Customer Questions and Answers for Retaining Ring by Whirlpool

This retaining ring secures a component on a shaft or within a groove so it stays aligned during operation. Replacing a bent, rusted, or missing ring helps stop wobble, noise, and parts working loose.

• Locks into a groove to keep gears, pulleys, wheels, or spacers from sliding off a shaft
• Helps maintain proper spacing and alignment of moving parts
• Common signs of failure: wobbling parts, scraping/rubbing noises, or components that work loose
• Visual clues: deformation, corrosion, or loss of spring tension

• Disconnect power and any utilities to the appliance before service
• Wear eye protection—retaining rings can spring free under tension
• Note the order/orientation of any washers or spacers before removal
• Use appropriate snap-ring or needle-nose pliers and ensure the ring seats fully in its groove