How To Replace Washplate WH43X30198 on a GE Washer

Is your GE top-load washer making concerning noises or leaving clothes improperly cleaned? A worn-out washplate could be the culprit, disrupting your laundry day efficiency. Don’t worry, fixing it is easy and we’ve got a helpful how-to video below to guide you step-by-step through the replacement process!

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If your GE top-load washer isn’t agitating properly, or you’re hearing clunking or grinding sounds during a wash cycle, the issue might be a worn-out or stripped washplate, part #WH43X30198. This component helps spin and move clothes during a cycle, and when it’s damaged, wash performance drops fast. The good news? Replacing it is one of the easier DIY washer fixes. We’ll walk you through what to expect when changing it out so you can get your washer back to work.

Watch: How to replace the GE washer washplate

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.

Understanding the Washplate  

This part acts as an agitator inside the washer tub. It has ridges, grooves, and fins on the bottom that create a churning, swirling motion in the water. This agitation is what provides the scrubbing action to get clothes clean.

The washplate sits at the base of the inner tub and is mounted on the central drive shaft. When the shaft turns, it spins the attached washplate around rapidly. Some washers have a full agitator post that moves back and forth, while the GE style has a low-profile washplate that just spins. But the purpose is the same – agitating the laundry to get dirt and grime out.

Over time, the washplate is subjected to a lot of mechanical stress and wear. The friction can erode the plastic material causing it to crack or break. If the splines that connect it to the drive shaft are damaged, the washplate will start to slip and move abnormally. This results in weak or non-existent agitation during the wash cycle. Replacing the washplate restores the vigorous scrubbing action that is needed for clean laundry.

What You’ll Need for This Repair Project

Before starting the repair, gather the following tools and supplies:

• New GE washplate WH43X30198 (Locate your model number and find the correct part for your model)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• 7/16 inch socket wrench
• Gloves for protection
• Rags and bucket for catching water

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Replacement Steps

1. The first step is to unplug the washing machine so there is no chance of electric shock while working on it. 
2. Use a dry rag to sop up any standing water in the tub. 
3. Open the drain hose located at the bottom rear of the machine and let the remaining water spill out into a bucket.
4. Once drained, manually rotate the tub a few times. Any residual water will spill out through the drain hose. Keep a towel handy to wipe up drips and spills during the repair.
5. Open the lid so you can see down into the stainless steel tub. Locate the plastic cap in the very center of the washplate.
6. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry up the edges of the cap. Insert the screwdriver into the seam and twist slightly to pop off the cap. Don’t worry if the plastic cracks or breaks, you’ll be replacing it later.
7. Underneath the cap is a 7/16-inch retaining bolt. Use your socket wrench to loosen and completely remove this bolt. Set both the bolt and cap aside in a safe place for later reinstallation.
8. You may need to hold the tub with one hand while turning the wrench to keep everything steady. With the bolt removed, the washplate should now be loose.
9. At this point, you can lift the washplate directly up and off the central drive shaft. Tilt and turn it slightly to maneuver it up through the opening. Take care not to scratch the stainless tub.
10. Orient the washplate so the splines on the bottom match up with the ridges on the drive shaft. Rotate it gently back and forth until you feel the splines engage. With the washplate fully seated on the shaft, press down firmly.
11. It may take a few tries to get the alignment correct. The splines and ridges are designed to lock everything into the proper washing position.
12. With the new washplate fully seated on the shaft, place the 7/16-inch retaining bolt through the hole in the center. Tighten it down snugly using your socket wrench to secure the washplate in place. Be careful not to overtighten.
13. Then align the tabs on the outer plastic cap with the openings surrounding the bolt. Push the cap down into position, snapping it back in place. The cap just presses on, no need to force it.
14. Reconnect the drain hose at the rear and make sure it is tightened properly so there are no leaks. Close the lid and plug the power cord back in.
15. Add a test load of laundry and run a short cycle. Listen and watch closely to make sure the washer is filling, agitating, and spinning properly. The new washplate should move laundry around with vigorous agitation motions.

Stay Connected

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the washplate in your GE washer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over 2 million parts and most orders arrive in 2-3 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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