How to replace the gearcase in a Maytag washer

Like any mechanical device, washing machines can experience wear and tear over time, requiring repairs or replacements of certain internal parts. One of the parts that may need attention is the gearcase.

The gearcase rotates the washing machine’s basket by driving the agitator. If there’s an issue with the gearcase, you may notice that the basket doesn’t spin correctly, if at all.

If you need any replacement parts for your Maytag washer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 7/16-inch socket
• 13mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 5/16-inch socket
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Replacement gearcase (make sure it’s compatible with your specific model before installing)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

Safety should always come first when working with appliances.

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: Washing Machine Won’t Spin: Top 7 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

How to replace the gearcase

Step 1 – Disassemble the washer

1. Make sure the washer is turned off and disconnected from the water supply.
2. Remove the inlet hoses.
3. Check that the washer is drained and there isn’t any water in the tub.
4. Use your 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the harness cover and the two hinge screws holding the top panel to the frame.
5. Pull the top panel toward the front, lift it, and lean it back against the wall.
6. Pull the lock tabs away from the tub to remove the tub ring and set it aside.
7. Use a flat-head screwdriver to lift the center cap off the agitator.
8. With the 7/16-inch socket, remove the agitator bolt.
9. Lift the agitator plate and set it aside.
10. Reach in with your flat-head screwdriver and remove the retaining clip from the drive hub. Now, lift the spin basket up and out.
11. Lift the spin basket up and out.
12. Set the top panel down and lay the washer on its back.
13. Use a 5/16-inch socket to remove the belt shield bolts. Set the shield aside.
14. Pull the belt down off the transmission pulley by rotating it to slide it down easier. Set the belt aside.
15. Disconnect the motor wire harness from the motor by pressing in the little lock tab while pulling the connection out.
16. Remove the mounting nuts and keep one hand on the motor so that it doesn’t drop.
17. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the shift actuator screws and set the actuator aside.
18. Bring the motor down and set it to the side.
19. Use a 13mm socket to remove the pulley nut and set the pulley aside.
20. Use a flat-head screwdriver to press into the four locking tabs of the clutch housing, pull it away from the gearcase, and set the clutch assembly aside.
21. Carefully disconnect the wires from the capacitor.
22. Use your flat-head screwdriver to discharge the capacitor. DO NOT touch the metal of the screwdriver while doing this. Set the tip of the screwdriver on one terminal post and create a bridge to the other one, then leave the screwdriver there for a few seconds. Repeat this one time.
23. Pull on the wire harness to remove it from the capacitor bracket.
24. Rotate the capacitor counterclockwise and lift it out at about a 45-degree angle.
25. Pull the wire harness free from the gearcase.
26. Remove the screws for the drain pump with the 5/16-inch socket (the drain pump will hang to the side).
27. Use the 10mm socket to remove the gearcase mounting bolts.

You should now be able to pull the gearcase free from the tub.

Step 2 – Install the new gearcase

Set the new gearcase into the tub. Make sure it seats as firmly in place as possible.

Read more: How do I know if my washer motor is bad?

Step 3 – Reassemble the washer

1. Install the gearcase mounting bolts using the 10mm socket.
2. Secure the drain pump using the 5/16-inch socket.
3. Reattach the capacitor and rotate it clockwise to secure it.
4. Attach the wiring harness to the gearcase.
5. Carefully reconnect the wires to the capacitor.
6. Set the clutch assembly in place and press the locking tabs into the gearcase.
7. Put the pulley back in place and use the 13mm socket to secure it with the nut.
8. Position the motor and set it back in its place.
9. Put the shift actuator back and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to secure it with the screws.
10. Reinstall the mounting nuts on the motor.
11. Connect the motor wire harness to the motor by pressing in the connection and securing the little lock tab.
12. Put the belt back onto the transmission pulley by rotating it so you can slide it on.
13. Set the belt shield in place and use the 5/16-inch socket to secure it with the bolts.
14. Lift the washer back up.
15. Lift the top panel and lean it against a wall.
16. Set the spin basket back into the tub and lock it into place.
17. Place the tub ring onto the tub and push it down to lock each tab onto the tub.
18. Set the agitator plate onto the drive shaft and secure it with the 7/16-inch bolt.
19. Install the cap and set the top panel down.
20. Pull the top panel to the front to let it set down the last little bit, and push it back to lock it in place.
21. Reinstall the harness cover and secure the cover and hinge brackets with the 1/4-inch screws.

Final steps

1. Plug your Maytag washer back in or flip the breaker back on.
2. Reconnect the washer to the water supply.
3. Turn the washer on and run a small test cycle to make sure everything is functioning correctly with the new gearcase.

Read more: How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website, and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common washer problems here.

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