How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6005764 / WP21001598 Suspension Spring

For any looking into this, just know that you do not need to be a top-notch repair person or handyman in order to knock this job out. I am not and was able to get it done. With basic tools, a little bit of patience and watching the videos, most anyone can do this. First, a great big thanks to Appliance Parts Pros for the excellent instruction videos and amazingly fast delivery! We actually got our parts the day after ordering (...did not pay for overnight delivery, had more to do with our location relative to their shipping center...but their speedy order processing is what made it all happen so quick...)! Best service I can remember is a very long time! Even though the washer is older, looking at what is available on the market today (...with inflated prices and the terrible reviews, many of them often about unreliability and short lifespan...), we were hoping to get just a bit more use out of this one. Our old Maytag Atlantis washing machine had developed a sudden bad squeal and vibration. On initial external inspection we found quite a bit of light colored plastic type dust/shavings under the machine. While doing research we found what the likely issues are and came upon the Appliance Parts Pros instruction videos...super helpful. Even though the idea of totally dismantling the machine seemed like a big deal before starting...we also figured that we had nothing to loose since the machine couldn't be used as-is any longer. In the case of this Atlantis washer, once you do the repair you see that the dismantling is not as big a deal as it looks. The hardest part of this repair for me was getting the new springs attached on the back side of the washer. Unlike in the video, our model doesn't have a rear access so it required a stretch and a few tries along with more then a couple colorful expletives (...be sure to do the back or hardest to reach first...and if possible have a helper available to lean the basket to the side you are attaching the spring on..). Besides that, the repair itself was straight forward. Now, as a side note. Be sure to take a very close look at your water pump. Even though the snubber ring and springs needed to be replaced, in the end the real culprit on our machine was the water pump which we figured out after this repair. And after doing the snubber ring, the water pump replacement is super easy. Hope this helps. Save yourself some money and give this repair a try. 

I removed the front of the cabinet and checked the springs to make sure all were attached. I did a quick look at the tub itself to make sure nothing was broken and noticed some fine debris beneath the tub were it rests on the cabinet bottom. Upon further investigation, I determined that the snubber ring had some wear on it so I decided to replace it and the entire spring set. I looked up and ordered the correct parts for my make and model and watched the video of a similar repair. Gathered together the tools needed and waited on the parts to arrive. Replacing the snubber ring was quick and easy but make sure you watch the video concerning the instructions about the braking mechanism spring and how to avoid issues with it. Springs are also simple but make sure you eat your Wheaties before trying to install them to the tub from the chassis! Them springs ain't no joke and most people will need two hands to stretch them out for attachment! 

I followed the Appliance Parts Pro's advice videos for the Maytag MAV6451AWW Atlantis washer on replacing the snubber ring and the suspension springs. Everything went just fine except replacing the two rear most suspension springs. None of the videos illustrated REINSTALLING the REAR springs which is extremely difficult because you can't get enough leverage with your arm extended. Observing my frustration, my wife recommended taking off the back side. You can't simply take off the back, because the right and left sides and the back are one piece. LESSON LEARNED: Follow the video to remove the front, then use duct tape to secure the lid to the left and right sides, and then remove ALL the screws around the base after removing the pump, motor and all hoses including the small water level sensing hose attached to the left rear of the tub. Make sure the motor wiring harness is unhitched from the base clip. Put on gloves because the edges are sharp, and then get your wife to help lift the remainder of the frame up and off the base. This makes removing the suspension springs and replacing them a piece of cake. Doing this originally would have saved hours of frustration. 

Thought it was a bad spring but found other with the same problem said it was a snubber ring. Ordered snubber ring and six springs. Replacement parts was $30.00. Replaced it myself and it works like new again. 

I found the AppliancePartsPros site and this specific issue seemed very popular. I decided to order the Snubber Ring, Springs and a new drive belt since I was going to have it apart and it is 10+/- years old. The video on the website and linked to my email shipping confirmation was helpful up to a point. This particular unit does not have a removable access panel on the back. This makes it near impossible to access/remove at least two of the tub springs. I got out my flashlight and examined the interior of the cabinet and found that by removing eleven Torx screws on the base, removing the drain hose retaining plate and setting the wiring harness for the motor to the side, I was able to simply slide the base out of the cabinet with the tub still attached. This completely exposed the assembly and provided complete access to all components. It's still a bear to get the springs off but if you enlist the help of your Grandson to stabilize the base and tilt the tub towards the spring you are removing and later replacing it's much easier. Washer now back in service, I hope for a few more years at least. 

We were told by a repair person from Sears that one of the suspension spring needed to be replaced. After receiving the parts, another repair person opened the front and back panels but found no damage. He lubricated all the springs and so far the washer seems to be doing fine. We have all the springs still in original package. 

Everything went well, the repair was quick & easy to follow, service was prompt & I am completely satisfied with the results. thank you for your help & hope to do business with you again in the future. Walt Barnes 

Followed the given video directions that are on AppliacePartsPros. I have three recommendations in addition to what they have posted 1) Replace all suspension springs and also the washer drive belt since you need to take them off to service the washer anyway. They all are parts that wear and are ready to be replaced when then snubber ring is worn. 2) Take the tub outside and wash upside down with a garden hose if you use powder detergent as you'll likely have "detergent caking" around the top and inside of the tub. 3) When reinstalling the Suspension Springs back into the washer start with the hardest to reach springs on the sides first as the more springs you add, the more tension you are working against. All in all a moderate fix that took about two hours to complete. The washer now runs just like new. I'm very glad that I replaced the springs and belt in addition to the snubber ring as all were worn. 

NEW SNUBBER AND TUB SPRINGS TOOK CARE OF THE TROUBLE. ADDED NEW BELT FOR MAINTENANCE. PARTS PROS VIDEO MADE IT EASY! 

After looking on your site for the symptons, I decided to change the snubber ring (the original ring did not look all that worn but changed it anyhow), all 6 suspension springs and the 4 front/rear legs. The rubber pads were worn out almost completely on all 4 legs. The repair went smoothly except when trying to set the pin in one of the rear leveling legs. I didn't look at the installation video which I should have, but I was able to get the pin in securely. I made a slight adjustment to the left front foot pad to make sure the machine was completely level before operating it. Now when the machine is in spin mode it is as smooth and noise free as brand new. My wife did about 6 loads of laundry over the weekend and was quite happy. In conclusion, I'm not sure which part or all the parts changed that made the difference, it still beats spending $800+ for a new washer.