Whirlpool WPW10388414 Drive Belt OEM Part

I pulled the unit away from the wall and noticed black dust on the floor. Unplugged the unit, turned off the water. Removed back panel (about 10 screws with Torx heads) and noticed the belt was off, the drive pulley was loose and wobbling on the shaft, black dust all over the inside. Belt was worn along one side. Some grooves/damage in the outer drum casing around the pulley where it appeared the belt had rubbed. Removed the lower crossbar (2 more screws) to get better access to the drive pulley and motor. Removed the nut from the old drive pulley with a 15/16" wrench (video said 24mm, but didn't have a metric wrench that big) using the handle of another wrench to brace the wheel and stop it turning. The center of the drive wheel was worn almost into a circle (instead of the oval shape of the keyed shaft) and the shaved aluminum was the likely source of the black dust. Vacuumed out the worst of the dust. After consulting online videos, I ordered a new belt and pulley. I also checked the drum bearings by manually rotating the drum and listening for noise. Thankfully I think they're OK. Parts arrived in less than 48 hours. Installed the new drive pulley on the shaft. It was a snug fit and needed a bit of persuasion from a hammer buffered with a block of wood just enough to get the nut on a couple of turns. Caution: Have someone else brace the inside of the drum from the front so the whole thing doesn't just shift away from you. (I didn't realize what was happening with the first few whacks. Fortunately, I was able to push the drum back from the other side, but I was worried I might have damaged the bearings.). Once it was on the shaft enough to get the nut on a couple of turns, I used the wrench to complete the job -- bracing the wheel again with the handle of another wrench placed between the spokes and into one of the 'pockets' of the molded drum casing. Installed the new belt following the technique in the videos. Took a few attempts -- the new belt was tight. Spun the drum manually to check for noise. Decided it might be a good idea to lubricate the bearings. Should have thought of this while the drive pulley was off! Thankfully I have a can of liquid grease (like WD-40) with a straw nozzle attachment and there was just enough room to squirt some lube into the space behind the pulley. Plugged the unit back in (with the back still off, to observe), reattached hoses and turned on the water. Ran it through a Drain+Spin cycle to observe the drum motion. It worked! Replaced the lower crossbar and back panel. Cleaned up the unit and work area. I moved it back against the wall and checked it for level. Job is done!

This repair went exactly as the video described. The video made it unbelievably easy. Took about 2.5 hours only because I scrubbed and cleaned all hoses and pars in and out. Our washer is 12 years old and had some build up. Seriously don't shy away, this was $250 with a new belt. Compared to a new front loader $1200-$1500, repairs the way to go. My only scare or concern was that the inner basket spider was rotten (galvanic corrosion (dissimilar metals) however it was just dirty. Tips 1. The front outer tub didn't line right up with the new rear. I lined up the top and hammered in clips as went. Worked my way around and clipped alng the way. Took a little elbow grease but it went together well. 2. The rear pulley the belt rides on 24mm bolt fought a little. Don't bind the pulley and use muscle. Follow the repair video, Simon nailed all of it. Bind the pulley and hit the wrench with a hammer to strike the bolt loose. 3. My Dewalt impact gun made the jobs fast. Enjoy your good as new washer.

Replaced pulley and belt.

I went to your website (Like I have done in the past), Quickly found the parts, and best of all...you had videos on how to replace the parts I order! I replaced all shock absorbers, and Upgraded to the drive belt as suggested (why not why I have things apart), put it all together, and everything worked fine. Note: because my machine was up on a pedestal, and in a very tight laundry room, this all took about 2 hours (soup to nuts). Also...I may suggest that to prevent damaging or tearing the your vinyl floor, you will want to put some dish soap or vaseline around the feet so you can slide that beast in-and-out without tearing the vinyl like I did. I have used your web site for 3 years now to fix my appliances, and it just keeps getting better all the time...Thank you!

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.