Maytag Top Loader Tub Seal Won't Seat

Hi Stuart,

If it’s still leaking after fitting both seals, the issue is often not the grease itself but either the seal being damaged on fitting, the shaft/spin tube surface being worn, or the tub components not pulling together squarely. Before checking anything internal, isolate the washer from the mains and turn off the water supply.

1. Check exactly where the leak starts Run a short fill and then a spin test while watching underneath if safe to do so. If water appears from the centre around the transmission/spin tube area, the tub seal area is still the likely source. If it’s running down from above, check hoses, injector/flume, tub cover or overflow.

2. Inspect the shaft/spin tube sealing surface If the surface the new seal runs on is pitted, grooved, rusty or scored, a new seal often won’t hold no matter how carefully it’s fitted. Even slight wear can cause a persistent leak.

3. Confirm the seal is fully square and undamaged If it went in slightly cocked, or was nicked when passing over the shaft, it may never seat properly. Compare its installed depth all the way round.

4. Be careful with grease Usually only a very light smear of appropriate lubricant is used on the lip/sealing surface if the instructions call for it. Too much grease can sometimes let the seal slip or not bed in properly. I would follow the seal kit instructions rather than mixed video advice.

5. Check tub nut/spanner nut and mounting faces If the basket, tub centre, or mounting faces are not clean and tightened evenly, the seal may not compress correctly.

6. Dry spin advice A brief spin can help a lip seal settle, but if it leaks straight away, that usually points to a fitting or worn-surface problem rather than needing more spin time.

If you can share whether the leak happens during fill, wash, or only spin, that would help narrow it down. If the shaft or tub centre is worn, the cure may be more than just another seal. For any mains-related work, or if major strip-down is needed and you’re unsure, it’s best to get a qualified appliance engineer in.

WhitegoodsHelp AI