How to replace common Whirlpool washer parts

Steven E / Tuesday September 3, 2024

Like all machines, Whirlpool washers occasionally experience malfunctions that require certain parts to be replaced. Luckily for you, many of these parts can be replaced without the need for an expensive service call.

Below, you’ll find some of the most common parts that need to be replaced on Whirlpool washers and how you can do it yourself. Find the full set of instructions for each part by visiting the link in each corresponding section.

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool 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.

Important: The part replacement information 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.

Contents hide

I How to replace common Whirlpool washer parts

I.I Safety tips

I.II How to replace suspension rods (top-load washer)

I.III How to replace a shock absorber (front-load washer)

I.IV How to replace the drive belt (top-load washer)

I.V How to replace the water inlet valve (top-load washer)

I.VI How to replace the drain pump (front-load washer)

I.VII How to replace the agitator dogs (top-load washer)

I.VIII Looking for more?

I.VIII.I Share this entry

Safety tips

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 eliminating any risk of electric shock.
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 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.
When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
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.

How to replace suspension rods (top-load washer)

If your top-load Whirlpool washer’s tub is sagging on one side or banging against the cabinet during the wash and spin cycles, it likely needs a new suspension rod kit. The suspension rods help keep the tub balanced, but they can wear out over time.

Remove the 1/4-inch screws of the top panel hinges and the hose cover panel at the back of the washer.
Take off the rear hose and harness access panel.
Pull the top panel forward and lift the top panel up, then lean it back against the wall.
Move the washer tub to the side to access each rod.
Grab the rod and pull it up to detach it from the bearing.
Turn the bearing to fully disconnect the rod, then slowly lower it.
From inside the washer, press up on the insert at the bottom to detach it.
At the bottom of the tub, the suspension insert will have tabs that will need to be pressed in so that the insert can be pushed down and the rod can be removed. Repeat this process for all 4 suspension rods.
Insert each new rod through the cutout along the side or back of the washer tub.
Lift up the insert at the bottom and press it in so the tabs lock into place.
Pull the rod up and install the new bearing. Turn it 90 degrees to lock it. Repeat this process to install all 4 new suspension rods.

How to replace a shock absorber (front-load washer)

The shock absorbers in a front-load washing machine provide support for the tub and absorb vibrations during the wash cycle. If your washer is making loud banging or rattling noises during the spin cycle, one or more shock absorbers may be worn out and need to be replaced.

Remove the three screws holding the top in place.
Push the top back slightly and lift it off the washing machine.
Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer.
Remove the two Torx screws beneath the drawer.
Lift up the top of the control panel to release the locking tabs and unplug the control wiring.
Remove the control panel retainer clip and set the panel aside.
Open the washer door and remove the Torx screw above the door latch.
Push in the door latch and slide it off.
Pull up the retaining spring around the door seal and pry it off.
Pull back the front lip of the door seal.
Close the door and carefully tilt the washing machine back.
Place a 2×4 block under the front bottom edge to hold the washer at an angle.
Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the four screws at the bottom of the front panel.
Tilt the washer slightly, remove the 2×4 block, remove the screws at the top of the front panel, and pull off the front panel.
Find the locking tabs on the top and bottom of the old shock absorber. Release the tabs and detach the absorber.
Fit the bottom of the new shock absorber into place and turn it clockwise to lock it in.
Extend the shock and fit the top into the mounting bracket, again turning it clockwise to lock.

How to replace the drive belt (top-load washer)

The drive belt is a rubber piece that connects the electric motor to the gear case and tub. When the motor spins, the drive belt rotates the gearcase pulley, which moves the basket or agitator depending on what mode the pulley clutch is shifted to. Over time, this belt can become loose, damaged, or worn out from friction. A stretched or slipping belt can prevent your washer from agitating or spinning properly.

Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
Tilt the washer back slightly by leaning it against a wall.
Find the belt cover on the bottom of the washer, behind the front panel.
Remove the two screws holding the belt cover.
Pull the belt cover straight off and set it aside.
Find the old drive belt around the motor pulley and gear case pulley. While holding the belt at one pulley, turn the other pulley to loosen the belt. Pull downward on the belt to remove it from both pulleys.
Clean the area where the old belt was as needed. Make sure there’s no debris or remnants of the old belt before you install the new belt. If you need to wipe it down, make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding.
Drape the new belt over the motor pulley. Make sure it’s seated well in the groove.
Stretch the belt around the gear case pulley by turning the pulley while holding tension on the belt. Make sure it’s seated in the gear case pulley groove.

How to replace the water inlet valve (top-load washer)

If your washer isn’t filling with water, leaks from the valve, doesn’t dispense soap or doesn’t rinse out detergent well enough, then you may need to replace the water inlet valve.

Unplug the washer from the power outlet and turn off the water supply to the washer.
Remove the rear console panel by taking out 5 screws and the hose cover plate.
Open the spring clips on either side of the control panel and lift the panel up and off.
Disconnect the control panel plug by pressing the tab and pulling it out.
Remove the control panel by sliding it forward and off.
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the 3 plugs from the old water inlet valve.
Remove the 2 screws holding the valve. Lift the old valve up and turn it over.
Disconnect the harness plug by pressing the tab and pulling it out.
Use pliers to remove the retainer clip from the harness. Free the harness from its hook.
Install the new valve by connecting the harness and securing it with the retainer clip.
Insert the 3 ports into the openings and secure them with the 2 screws.
Reconnect the 3 plugs to the new valve.

How to replace the drain pump (front-load washer)

The drain pump assembly helps drain water out of the washing machine during the spin and drain cycles. Over time, the pump can wear out or become clogged with debris. If it’s damaged or severely clogged, you’ll need to replace it.

Turn off the washer and disconnect it from the power supply.
Turn off the washer’s hot and cold water supply valves at the outlet.
Remove the three screws that hold the rear of the top panel in place.
Push the panel back slightly and lift it to remove it. Set it aside.
Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer and release the locking tab on the rear of the drawer.
Remove the dispenser housing and set it aside.
Remove the two screws at the base of the control panel.
Carefully lift the top while pressing the release tabs on each side of the panel.
Unplug the wiring connectors and remove the control panel.
Open the washer door.
Remove the three screws along the top of the front panel.
Remove the door lock assembly.
Carefully remove the spring from around the gasket and pull the gasket away from the front panel.
Tilt the washer back onto a 2×4 board.
Remove the four screws at the base of the front panel, then lift off the front panel.
Lay a towel underneath the open base of the washer to catch water.
Turn the drain filter counterclockwise.
Use a shop vac to remove all water inside.
Pull the rubber drain hose off the outlet port on the pump assembly.
Disconnect the two wiring harnesses from the pump motor terminals.
Release the two rubber mounting grommets from the bottom of the pump.
Remove the old pump.
Seat the two rubber mounting grommets into the bottom of the new pump.
Attach the drain hose to the outlet port and secure the clamp.
Connect the two wiring harnesses to the motor terminals.
Position the new pump assembly into place by aligning the grommets with the mounting holes.

How to replace the agitator dogs (top-load washer)

Washer agitator dogs are small plastic pieces inside the agitator that help the agitator move in one direction, pushing and pulling your laundry through water and detergent to get it clean.

Unplug the washer from the power outlet and shut off the water supply.
Open the washer lid and remove the fabric dispenser.
If there’s a cap under the fabric dispenser, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off.
Check if the dust cap seal is damaged. If it’s damaged, replace it with a new one.
Underneath the dust cap, find the inner agitator assembly and the hold-down bolt. Use your 7/16-inch socket to remove the bolt.
Lift the agitator out of the washer. The bolt will remain in the agitator.
Stand on the lower half of the agitator and pull up on the upper half to separate them.
Dump the upper agitator upside down to access the old agitator dogs and the cam assembly.
Remove the retaining bearing to free the old agitator dogs.
Place the new agitator dogs onto the cam assembly and make sure they’re oriented correctly. The curve of the cam should match the shape of the dogs.

Looking for more?

Thanks for reading! If you still need replacement parts for your Whirlpool washer, check out AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to find exactly what you’re looking for. Most orders arrive in two business days, and we have thousands of free resources to show you how to install your new parts.

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.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Share on Facebook

Save

Steven E

With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.