Product review (5 stars): Maytag MAV7700AWW
Mine is having loud and long squeaking noises weeks before, especially at the beginning of spinning cycle, and also has some short-duration noises during the washing cycle as well. I always like to do preventive works so tried to tackle it before anything fails. After taking the front panel off, during the operation, I can hear the loud noise but can't pinpoint exactly where the noise coming from. Pump? Belt? Tub bearing, or even the transmission? The normal noises of the machine running make it that much difficult to tell where the squeaks come from. Replaced the pump first, no that's not it. Replace the belt second, no that's not it. Was just thinking about replacing the tub bearing next which would take a lot more work (Washer hub and seal kit, parts# W10219156), then suddenly the washer stop spinning; but can still agitate. Thank goodness this happened (ironically I know) which helps rule out the tub bearing as if bearing is bad nothing would move; and allow me to pinpoint to this Thrust Bearing issue. Take out the old parts and found the wheel's narrow end was grind down and damaged. Ordered from Amazon (not 3rd parties) and used same day shipping on this Memorial day and it shipped around 12p and arrived at 5:30p! I'm really impressed by this speed even during the Memorial holiday, Amazing Amazon!

One thing to note is there are a lot of reviews reporting having problem installing the C-clip. The thrust bearing has slopping edges so you need to rotate the wheel and make sure the thrust bearing is at its highest point (toward the upper side) and fully engaged to the wheel so you have enough room cleared at lower end to be able to put on the C-clip. If you pay attention to that you won't have problem to put the C-clip on. I used the thinner washer and it is tight, it's supposed to be tight but but it can still be put on. After install you can test it by turning it and make sure it starts engage between the marks, which is exactly what it does on mine.

Super happy this turns out to be an easy fix. Was surprised by how this parts can make such loud noises, and more metal-sound-like, rather than plastic-sound-like noises too. Share my stories hopefully helps anyone experiencing the loud noise issue like mine.