Maytag Neptune fron load washer No-spin, noisy... (by 2 users)

Fang, there is no clutch. That's a 3 phase motor and the growling that you hear is one of the windings (phases) has failed. There is a new motor conversion kit from Maytag. The part number is 12002039. It lists for about $215.00 and can be purchased at your local appliance parts retailer or ordered online.

Replacing this motor may seem daunting if you've never done one... but can be accomplished in about an hour or so. If this is something you feel comfortable repairing, go for it. There are no special tools required and an instruction sheet comes along with the new motor. (if you do the repair, you'll find that it'll run quieter than when it was new. The new motor has been completely redesigned as well as the electronic motor controller that comes with it.)

You've already removed the rear panel, all that's left to get to the motor and motor controller is to remove the front panel. Here's how to do it;

Open the washer door, remove the 2 screws at the door hinges, then remove the 2 screws opposite the door hinges. Now grasp the side panels (one hand on each side) near where the top panel meets the front panel and pull toward you. Now close the door. Then tilt the front panel down to about a 45 degree angle and lift it off of the lower clips.

Look at the lower right and left of the machine, you'll see a brace on each side. Remove the lower screw (5/16" socket or nut driver) of each of these and rotate the braces out of the way.

Now simply follow the instructions that came with your new motor and install it. When you're finished, rebuild in the opposite way.

*TIP---> There's a 5/16" bolt you'll remove with a 1/2" wrench or socket that holds the old motor in place. DO NOT reuse this bolt! Go to a hardware store and purchase a 5/16" -18 x 1 1/4" bolt, a 5/16" (M8) washer and a 5/16" lock washer and use these when you're ready to tighten the motor down.

*TIP 2--->  After you have the new motor in place and all the wiring done in the front, THEN  move to the back and install the bolt/washers that you just purchased. Don't tighten it down yet, though... just start it by hand and leave the motor swinging loose. Now install the belt, starting with the motor pulley first then loop it over the drive pulley and rotate it around. Rotate the big pulley several times and watch it at the motor... make sure the belt is riding true on that pulley. Now, use a screwdriver and put a bit more tension on the belt by prying the motor to the right. Not much, just a little. Then tighten the motor mount bolt.

(you may want to print this out, huh?)

Anyway... sounds complicated, but it's not. Those Maytag 5500's are worth the repair. Good luck! And if I can help further, let me know.