My Maytag Performa model PAV2300AWW washing machine makes a terrible screech for about 10 seconds when each spin cycle starts. I replaced the drive belt but this made no difference. I checked the machines level and it appears fine. The machine works great except for the annoying noise. How can I stop this screech?

Hi,
This is just an educated guess. It could be the transmission. If it's possible to pull your washing machine out from the wall some, start it spinning, and listen from the back with the back panel off, you might could tell where the "screech" is coming from.
I do wish the best of luck.

I have been leaving most of the appliance questions to applguy and stew since they are good. You might try loosening the belt and turning things by hand. See if anything feels dry or is noisy. If you leave the belt off, and start it in the spin cycle, and get the screech, the problem is in the motor. Report back and it my help applguy when he answers.

This washer is serviced from the front. Very likely you have a bad thrust bearing. All components visible underneath should be dry - no oil. The drive motor is bi-directional. It rotates one direction for wash and the other for spin. During agitation, the thrust bearing doesn't do much. When the motor reverses for spin, the thrust bearing is under extreme pressure from the brake spring. This is a very common failure, but unfortunately, the only way to know if it's bad is to take it apart and inspect the bearing and spacers for wear. Another possibility is something in or wrong with the drain pump. Unfortunately, you can't spin that pump pulley fast enough by hand to prove anything unless the pump feels "gritty" when you turn it. It should turn freely and smoothly. Just to clarify, this noise occurs when the machine starts to spin and not when it stops spinning? There is another, more common failure in this washer when the unit stops spinning. Sometimes they make a very loud screaching noise when they stop.

Applguy, what is the more common failure you spoke about? My washing machine screeches when it stops spinning. Thank you!

The more common failure when it squeeks as it stops is the brake rotor. This part requires removal of the drive belt, pulley/thrust bearing system, and brake stator (requires special tool). If you can borrow a brake tool from a local servicer, get part number 35-2948 brake rotor and let me know. We will loan special tools with a credit card number deposit.