Customer Questions and Answers for Suspension Rod Kit by Whirlpool

Eric, Have you removed the wash plate(agitator) to see if theres an article underneath it ? here are some instructions for accessing and servicing the suspension rods. "1. Unplug washer or disconnect power. 2. Turn off the water supply to the washer. 3. Disconnect the hot and cold water hoses from the rear of the washer, and remove the end of the drain hose from the standpipe or laundry tub.4. Remove the basket and lint filter from the washer. Raise the cabinet top Tape the washer lid closed. e) Using a putty knife, press and unlock the two front top locks. The locks are approximately 6-1/2? from the outside edge of the washer. To remove the basket: a) Loosen the clamp and pull the recirculation hose off the tub ring. b) Pry out and unsnap the tub ring tabs from the tub and remove the tub ring. Insert the blade of a small screwdriver into the slot in the impeller cap, then pry the cap up, and remove it. Remove the 7/16? hex-head bolt from the impeller, then lift and remove the impeller from the basket. NOTE: Lifting the basket will assist in removing the impeller.Lift the basket out of the washer. NOTE: Have a shop cloth handy to clean off any grease from your hands. 5. Remove the four suspension rod assemblies from the washer. To remove a rod assembly: a) Grasp the rod several inches below the suspension ball, and lift the rod so the hooked end is free of the ball . b) Rotate the suspension ball so that the slotted side is parallel with the hooked end of the rod, and slide the rod out of the ball. Keep the ball in its holder.c) Reach down along the side of the tub, and press in on the suspension rod holder locking tabs, then push the holder out of the tub opening. d) Position the suspension rod through the slot in the tub opening, and remove the rod assembly from the washer. NOTE: Unsnap the wire holder from the right rear suspension rod before removing it." I would reccomend you use a silicone based grease WP26594P to liberally lube the ball and socket assembly, once you've checked them for damage and distortion. Thanks and Good Luck