How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6011818 / WP8182650 Drive Pulley

I first repaired the bearings in the unit then I replaced the dive pulley. The old bearings were very worn and rusted and took some time to disassemble the unit and get it back together. The drive pulley took about 10 minutes total to install. 

Replaced pulley and belt. 

At first I thought it was just a failed belt but I could feel the driven pulley seemed loose. The "flats" on the inside of the aluminum pulley where it mounts to the shaft were worn to an hour-glass shape. New pulley and belt went on fairly easily and everything is working great. 

When I pulled the washer away from the wall, I saw a lot of black debris on the floor. I figured from that the belt broke. When I removed the back panel, the belt was off. The drive pulley was also very worn around the bolt, so I went ahead and replaced it as well. One of my shock absorbers was also broken, which is why my tub had been making loud noises recently and probably why the belt came off. I could not get the belt on myself. I used a trick from YouTube with a strong zip tie to hold it on the drive pulley while turning it, and it worked. Saved me from having to buy a new washed. Still going strong after 15 years. 

Had to replace pulley due to poor design (cast aluminum pulleys and hardened steel drive shafts do not mix). Replaced belt as it had worn as the pulley failed. 

Took back off of washer and replaced parts. 

Your site is amazing. I found the parts and the video I needed. Took less than 30 mins. 

Pull the washer away from the wall. Unplug it. Remove the lower back panel, just the star bolts that attach that panel. Visually inspect the problem. The belt was off and the drive pulley was wobbly. Because the bolt on the drive pully was tight and the pulley wobbled I decided I needed to replace it. The belt had some slight damage and could have been reinstalled but I decided to replace it. While holding the pulley turn the nut in the center. I used another wrench to block the pulley by inserting it into the slots on the machine. it was fairly easy to remove. The pulley replacement was easy and it fit tight to the shaft on the drum. The belt replacement was more difficult because it seemed to short but after comparing it to the old one I installed it. Put it over the small lower motor pulley lining up the notches in the belt and pulley and spin the drum pulley until it is fully around both. Be careful, it is a tight fit and I'm sure fingers could be damaged. I then replaced the back panel, plugged it in and put a large quilt in it as a test. It works well. 

First I went to the internet to get ideas as to what might be the problem then to you tube where I found your video's on changing out the belt and drive pulley which I found to be incredibly helpful. The video's gave me the confidence that I could make the repair myself. I then went to your website entered the model number and was amazed at the drawings of the inside of the washer with everything labeled. I chose my parts and they were delivered within two days. I followed the video's instructions and had the washer running in less than an hour. Thank You 

Repl.aced the pulley and the drive belt. Washer had been making a knocking noise for a while. I should have known that it was a signal that something was not right. It looks like the bolt on the pulley worked loose and the pulley was hitting the tank and the belt finally jumped off the pulley. it got wrapped around the pulley and broke. I installed new part and was up and running in about 15 minutes.