The agitator star to to works but after a time it stops.

screws loose

gringing noise is never a good sign check the main bearing these are notorious for having bearings go and if it is bearing find a new machine its not worth fixing it is costs more then the machine is worth to replace

pull the agit out and look at the side just below the slots there is a small hole there and the lock screw is probably missing . / to pull agit you turn the screw out and to lock it down you turn it in till it stops . if no lock screw the out comes the agit ... could be very bad in spin if it came out . i have heard of this .. so lock it down .. **** hope this helps .

I'll be happy to tell you how I fixed this problem, however i do charge $12.99 to devulge my answer.

This is a classic symptom of pulley/motor shafts/bearings in need of lubrication. It's not the agitator. You'll need to take the back off (with power unplugged) to access.

Bad water pump. Replace water pump.tip machine back,Look under machine, remove belt, turn pump by hand, if not spinning freely replace pump.

If it has a mechanical timer, that's most likely your problem. Not a hard fix. Most any "Do It Yourself" book can be used to show you how to swap timer. Getting one may be your biggest problem.
If it agitates, it's not the motor. You said the time seems to stop.

I would suggest Service Technician is cheaper than doing it yourself Bev007. It will save you headache too. Depending on the severity of the damage, you'll be working on the transmission attaching the shaft of the pulsator or agitator.

Ive never seen a Maytag washer, but I think know the principle. So! I think the motor turns in one direction to wash & the opposite direction to spin. Now, if the transmission is very stiff in the 'wash mode', that could be why its not washing. The motor could be overheating & the thermal trip in the motor cutting off the electricity supply hence having to wait 45 mins for it to cool.
Not too sure! However I think I am on the right track. Let me know please

when you say its the whole thing, is a shaft coming out out with it or is it a two part agitator? if the shaft is coming out its time for a new transmission. if its a two part agitator, replace it