How to Troubleshoot & Replace Bosch AP3685100 / 00491680 Belt

We replaced the belt and shocks. The belt was very loose. We did put the new belt in hot water for about three minutes so it went on easier. Shocks were very easy to replace. Job took maybe a hour for both. Now the machine is performing like it use to. My bosch 500 series is now 14 years young.. 

Replaced the broken belt 

Had a repair person out that had the back-off and the motor out in 15 minutes...brushes and bearing were bad. It wouldn't take 3 weeks and more $$ to get a motor through the repair service. I figured it couldn’t be that hard to replace if he had it out so fast. I got the motor for less $$ in 5 days and install was easy...just took a bit to figure out where 2 ground wires clipped in. Runs perfectly now. Just an additional comment...I have had service on this washer before and all the screws attaching the back to the body of the washer were not put back in at that time...laziness?? I filled all attachment points with screws and washer runs with less vibration than before. This adds necessary rigidity to the washer. 

Took washer back off and could see water dripping from cold water fill valve. Looked up valve part number by entering washer model number(Super simple). Ordered valve and drive belt (didn’t see any wear but it was over 10 years old. Parts arrived 26 hours after ordering. Removed washer top and removed old valve, snapped in new one and attached hoses. Started a load and no leaks. Simple repair and probably saved myself $160. When they say fast shipping they mean it. I did not expedite but it was here next day. Superb service, will be buying all my appliance parts here. Hopefully not many! 

We replaced the door gasket in a total of about 1 hour and we also replaced the belt on the back of the washing machine in another 30 min. Tip for belt - you may think it is a little too small but we let the belt sit in the sun outside for about 20 min (just enough time for it to heat up) then installed without any issue. The machine is free of mold, quieter than its been since we purchased it over 12 years ago. We also cleaned out the trap while we had the front of the washing machine off. Be prepared for some nasty smelling water when you open the trap. But once it was all cleaned up. I am very happy with the results. Thank you AppliancePartsPros for ensuring we purchased the correct parts. 

Removed old belt and installed the new one.