Here is the information related to my question.

1. The model number of my maytag bravos top loading washer is
MVWX550XW1.

2. The parts diagrams can be found at
Parts for Maytag MVWX550XW1 / : Gearcase, Motor and Pump Parts - AppliancePartsPros.com

I'm referring to the diagram that is
04-Gearcase=Motor=Pump Parts


3. I found 2 videos of the replacement of the splutch cam kit that
is the one that my model uses, and am basing my questions on what
I've seen in those videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaNJ4CArjLo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKcsfGpk1xs


4. There has recently been a louder noise during the wash cycle.
(its has an impeller, not an older style agitator)

but the cycle does complete.

There is no unusual noise during the spin.


5. I see on the floor under the washer a bolt or nut that looks like the part
#14, on the parts diagram and listing on the above web page, which is called a nut in that
listing.

part #14 attaches to the cam that holds one end of the belt.

(those videos show that nut and how its removed from the part #13)

It fell on the floor exactly under where it would have been if its indeed the part #13)


6. My guess is that the nut had come loose and fell off after almost
6 years

but that the part #13, the part that holds one end of the belt,
was held in place by the plastic cover, part #20

and perhaps thats why the brief wash I did after the noise had gotten worse,
why it still worked - with the louder noise happening about 20%
of the wash cycle time.

that is, that the plastic cover held part #13 on enough to still
let it work, though it was struggling to do it since not being held
by the nut.


7. But since am not able to tip over the washer to see things,
I wanted to ask some questions to see what you thought, which could give me
some clues if this might be a high or low cost repair.

a. does it seem logical that that nut came loose and fell off,
versus it falling off cause the shaft it was on broke ?


If that whole shaft had broken, I don't know if wash or spin cycle would
have happened at all ?


b. Is it logical that the louder noise is due to the nut being off,
but the part #13 still being held on more or less by being
so close to the plastic cover ? (and thus thats why the cycle
did complete although with the louder noise at times)

or could it be that the part #13 has been damaged itself also
by not being held by the nut - if it had been, would the wash
cycle (or spin cycle) have even happened ?


or that other parts further up like 9, 10, 11, 12 might have been damaged
as a result - or would the wash or spin cycle have not worked at all if those
parts had been damaged ?

c. Am assuming that the belt is still working ok since the wash and spin cycles
completed ? (I realize a new belt might be needed in any case but trying
to understand here about the nut falling off situation re the louder noise.)

(That is, if the belt itself had broken, it would not have fallen on the floor
but would still be within that plastic cover, but in that case, I don't think
the wash or spin cycles would have happened ?



===> Of course I hope it would be as simple as just having that
nut, #14 scewed back on, and then things would work as before,
but I realize things are not always so easy.

I apolgize for the poor formatting of this post, I had to copy and paste from another editor.