How to replace the drive pulley on a Whirlpool washing machine

Is your Whirlpool washer’s drum refusing to spin? A worn-out drive pulley could be the culprit, but don’t worry—our step-by-step guide will show you how to replace it with ease. Watch the included how-to video below and get your laundry routine back on track in no time!

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On a Whirlpool washer, the drive pulley is located at the back of the washer drum, responsible for turning the drum using the belt. Over time, the flats on the pulley may become rounded out, resulting in a loss of traction and preventing the drum from spinning properly. Thankfully, this repair is relatively simple and can be completed in just a few minutes with basic tools. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to remove the old drive pulley and install a new one. The entire repair process should be quick and straightforward, allowing you to get your washer back up and running smoothly. So let’s begin the process of replacing the drive pulley on your Whirlpool washer.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veg7wncLg2c

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

• Pliers
• Torx 20 screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench or socket

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.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• 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 safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement steps

Removal

1. Use pliers to unhook the clamp that secures the hose snapped into the back panel.
2. Snap the hose out of its holders and pull it off.
3. Remove all the screws holding the back panel in place using a torx 20 driver.
4. Lift up one side of the covers that lock the back panel to the washer and pull them out.
5. Repeat this step for all the covers until they are removed.
6. Pull the back panel off to gain access to the pulley.
7. Locate the belt connected to the pulley.
8. Pull on the belt to release tension and spin it so that it comes off the pulley.
9. Once the belt is off, proceed to remove the pulley.
10. Insert a tool (such as a ratchet or handle) into one of the tub holes to prevent the pulley from turning.
11. Use a wrench or a socket to loosen and remove the 24-millimeter nut securing the pulley.
12. Once the nut is removed, the pulley should come straight off.

Installation

1. Take the new pulley and line up the flats on the pulley with the flats on the shaft.
2. Push the pulley onto the shaft until it is fully seated.
3. Place the nut back on the shaft and tighten it up so it is snug.
4. Use a wrench or the handle of the tool used to prevent the pulley from turning to tighten the nut securely.
5. Reinstall the belt onto the pulley. Start by getting it started on one side of the pulley and spin it while holding it to prevent it from popping off. This will stretch the belt and allow it to go onto the pulley.
6. Put the back panel back on. Line up the holes on the back panel with the corresponding holes on the washer.
7. Insert the first screw into the hole to hold the back panel in place.
8. Proceed to insert and tighten all the remaining screws.
9. Install the shipping bolt covers by sliding them into place, ensuring the rounded edge is on the outside.
10. Snap the shipping bolt covers into place for all four covers.
11. Push the drain hose back into place.
12. Move the clamp up to secure the drain hose.
13. Arrange any excess hose by running it through the provided clips and directing it toward the drain.
14. Plug the washer back in and turn the water supply back on. Test the washer to check for any problems.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drive pulley on 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.

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