and wiring.
- Reassemble in reverse: basket, wash plate and cap, tub ring, top panel, and harness cover.
- Run a short cycle to confirm the washer agitates and spins again.
Pro Tip: Lay the bolts out in the order you remove them. With this many fasteners, a little organization makes reassembly far smoother.
When to Look a Little Deeper
If the washer still will not spin after a new gearcase, check the parts that share the drive. A stretched or cracked belt is a frequent offender, so review a worn drive belt. Poor cleaning even with good agitation can point to a damaged wash plate cap sitting above the drive.
Heavy shaking during the spin is usually a balance issue rather than the gearcase, and worn suspension rods are the place to start there. For motor-side symptoms, it can help to work through common top-load washer motor issues or a tub that will not spin.
Wrapping Up
A new gearcase brings back both the agitation and the spin. Here’s the short version:
- Unplug the washer, shut off the water, and drain the tub.
- Open the top and remove the tub ring, wash plate, and basket.
- Unbolt the old gearcase and install the new one.
- Reassemble and run a test cycle.
This is an advanced repair, and you pulled it off. Nicely done.