I'm having the same exact problem as another post here with my Maytag ( Model PAVT234AWW) washing machine not agitating in the wash cycle. It makes a plastic like grinding sound while in the wash cycle. I'm thinking the agitator has a stripped gearing or attachment to the transmission. I'm trying to figure out how to remove the agitatior for a visual check. They tend to overload the machine here all the time. So this conclusion makes since to me.
Can anyone help with how to remove the agitator?

Kurt W., January 2007

Well after 3min and a $95.00 service call the repair man said the transmission has gone out. Parts under warranty but not the labor to replace them. Estimated 2 hrs for replacement of necessary parts. Thats a total of 3hrs labor. Not worth it to me. Also, through many conversations, this unit was amongst the cheapest poorly built washing machines. Guess the Maytag man needs work after all.

Kurt, January 2007