How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP5957260 / WX05X20641 Washer Belt Installation Tool

Originally thought, based on reading and reviews, the banging was coming from a bad dampening strap. After a quick replacement, the noise was better but not completely fixed. Two loads later, the noise became ten times worse. Further investigation led to seeing the bearing on the Mode Shifter and Shaft Assembly was blown out. As another reviewer said, I think ultimately this is a result of a miniscule leak in the tub seal over time, rusting out the bearing and eventually causing it to go. Since the replacement is practically a 100% dismantle, I also ordered and replaced most things along the way – washers, seal, hub nuts, split rings, etc. After reading other reviews, I went ahead and also ordered the spanner wrench. Like most, some WD-40 and some cleaning up eventually let it come loose. The main struggle I had was that the spanner wrench on the site seemed to be about 1/11 too big. It wasn’t a direct fit, but ultimately did the job. From there, pretty simple and basic to disassemble/reassemble. I did add a bit of RTV sealant to the tub seal for added protection. The seal, although fit snuggly, wasn’t a perfect fit with years of use/wear on the tub assembly. About 20 loads in and no visible issues to date. All said and done, probably about a 2hr fix if you aren’t rushing through it. I spent the time to clean a bunch of the old parts that I was still using while they were available. All parts were easily identifiable and shipped quickly. The only issue I had, not related to AppliancePartsPros, was the new coupling pulsator had a manufacturing defect. About three of the grooves on the inside were misaligned, so it would not fit on the Mode Shifter Shaft Assembly. Ended up putting the old one back on. The part was $4 and not worth the cost to ship back and return. 

I replaced the belt and the pump. It now works like it is new again! I am glad that I purchased the belt installation tool. It made replacing the belt very easy. I also purchased the Control Assembly which I did not install. It wasn't needed to repair the washer but I will keep it in case it is needed for future repairs. Of the 3 different web sites I looked at, AppliancePartsPros was the best price and the parts were at my house in 2 days. I will use AppliancePartsPros again if and when I need to repair one of my appliances. 

We ordered a replacement belt and the belt installation tool. The parts arrived very quickly and the replacement using the instructions that came with the installation tool only took about 20 minutes. The instructions recommend the use of a zip tie to hold the belt on the wheel as you install. We found we needed several zip ties and they needed to be pretty heavy-duty as there is a lot of tension on the belt until fully installed, but otherwise the repair was pretty simple and straightforward. 

I changed the control board 

My GE top-load washer started making TARDIS-like noises (louder, a cross between a whoosh and scrape) when doing the laundry. The diagnostic code read that the Mode-select solenoid was blown (a common fault). I ordered the parts and they came in the average 2 days to my house. The disassembly when well, it only took a few knocks with a mallet to spin the hub nut off, and everything else came out without issue. I found a pile of metal teeth in the bottom of the washer cabinet, apparently one of the last loads sheared off the dog-teeth that engages the spin cycle. Luckily, that gear was on the new shaft assembly, which went in without trouble. I'm a pretty slow worker on these sorts of things (the last thing I want to do is break something else), so it took me 4-5 hours over two days to wrap it up. As with any project, there's one stupid thing that takes way more time than expected. For this, it was getting the drain hose back on the pump. Remove the tub-end with the screw clamp, not the pump end with the spring clamp; the screw clamp is a lot easier! But, it works flawlessly now and I saved myself a bunch of money. 

After watching the repair videos on the site I was easily able to install the new belt. I would have not been able to complete the install without first learning the trick to getting the belt on. It was not until I opened the washer that I noticed the strap was broken. 

You sent me a belt & a Service Kit Belt Tool that is attached to the motor drive shaft. Following instructions, I put the belt in place & attempt to turn the 'belted' wheel (under the washing machine drum, which was about an inch from the floor). I'm 72, on the floor & I don't have small nimble fingers anymore. I can't turn the wheel. I get on the Internet, go to your site & 'read' comments by others about how hard it is to install the belt, (which I learn in the comments is 2" smaller than the original, but is the correct belt). - And here's the info I want to impart to others of your customers about this repair. I call a 'local' ,(20 miles away), Appliance Repair Business to schedule my bringing my GE (7 year old!! - belt broke, what? after only 2 uses a week!!), washing machine in for them to install the belt. They say, "Get a 2nd person to help you install the belt by turning the washing machine drum from up top!!??" Works like a charm, why didn't I think of that. So to all your customers, (from this 'one' customer), whatever your problem, don't get frustrated, get it done a different way from how you're trying - then have a beer. 11 

Myself and help from friends. 

Put new belt, and thanks for saying on sight that belt tool is needed,because without it I couldn't put belt on 

Took front panel off, than the washer was tilted against the wall far enough out so the bottom could be removed. This gives you a lot of free space to play with the belt. Attached the belt attachment tool to the motor and zip tied the belt to washer pulley started turning the washer pulley slowly and then as the belt got tight I added zip ties to keep the belt on the pulley. As the belt started tightening, I took more zip ties and put them around the pulley and the belt where it wasn't on the pulley yet and as I slowly turned the washer pulley I also kept tightening up the zip ties to stretch the belt until the belt slipped onto the pulley. I cut off all the zip ties and rotated the belt several times to make sure the belt would stay on and tub turned. I removed the belt attachment tool and put bottom and front panel back on and washed my first load of clothes.