How to Replace a Leaking Main Seal for a Washing Machine Tub

Despite the proliferation of entrance loaders, high-loading washing machines remain popular. A particularly susceptible half is the rubber major seal separating the tub from the drive mechanism. Save money by replacing this component yourself as soon as you discover water leaking from the underside of the machine. Nonetheless, components such as electric motors, drive belts and seals inevitably put on out after prolonged use. These machines have a easy design, are comparatively cheap and supply homeowners years of hassle-free service.

1. 1.

Unplug the washing machine’s energy cord from the electrical outlet. Turn off the washing machine faucet and slide the unit away from the wall.

2. 2.

Find the two screws securing the control panel to the highest of the machine, if applicable. The screws may be hidden behind pop-off corner cover plates. Typically these are on the underside-front corners of the control panel, however you could discover them on the back of the machine. Later models are fitted with spring clips as a substitute of screws.

3. 3.

Pull the pop-off cowl plates off the outer corners of the management panel, if applicable. Alternatively, if there aren’t any screws, slide the blade of a putty knife into the seam between the underside corners of the control panel and the highest of the machine. Remove the two screws, both from the decrease-entrance corners or from the back panel, utilizing a Phillips screwdriver. Lever the knife upward to launch the retaining clips.

4. 4.

Rotate the management panel upward till it is out of the way. Disconnect the management panel plug from the wiring harness socket by pulling it straight outward. Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver downward into the openings in entrance of the management panel containing the washer’s cabinet clips. Lever the handle towards the back to release the spring clips. Tilt the cabinet towards you, slide it forward and elevate it off the appliance.

5. 5.

Release the spring-loaded clamp from the water-inlet spout on the upper back of the tub, utilizing a pair of channel pliers. Pull the hose off the spout. Rotate the entrance of the spout upward and raise it out. Grip the two tabs on the back of the spout.

6. 6.

Take away the detergent dispenser from the highest of the agitator by pulling it upward. Alternatively, some dispensers are fitted with a light blue lock ring. In case your model is fitted with a mud cap contained in the agitator shaft, reach inside and pull the cap out by its handle. Pull the lock ring upward earlier than removing the dispenser. Pry the agitator cap off the highest of the agitator, using the flathead screwdriver.

7. 7.

Match a 7/16-inch socket onto a ratchet and extension bar. Hold the lower rim of the agitator steady with one hand and remove the retaining bolt and washer. Elevate the agitator off the drive shaft and lay it on one aspect. Put the socket onto the bolt in the the agitator.

8. 8.

Slide a washing machine spanner wrench over the agitator shaft and fit the spanner wrench lugs into the slots on top of the driveshaft tub nut. Spin the tub nut off the driveshaft and place it on one side. Hold the middle of the spanner wrench down and deliver a sharp counterclockwise blow to the wrench handle, utilizing a hammer.

9. 9.

Discover the eight tabs securing the plastic tub ring to the top of the tub. Push the highest of the ring nearest every tab downward and pull the underside of the tabs outward to launch them. Remove the tub ring and carry the inside drum out of the machine.

10. 10.

Faucet the bottom of the drive block on prime of the drive shaft gently with the hammer to free it. Lift the drive block off the driveshaft.

11. 11.

Unhook the three horizontal suspension springs from the steel brackets fitted to the bottom edge of the outer tub, utilizing the channel pliers. Remove the two screws securing the three suspension spring brackets to the outer edge of the tub, utilizing a 1/4-inch nut driver. Unhook the lengthy, vertical counterbalance spring from the facet of the tub.

12. 12.

Pull the clear tube halfway up the fitting side of the back panel from the water stage change. Place an absorbent rag underneath the pump under the tub. Take away the higher drain hose from the pump by compressing the spring-loaded hose clamp and pulling the hose off the underside of the outer tub.

13. 13.

Apply a thin layer of spray lubricant to the agitator driveshaft. Stand the tub the other way up and insert the new tub seal into the recess. Raise the outer tub straight off the shaft and lay it on its facet. Push the previous predominant tub seal out of its recess in the underside of the tub, utilizing your finger. Press both sides of the seal downward until it snaps into place.

14. 14.

Reassemble the equipment by reversing steps 12 by way of 2. Plug the ability cord back into the electrical outlet. Activate the machine to ensure it’s working correctly and that there are not any leaks. Reconnect the water provide.

References

– Restore Clinic: Tub Seal Replacement (part #WH02X10032)

– Restore Clinic: Washing Machine Spanner Wrench

Suggestions

– When replacing the equipment cabinet, tilt the cabinet towards you and slide the decrease entrance edge beneath the bottom body.
Writer Bio Push the entrance edge in along with your foot earlier than rotating the highest of the cabinet forward into place. This will align the 2 tabs on the lower rear aspect edges of the cabinet with the slots on prime of the base body.

After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand and qualifying as an aircraft engineer, Ian Kelly joined a Kitchen remodeling company and qualified as a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD). Kelly then established a company specializing in home enchancment, including restore and upkeep of family appliances, garden gear and lawn mowers.