How to replace the drive gear kit on a Whirlpool trash compactor

Is your Whirlpool trash compactor making loud, disruptive noises? It’s likely a sign that the drive gear kit has worn out and needs replacing. Don’t worry—our step-by-step guide, complete with a handy how-to video, will show you how to tackle this quick and easy repair yourself!

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On a Whirlpool trash compactor, the drive gear kit is responsible for transferring the motor rotation to the power screws, enabling the up and down motion of the compactor’s rams. Over time, the gears in the kit can wear out or break, leading to loud noises. 

This repair is relatively simple and should only take a few minutes to complete. By following the instructions provided, you can save time and money by performing this repair yourself.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Drive Gear Kit 882699

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• 1/4″ nut driver, tape
• 3/8″ socket wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Punch
• Hammer
• Grease

Safety precautions

• 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 injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.

Replacement steps

Removal  

1. Press down the pedal and pull out the drawer of the trash compactor.
2. Lift the front of the compactor up by the handle until it goes over the drawer stops.
3. Take hold of the compactor drawer by the sides and remove it from the compactor.
4. Uninstall the trash compactor from the kitchen cabinet. It may be mounted to the countertop through the top brackets or through the sides at the front of the compactor.
5. Pull out the filter cover. Remove the charcoal filter.
6. Using a quarter-inch nut driver, take out the four screws on the top panel of the compactor. Slide the top cover off.
7. Place the trash compactor on its side.
8. Using a quarter-inch nut driver, take out the five screws and remove the bottom cover plate.
9. Turn the main gear of the compactor counter-clockwise until the ram is free from the power screw.
10. Lean the compactor upright and tape the directional switch actuator lever to the cabinet.
11. Carefully lift the frame of the compactor out. Remove both inner panels.
12. Remove the ram stops and washers.
13. Place the compactor on its side again.
14. Using a 3/8 inch socket wrench, loosen the four motor mounting screws and move the motor slightly to the left to release the chain tension.
15. Using a flat blade screwdriver, remove the locking clip from the main gear and pull the gear off the shaft.
16. Using a hammer and punch, knock out the pin that holds a small gear and remove the gear.

Installation  

1. Install the motor gear by matching the flat surface on the shaft with the surface inside the gear.
2. Match the holes and insert the pin that comes with the kit. 
3. Using a hammer and punch, drive the pin in.
4. Raise the chain on the main gear.
5. Adjust the gear so it’s in the center of the chain and slide the gear onto the shaft.
6. Using the flat blade screwdriver, install the locking clip.
7. Push on the main gear to adjust the tension on the chain. It should move no more than 3/8 of an inch.
8. Tighten the four mounting screws using the 3/8 inch socket wrench. 
9. Grease the new gears.
10. Lift the compactor upright and install both washers and the ram stops. Grease them up at the top and bottom.
11. Install the inner panels and slide the ram into place.
12. Put the compactor back on its side and turn the main gear clockwise until the power screws engage the power nut.
13. Install the bottom cover plate and secure it with the screws.
14. Place the compactor upright and remove the tape from the directional switch actuator lever.
15. Install the top cover panel and secure it with the screws.
16. Reinstall the charcoal filter and put the charcoal filter frame on.
17. Install the compactor into the cabinet and secure it to the counter.
18. Grab the compactor drawer by the sides, slide it in, and close the drawer.
19. Plug the trash compactor in or turn the power on at the circuit breaker and run a test cycle. 

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drive gear kit on your Whirlpool trash compactor. 

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.

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