Recently this 7 year-old washing machine started getting noisy throughout the agitation cycles and during the first part of empty/rinse cycles. This screeching noise sounds like bearings or transmission gears (definitely metal-on-metal), and it's quickly getting worse and louder. When the spin cycle really gets going and water has mostly been pumped out of the tub, the noise is significantly reduced. I've pulled the front but, by ear, can't really determine if the noice is coming from the motor or the transmission. All is dry where it should be dry and there are no visible oil leaks. Anyone know what these symptom point to? I thought 7 years on a Maytag was a bit early for major problems, but then again this was a "contractor's model" that came with our new house.

Recently this 7 year-old washing machine started getting noisy throughout the agitation cycles and during the first part of empty/rinse cycles. This screeching noise sounds like bearings or transmission gears (definitely metal-on-metal), and it's quickly getting worse and louder. When the spin cycle really gets going and water has mostly been pumped out of the tub, the noise is significantly reduced. I've pulled the front but, by ear, can't really determine if the noice is coming from the motor or the transmission. All is dry where it should be dry and there are no visible oil leaks. Anyone know what these symptom point to? I thought 7 years on a Maytag was a bit early for major problems, but then again this was a "contractor's model" that came with our new house.
Okay, dirty clothes were piling up, so I called in a professional repairman today. He diagnosed the problem over the phone immediately (as soon as I said "Maytag Performa, 7 years old"). It was the pump (bearings were shot). He came out with a new pump, and also replaced the belt (both genuine Maytag parts). Took him about 20 minutes total to make the repair. The repairman gets "A's" from me across the board. Hopefully now the washer will last another 7 years!