My washer is smoking and wont stop spining after a cycle i assume this is the belt and i am going to replace it but right now i am having trouble opening the front or back whichever i need to get to the motor

White smoke coming from the machine, it was in the middle of the extended cycle. stopped machine and unplugged. Smells as though something burned.

Usually the first repair a Maytag washer needs is to replace the belts. They can wear out and smell.
The belts are located on the very bottom of the machine. They are not covered. If you pull out the washer about 2 feet and lean it back against the wall you will see the belts on the bottom.

If they have shiny parts, or one of them was sticking. You will be able to see if it is burned.
I've made a diagram to help.
The "main drive pully" is the belt that is most likely to be burned. It is also possible for a clothing item such as a baby's sock, to get caught in the pump. That being the case, the pump belt can burn.
If you replace the belts, which you should do if the machine is 10 years old. You must replace them with Maytag belts. This is important, because they are designed to allow some slippage. If you replaced them with belts of the correct size but not the right type, the machine will not work properly.
Of course, the machine can have electrical problems, but it is rare. Let me know what you find and I can advise you further. Happy New Year, Mark

well the land lord is responsible to repair or replace a unit(appliance) that is offered in the rental agreement ,,this is his problem assuming that you did not abuse your machine IE kids taking a ride in it, filling the washer to the point the lid dos not close and so on lol i`m certain you are innocent of this,,,,,,,Right ?
at any rate coordinate your efforts to repair your unit with your landlord, i`m certain that any good landlord will be reluctant but obliged to have this situation ratified landlord ,,,,,your fault is most likly with the lid switch it is a safety feature built into all washing mashines to prevent the spining action to ocer with the lid oppen this is to provide a prevention to personal phisical injeries

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/washing-machine-repairs.html
http://www.repairclinic.com/Washing-Machine-Repair-Help

Belt replacement on these is a slightly intimidating job to the uninitiated, but possible.

http://www.american-appliance.com/se...stic-Chart.htm

http://www.applianceaid.com/amana-wash.html#belt

Lots of pictures and help at these sites.

Main thing is use ONLY the factory-authorised replacement belt on these. It is designed to have the right amount of slip/grip to enable your washer to work properly. This is CRITICAL on Amanas.

Hi, There are no adjustments. Make sure the pulley on the idler and the drive pulley are tirning freely. It is possible the transmission is locked up and the belt will not turn properly.
If all the pulleys are free, start the washer in the spin cycle while watching the drive pulley to see if it turns.
Please let me know if this helps you or if I can assist you further.

Thanks
Vic

belt burrt out advise new belt or new machine

Sound like it's time to go shopping, sorry

Sounds like a belt or clutch issue. What is the make and model #?

two main things pump and motor pulley.the motor pulley on admiral designed maytags is plastic and melts and causes belt to burn.also pump pulley spot welds break causing pulley to drag.tip machine so rests on wall in back and you can inspect from there.hope that helps God bless ,tom

check the wig-wag.it is the part near the cam bar.has 2 coils on it. also check the yellow wire going to the solenoid it may look ok but could be broke internally.

on the motor there are what you call carbon brushes.. these wear out over time, this then the motor stop spining check and get back to me . cheers doc