How to Troubleshoot & Replace Lg AP4439730 / 4986ER0006B Door Boot Gasket

Ordered everything to do with the drum rotation. Which is Drum with spider arm already mounted (tub assembly/inner), (could not get spider arm bolts off so cut them but couldn't find replacement bolts) both inner & outer bearings and tub seal, door boot gasket and even outer tub seal since machine was totally apart. Watched video and being very handy it was no problem at all. Even if your not that handy you should be able to handle in my opinion. Parts came in 2 days even with holiday weekend. 

The replacement went pretty easy. I went to you tube for proper replacement videos. I would not recommend replacing this w/o a spring expansion tool. Buying a spring removal tool is not the same thing. The end of the tool should look like a box. I It only took me a long time to fix because I needed more tools otherwise it was an easy fix 

Replaced the dispenser assembly, door gasket, and the bellows because there was mold in the first two. Replacing the bellows just seemed like a good idea since it attaches to the dispenser. The dispenser was super easy to replace. It required a Phillips #2 screw driver and a pair of pliers. 2 screws on the back of the machines top cover (the lower screw on each of the hinges), pull the top cover (slide it toward the rear about and inch and a half, and the lift the cover up and off) The door gasket was more involved. Check out the videos on this site and YouTube. The most difficult step was removing and replacing the spring wire that holds the gasket to the tub and the front of the washer. All of the videos that I watched suggested using a special tool that would make the process easier, but I was able to accomplish the task with 2 pairs of heavy needle nose pliers. I wouldn't suggest going that way to just anyone though. You risk poking a hole in the new expensive gasket when reinstalling it if you aren't very cautious. 

I followed a couple of Appliance Parts Pros videos that helped me identify the root cause, disassemble the washer, order the parts, how to install the new parts and reassemble. One of the difficult things was getting the replacement door boot gasket clamp back on. It will take two people (four hands) to get it on properly. 

I spun the inner drum by hand and I could hear a low rumbling noise. I was sure it was a bad bearing but I was not sure which one. I looked on line and found the parts I needed at Appliance Parts Pros. I looked at the on line video instructions for replacing both bearings and the tub seal. I ordered the recommended repair parts and the door boot gasket. The door boot did not leak but it looked worn and smelled bad. The on line video instructions were great! I followed the instructions and completed the repair. The only surprise was it took about 3 hours to clean the dirt and scum off the inside of the outer drum. This step was not listed in the instructions but I think it was worth the extra time and now the inside of the washer smells much better. 

Removed and installed new door seal and new clamp. 

I think it was leaking both from the front and the bottom somehow. The boot seal was pretty cruddy anyways so I figured even if it was wrong, it was time to replace. You basically had to take the entire washing machine top and front off. This takes a little bit of time and organization but is relatively easy. While you are doing all this you might as well clean all the filters and make sure none of the valves and tubes are leaking. Getting it apart was pretty easy. The hard part is putting the two clamps back on, particularly the bigger back one. Be careful if you are ordering new clamps to realize that there are two different sizes. The bigger back one is IMPOSSIBLE to get on without the spring expansion tool. I called multiple hardware stores and no one ever heard of it. It was like $70 online which seemed too expensive for a DIY (esp. when I already spent $70 on the boot and clamp). I didn't really need a new clamp, so I used the spring from it and was able to do a work around and use the two springs together to get the back clamp on. This is what was time consuming and frustrating. It's a little loose but I think should be fine. If you want to do the job 100% properly you need the spring expansion tool. There are no leaks now! 

Visited appliancepro found the exact problem. Ordered a spider arm and gaskets. The repair vidios are spot on! If you follow the vidio you will not have a problem! Probably took me a total of 2.5 hours and saved me hundreds! Customer service is exceptional!! Only website I will use for appliance repairs! 

Remove old gasket two steps. Remove top lid, loosen screws push down, pull out and up. Next removed old gasket gently pulling off spring clamps front and back. Reseat gasket into drum first then spring clamp. This is the tricky part where needle nose plier and screwdriver are needed. Take your time and make sure it is seated all the around gasket. Then repeat with front . Use some soap as lubricant this helps. Have a flashlight and be able to feel spring clamp all the way around. A spring clamp expansion tool helps, $ pricey item, but a little muscle and care ( tape at end of screwdriver will prevent tears) can get job done. Three hands helps with this part and found this part the most time consuming. It's a simple process that takes patience and attention to detail. 

Appliancepartspros diagnosed the issue and suggested the replacement part. Ordered on Friday afternoon and got it on Monday. Part works, problem solved??