Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - leaking washing machine

Apparently I have a leaking center post gasket on my Maytag top-loading clothes washer model LAT935656AAE. Here's a link to a photo I took of where it was leaking from after I managed to take off the front panel and watch it leak: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/sgull1/IMG_1244.jpg
I've never had occasion to undertake a repair of this kind on a washing machine. I understand it could be a rather challenging undertaking for the non-appliance repair person do-it-yourselfer, but still I'd like to make an attempt. I'd appreciate any comments/advice for proceeding. Most helpful perhaps might be kind of a step-by-step procedure or where I might obtain such.

Farily big job and some special tools needed. You have one of the last of the good Maytags so might be worth repair.

Okay, so what's the first step, please? thanks

you need to try to find a pdf of a LAT service manual and get the spanner nut wrench. the threads are left handed on that one if i remember correctly.

Trying to think of a way to tell how to do it. Lot of steps but simplified is take front off, lift top, remove tub ring and basket, May have problems with basket some get stuck, Take springs, hose and wires from bottom remove tub assy. lot of steps in between not covered here. Best to try to find manual. Check your model # it's not working. Go to Parts & Accessories | Shop & Find Lawn & Garden, Appliance Parts at Sears PartsDirect | SearsPartsDirect.com (http://www.searspartsdirect.com)
and put model # in and parts breakdown is there. I think on your model it has a large medal brake under washer with the belt on it. You need a tool to take brake off. Not to up to speed on that washer as not many repaired any more.

you need to try to find a pdf of a LAT service manual and get the spanner nut wrench. the threads are left handed on that one if i remember correctly.

What do you mean by "LAT" service manual, please. thanks

LAT is the first 3 letters in your model #. Several magtags start with that #. Manual for 1 should cover all of them.

no need to mess with the brake and belts underneath like pugs said, also can leave springs on, tub unbolts so its not necessary. can do all of it from the top.

Not really having any luck finding a service manual, and if available they cost money I'd rather not spend if possible. So far I have the front off:
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/sgull1/IMG_1245.jpg

Now how do I get the top off, if that's what I need to do to access the bolts to get the remove the tub?

thanks

2 5/16 screws 1 on each side near top. Take screws out and top should tilt up to back. Take tub ring off, top of agitator and take bolt out there. Agitator should pull off now. Bolts for tub are under agitator. What did I forget David????

need to remove top panel, agitator, tub top ring, then you need the spanner nut wrench to get the basket and tub out

Actually there were two 3/8" screws underneath the top on the front. I took those out and was able to tilt the top panel back. Then I took off what I guess you call the tub ring, and managed to figure out there is a 1/4" screw which needed to be removed out of the side of the agitator to get the agitator off the shaft. Now if I can get my hands on the proper size spanner wrench, with that tool should the nut that holds the basket and tub come off relatively easy, and from there will I be able to see the leaking gasket or seal that needs to be replaced?

thanks

also, I was able to find this online: http://www.servicematters.com/maytag_library/docs/16010373%20%2816001145%29.pdf

Did you get your washer fixed? I have exactly the same problem with the same model.

looks like the pdf you posted has all the info you need. dont forget the 2 nuts are left hand thread

Did you get your washer fixed? I have exactly the same problem with the same model.

No not fixed yet. I need to obtain the proper spanner wrench to remove the tub first. The service manual for this model is available in pdf format through the link in the post previous to yours here. good luck

dont forget the 2 nuts are left hand thread

There will be two nuts? Does that mean I need two different size spanner wrenches?

been awhile since i done that seal but i seem to remember a nut that goes onto the tranny and then one more nut attached to that nut. could be wrong, read the pdf :) only one spanner wrench required, i think it looks like this maybe.
http://www.applianceaid.com/images/mayspanner.JPG