How to replace shock absorber W11415987 on a front-load Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag washer

Is your front-loading Whirlpool washing machine making loud banging or rattling noises during the spin cycle? This could be a sign of worn-out shock absorbers that need replacing. Don’t worry—fixing this problem yourself is easier than you think, and we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide and a comprehensive how-to video just below!

Replacing a shock absorber in your front-loading Whirlpool washing machine yourself is an easy DIY project that will save you time and money. The shock absorbers in a 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, the shock absorbers may be worn out and need to be replaced.

Let’s walk through the replacement steps for front and back shock absorbers together so you can get your washer running smoothly again.

If you need a replacement shock absorber(s), you can order part W11415987 here (keep in mind that it’s only ONE shock absorber). If you need more parts for your Whirlpool washer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com or visit this page.

Watch the full repair here

When to replace the shock absorbers

• Excessive noise as the washer shakes or moves during cycles
• Physical signs of deterioration
• Damage to connected components

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 5/16 inch nut driver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Torx 20 screwdriver
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Replacement shock absorber W11415987 (use your model number to check for compatibility at AppliancePartsPros.com)

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing 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 and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• 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.

Read more: What’s A Full Load Of Laundry? A Guide To Efficient Washing

Front shock absorber replacement steps

Step 1: Remove the top

1. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the three screws holding the top in place.
2. Push the top back slightly and lift it off the washing machine.

Step 2: Detach the control panel

1. Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer by pressing the release tab and removing it completely.
2. Use a Torx 20 screwdriver to remove the two Torx screws beneath the drawer.
3. Lift up the top of the control panel to release the locking tabs and unplug the control wiring.
4. Remove the control panel retainer clip and set the panel aside.

Step 3: Remove the door seal

1. Open the washer door and remove the Torx screw above the door latch.
2. Push in the door latch and slide it off.
3. Pull up the retaining spring around the door seal and pry it off with a flat-blade screwdriver.
4. Pull back the front lip of the door seal.

Step 4: Tilt the washer back

1. Close the door and carefully tilt the washing machine back.
2. Place a 2×4 block under the front bottom edge to hold the washer at an angle.

Step 5: Remove the front panel

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the four screws at the bottom of the front panel.
2. Tilt the washer slightly, remove the 2×4 block, and pull off the front panel.

Step 6: Remove the old shock absorber

1. Find the locking tabs on the top and bottom of the old shock absorber.
2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the tabs and detach the absorber.

Step 7: Install the new shock absorber

1. Fit the bottom of the new shock absorber into place and turn it clockwise to lock it in.
2. Extend the shock and fit the top into the mounting bracket, again turning it clockwise to lock.

Step 8: Reassemble the front panel

1. Hang the front panel on the tabs and secure it with 5/16-inch screws.
2. Install bottom screws and remove the support block.
3. Install the door latch assembly.
4. Reattach the door seal and secure it with the retainer spring.
5. Close the door and install the control panel.

Step 9: Final reinstallation steps

1. Connect the control panel harness and secure it with the retainer.
2. Align and attach the control panel to the front panel.
3. Secure the control panel with quarter-inch screws.
4. Reinstall the Torx head screws beneath the detergent dispenser drawer.
5. Install the detergent drawer and top cover.
6. Secure the top cover with three-quarter-inch screws.

Rear shock absorber replacement steps

Replacing a rear shock absorber is a similar process to replacing one in the front. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove the rear access panel

1. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove all but one of the screws around the perimeter of the back panel.
2. Loosen but do not remove the remaining top center screw.
3. Slide the panel to the right to remove it.

Step 2: Remove the brace

Take out the two screws holding the brace in place, then remove it to access the shocks.

Step 3: Replace the rear shock absorbers

Follow the same steps used on the front shocks to detach the old rear absorber and install the new replacement part.

Step 4: Replace the brace and access panel

Once the new rear shock(s) is installed, replace the brace and access panel by securing all the screws.

Read more: Washing Machine Shaking: Top 8 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

Final steps

1. Turn the water supply back on and plug in the washing machine.
2. Run a test cycle to make sure the washer runs smoothly and quietly.

Read more: Tips For Preventing Laundry Damage in Your Washing Machine

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the shock absorber(s) in your Whirlpool washer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278. We can also help you troubleshoot common washing machine problems here.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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