If your Admiral washing machine spin cycle is giving you problems, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide explains the causes of these problems and provides steps on how to fix them.
You will need some tools and a lot of patience for these repairs. If you are not confident in your repair skills, please contact a technician instead. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get right to it…
Admiral Washing Machine Won’t Spin Or Drain — Solved
Your Admiral washing machine won’t spin unless all the water has drained out of the tub. If your washing machine isn’t draining, you’ll need to replace the drain pump. Here’s how to do this…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of water leakage or electrocution, please ensure that you unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet and turn the water supply valve off before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the HOT and COLD water supply hoses from the inlet ports at the back of your washing machine (some water may spill out of the ports, so keep a rag nearby).
Step 3. Use your pliers to squeeze the retaining clamp on the drain hose at the back of your washing machine and slide it out of place. Pull the drain hose off the machine.
Step 4. Secure the lid of your washing machine by putting some tape on it. Carefully tilt the washing machine backwards and lay it on the floor.
Step 5. Pry the cap off the drain pump at the bottom of your washer. Disconnect the wire harness from the pump and release it from the retainer.
Step 6. Squeeze the clamp on the hose attached to the drain pump and slide it out of place. Pull the hose off the drain pump (make sure you have a rag nearby to clean any water spillage).
Step 7. Use a 5/16 inch nut-driver to take out the mounting bolts securing the drain pump to the bottom of the tub. Pull the drain pump off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 8. Take your new washing machine drain pump out of its packaging. Install the new pump at the base of your washing machine and apply the mounting bolts with your nut-driver to secure it.
Step 9. Pry the cap off the new pump and connect the electrical connector to it. Snap the plastic cap back on.
Step 10. Connect the outlet hose to the port on the new drain pump assembly. Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the retaining clamp and slide it into place to secure the hose.
Step 11. Carefully lift your washing machine upright and peel the tape off the lid. Connect each of the water inlet hoses to their corresponding ports at the back of your washing machine (in order to prevent any water leaks, make sure to secure them properly).
Step 12. Connect the drain hose to the outlet port at the back of your washing machine. Squeeze the retaining clamp and slide it into place. Turn the water supply valve back on and plug the power cord into the outlet. Try running a wash cycle to make sure everything works properly.
Admiral Washing Machine Won’t Spin — How To Fix
Is your Admiral washing machine spin cycle not working? If so, look for the following issues…
1. Failed Lid Switch
As a safety precaution, some washing machine models won’t start any cycle unless the lid is locked. If your washing machine’s lid isn’t locking, you’ll need to replace the lock assembly. Here’s how to do this…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution or water leakage by unplugging your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet and turning the water valve off before starting this repair. Put some tape over your washing machine’s lid to secure it.
Step 2. Place some towels on the floor underneath the water inlet hoses. Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the HOT and COLD water supply hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (some water will spill out).
Step 3. Use a 1/4 inch nut-driver to take out all the screws holding the control panel rear access cover. Pull the rear cover off the machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Release the lid latch wire from the retainer. Pull the lid latch wire connector of the control board.
Step 5. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to press the two plastic tabs holding the wire to the cabinet. Put some tape over the lid of your washing machine.
Step 6. Use a 1/4 inch nut-driver to take out the bolts holding the hinge brackets to the top panel. Pull the top panel forwards a bit then lift it up and support it (the hinges on the panel will not be able to support it; you will need to rest the panel against a wall).
Step 7. Pull the lid lock wire harness through the hole in the top panel. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the retainers on the top panel holding the lid lock wire.
Step 8. Use your nut-driver to take out the two bolts holding the lid lock to the top panel. Pull the lock off the panel and set it aside. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the lid lock bezel from the top panel.
Step 9. Take your new lid switch assembly out of its packaging. Install the new bezel into the opening on the top panel. Place the new lid lock onto the top panel and use your nut-driver to apply the two bolts.
Step 10. Secure the new lid switch wire in the retainers on the top panel. Pass the lid switch wire connector through the opening on the top panel.
Step 11. Lower your washing machine’s top panel back onto the cabinet and snap it into place. Peel the tape off the lid.
Step 12. Go to the back of your washing machine and put the hinge bracket screws back on. Connect the lid switch connector to the control board and secure the wire in the retainer.
Step 13. Put the control panel access cover back on and use your screwdriver to apply all the screws.
Step 14. Connect the water supply hoses back to the ports at the back of your washing machine (secure the hoses properly so water doesn’t leak). Turn the water supply valve back on and plug the power cord into the outlet. Run a cycle to ensure that everything works properly.
Check out these other articles…
Washing Machine Will Not Agitate [Problems Solved]
Frigidaire Washing Machine Not Sensing [Quick Fix]
Back-Flow Into Washing Machine [How To Fix]
Frigidaire Washing Machine Not Working [How To Fix]
Admiral Washing Machine Won’t Drain [How To Fix]
2. Broken Drive Belt
Your washing machine will not be able to spin if the drive belt breaks. Here’s what you’ll need to do to replace a broken drive belt in your Admiral washing machine…
Step 1. Shut off your washing machine’s water supply valve and unplug the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution or water leakage.
Step 2. Place some towels on the floor under the inlet hoses. Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the COLD and HOT water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (please note that water will spill a bit).
Step 3. Secure the lid of your washing machine by putting some tape over it. Carefully tilt your washing machine forwards and lay them on the floor.
Step 4. Use a nut-driver to take out the bolts holding the drive belt cover. Take the cover off and set the broken drive belt aside.
Step 5. Take your new washing machine drive belt out of its packaging. Loop the new drive belt around the motor pulley and drive pulley (ensure that the grooved side of the belt is inwards).
Step 6. Put the cover on the drive belt and apply the screws with your screwdriver to secure it. Lift your washing machine upright and peel the tape off the lid.
Step 7. Reconnect the water supply lines to the ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure to secure the hoses properly so water can’t leak out).
Step 8. Plug your washing machine’s power cord into the outlet and turn the water supply valve back on. Make sure the issue has been fixed by running a spin cycle.
3. Failed Drive Motor
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace a failed drive motor in your Admiral washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of water leakage and electrocution, make sure to turn off your washing machine’s power supply and shut the water valve before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamp on the drain hose at the back of your washing machine and slide it out of place. Disconnect the drain hose from your washing machine (some water will spill).
Step 3. Unscrew the two water supply hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (place a towel on the floor to catch any water leaks). Secure the lid of your washing machine by putting some tape over it.
Step 4. Tilt your washing machine backwards carefully and lay it on the floor. Use a nut-driver to take out the bolts holding the drive belt cover. Pull the cover off your machine and set it aside.
Step 5. Carefully pull the drive belt off the motor pulley and disconnect the electrical connector from the drive motor.
Step 6. Take out the motor mounting screws using a 1/2 inch socket wrench. Carefully pull the drive motor off the machine and set it aside.
Step 7. Take your new washing machine drive motor out of its packaging. Install the new motor at the bottom of the machine and apply the mounting bolts to secure it.
Step 8. Connect the wire harness to the new motor. Loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and drive pulley.
Step 9. Put the drive belt cover back on an use your nut-driver to apply the mounting bolts. Lift your washing machine upright and peel the tape off the lid.
Step 10. Connect the drain hose back to the outlet port at the back of your washing machine. Squeeze the retaining clamp with a pair of pliers and slide it into place to secure the hose.
Step 11. Connect the water supply hoses back to the ports on your washing machine (in order to prevent any water leaks, make sure to secure the hoses properly). Plug the power cord back into the outlet and turn the water supply valve back on. Try running a spin cycle to make sure the issue has been fixed.
4. Damaged Clutch
Take the following steps to replace a damaged clutch in your Admiral washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution and water leakage by shutting your washing machine’s water supply valve and unplug the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Open the lid of your washing machine and pull the dispenser cap off the agitator. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the cap off the agitator.
Step 3. Use a 7/16 inch socket wrench with an extension to take out the bolt holding the agitator. Pull the agitator out of your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Pull the retaining clip and plastic piece off the agitator shaft. And set them aside. Unscrew the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (keep a rag nearby to clean any water leaks).
Step 5. Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the retaining clamp on the drain hose and slide it out of place. Pull the drain hose off the machine.
Step 6. Carefully tilt your washing machine backwards and lay it on the floor. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the two clips holding the drain pump to the drive motor. Lift the drain pump off the motor shaft.
Step 7. Disconnect the wire harness from the drive motor. Release the motor wires from the retainer.
Step 8. Use a socket wrench to take out the three bolts holding the gear case. Pull the motor and gear case assembly out of the washing machine…
Step 9. Pull the washer ring off the transmission shaft. Pry out the retaining clip and ring above the clutch using a flat-blade screwdriver.
Step 10. Slide the clutch off the transmission shaft and set it aside. Take your new clutch out of its packaging.
Step 11. Push the new spacer bearing onto the new clutch. Slide the new clutch onto the shaft and push it into place. Place the retaining ring around the shaft in the tabs on the new clutch (you will need a flat-blade screwdriver to push it into place).
Step 12. Slide the retaining clip into the slots on the shaft. Push the washer ring onto the shaft.
Step 13. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the c-ring holding the clutch brake cam. Pull the brake cam drive off and replace it with the new one included in the clutch assembly. Snap the c-ring back into place.
Step 14. Mount the gear case and motor assembly back onto the washing machine. Apply the mounting bolts with your socket wrench to secure it. Secure the motor wires in the retainer on the gear case.
Step 15. Connect the wire harness back to the terminal on the drive motor. Place the drain pump back onto the motor shaft. Snap the two retaining clips in place to secure the pump to the motor.
Step 16. Carefully lift your washing machine upright. Connect the drain hose back to the outlet port on your washing machine. Squeeze the retaining clamp and slide it into place to secure the hose.
Step 17. Connect the two water supply hoses back to the ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure to secure the hoses properly so water can’t leak out).
Step 18. Open the lid of your washing machine. Put the washers back onto the shaft. Lower the agitator into the tub and snap it into place. Apply the bolt with your socket wrench to secure it. Put the dispenser cup back on the agitator.
Step 19. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the outlet and turn the water supple valve back on and try running a wash cycle to make sure the issue has been fixed.
5. Damaged Motor Coupling
Here’s what you’ll need to do to replace a damage motor coupling assembly in your Admiral washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of water leakage and electrocution by shutting your washing machine’s water supply and unplugging the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a screwdriver to take out the screws holding the control panel to the top of the machine. Lift the control panel and let it hang over the rear access panel.
Step 3. Disconnect the lid switch wire connector from the top panel. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the two clips holding the cabinet to the rear panel. Carefully lift the cabinet off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Pry off the two retaining clips holding the drain pump to the motor using a flat-blade screwdriver. Pull the drain pump off the motor shaft.
Step 5. Disconnect the wire harness from the drive motor. Use a 1/4 inch nut-driver to take out the two bolts on the retaining clips securing the motor assembly. Pry the motor off the drive motor using a flat-blade screwdriver.
Step 6. Pull the drive motor off the washing machine and set it aside. Pry the coupler off the drive motor (this may require a bit of effort).
Step 7. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the transmission plate coupler piece. Take your new washing machine coupling assembly out of its packaging.
Step 8. Use a screwdriver to tap the first coupler piece onto the motor shaft. Knock the second coupler piece onto the transmission plate. Push the rubber isolator onto the first coupler piece and push it in place.
Step 9. Mount the drive motor back onto the gear case. Snap the two retaining clips into place and apply the bolts to secure the motor assembly.
Step 10. Connect the wire harness back to the terminal on the drive motor. Put the drain pump onto the motor shaft and snap the two retaining clips into place.
Step 11. Carefully lift the cabinet and mount it back on the washing machine. Use a screwdriver to push the two retaining clips in place to secure the cabinet to the rear panel.
Step 12. Lower your washing machine’s control panel and snap it back into place. Apply the screws with your screwdriver to secure it to the cabinet.
Step 13. Turn your washing machine’s water supply valve back on and plug the power cord back into the outlet. Try running a spin cycle to make sure everything works properly.
6. Damaged Bearing
Please note that this is a very complicated repair. If you aren’t confident in your repair skills, we strongly advise against carrying out this repair.
For this repair, you’ll need to order the bearing alignment tool along with the bearing kit. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace a damaged bearing in your Admiral washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent water leakage and electrocution by unplugging your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet and turning the water supply valve off before starting this repair.
Step 2. Unscrew the COLD and HOT water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (spread a rag on the floor to catch any water leaks). Secure the lid of your washing machine by putting some tape on it.
Step 3. Insert a putty knife under your washing machine’s top panel to release the two retaining clips. Lift the top panel and support it by leaning it against a wall.
Step 4. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamp on the re-circulation hose attached to the tub cover and slide the clamp out of place. Pull the hose off the tub cover.
Step 5. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the cap off the agitator and set it aside. Using a 7/16 inch socket wrench with an extension, take out the bolt inside the agitator. Carefully pull the agitator assembly out of the machine and set it aside.
Step 6. Pry off the locking tabs holding the tub cover to the outer tub. Lift the tub cover off the outer tub and set it aside.
Step 7. Reach into the tub and use a Philips screwdriver to take out all the screws securing the basket hub. Pull the basket hub pieces out of the tub and set them aside.
Step 8. Carefully lift the inner tub out of the tub assembly. If you find it difficult to lift the inner tub, apply some anti-rust oil to the space between the shaft and the inner tub and let it sit for an hour or so.
Step 9. Lower the top panel and snap it back into place. Carefully tilt your washing machine backwards and lean it against a wall.
Step 10. Turn the rotor at the bottom of the machine until the hole on it lines up with the hole on the stator. Push a screwdriver into the holes to secure the rotor.
Step 11. Use an Allen wrench to take out the bolt holding the rotor assembly to the bottom of the tub. Pull the rotor assembly off the machine and set it aside.
Step 12. Use a 3/8 inch socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the drive stator to the bottom of the tub. Carefully pull the stator off the tub and set it aside. Lift the motor stator shield off and set it aside.
Step 13. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the motor stator. Set the stator aside.
Step 14. Take out the nut at the bottom of the tub holding the shaft using an adjustable wrench (squeeze the shaft with a pair of pliers while you turn the nut with the wrench).
Step 15. Use a mallet to knock the shaft inwards. Lift the washing machine upright. Insert a putty knife under the top panel and release the two retaining clips. Lift the top panel again.
Step 16. Pull the drive shaft out of the tub and set it aside. Use the bearing removal rod and a hammer to knock out the lower bearing. Lower the top panel and tilt the washing machine backwards a bit.
Step 17. Take out the bearing parts under the machine and set them aside. Use your mallet and bearing removal rod to knock out the upper bearing from the bottom of the tub.
Step 18. Lower the machine back to the floor and lift the top panel. Take the upper bearing out of the tub and set it aside.
Step 19. Take your new bearing kit out of its packaging. Use a rag to clean the bearing housing.
Step 20. Set the new upper tub bearing into the tub as evenly as possible. Unscrew the three lower pieces from the bearing installation tool and set them aside. Slide tool into the bearing opening (the arm of the bearing tool should hang out in the tub).
Step 21. Lower the top panel and tilt the machine backwards again. Slide the spacer tube onto the bearing installation tool shaft. Slide the bearing washer and lower bearing right after it.
Step 22. Put the three lower pieces of the bearing installation tool back onto the shaft at the bottom of your machine and tighten the nut as much as you can with a wrench.
Step 23. Once you’ve tightened the bolt, use your adjustable wrench to loosen it. Pull the three lower pieces of the shaft again and set them aside (the lower bearing will now be pressed into the mount on the tub).
Step 24. Set your machine on the floor and lift the top panel. Pull the bearing installation tool out of the tub and set it aside.
Step 25. Slide the new drive shaft into the bearing opening (if the shaft doesn’t go down easily, use a mallet to carefully knock it in).
Step 26. Lower the top panel and tilt the washing machine backwards again. Put the nut onto the drive shaft. Squeeze the tip of the drive shaft with a pair of pliers and tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench.
Step 27. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the motor stator. Put the stator plate at the bottom of the tub and put the motor stator above it (ensure that the bolt holes line up). Secure the stator to the bottom of the machine by applying the bolts.
Step 28. Put the rotor onto the motor stator and tighten the nut using a 1/4 inch Allen wrench.
Step 29. Lower your washing machine back to the floor and lift the top panel again. Fill the grooves in the new bearing seal with the provided grease.
Step 30. Apply the provided adhesive to the bottom outer groove of the new bearing seal. Let the adhesive sit for a minute or so.
Step 31. Carefully slide the new bearing seal onto the shaft. Push the new seal down above the bearing using the provided seal installation tube and a mallet.
Step 32. Apply some more adhesive to the top of the new bearing (ensure that you spread it evenly).
Step 33. Use a rag to clean off any excess sealant or adhesive on the tub and shaft. We recommend leaving the machine overnight before running any cycles so the adhesive and sealant can set properly.
Step 34. Lower the inner tub assembly onto the drive shaft. Put the basket hub back onto the shaft and use a Philips screwdriver to apply all the screws.
Step 35. Snap the tub cover back onto the tub assembly. Connect the re-circulation hose back to the port on the tub cover. Slide the retaining clamp in place to secure the hose.
Step 36. Lower the agitator into your washing machine and apply the mounting bolt with your socket wrench to secure it. Snap the agitator cap back on.
Step 37. Carefully lower the top panel of your washing machine and snap it back into the cabinet. Peel the tape off the lid of your washing machine.
Step 38. Connect the water supply hoses back to the ports on your washing machine (make sure the hoses are properly secured so water doesn’t spill). Plug the power cord into the outlet and turn the water valve back on. Try running a wash cycle to make sure everything works properly.
Admiral Washing Machine Shakes Violently During Spin Cycle — Solution
If your Admiral washing machine shakes violently during spin cycles, here are the issues to look for…
1. Legs Are Uneven
If your Admiral washing machine vibrates violently during spin cycles, you should check the legs first. Ensure that your washing machine sits on a firm even surface in order to prevent excess movement.
You should also ensure that your washing machine’s legs are leveled. Try rocking the machine back and forth on an even surface. If you notice much movement, you’ll need to tilt the machine backwards and adjust the height of the legs as needed.
2. Damaged Balance Ring
Your washing machine’s balance ring keeps the inner tub from violently banging against the outer tub during spin cycles. Here’s how to replace a damaged balance ring in your Admiral washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by unplugging your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the two screws at the back of your washing machine holding the control panel to the machine. Lift the control panel and set it over the rear panel.
Step 3. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the two metal clips holding the rear panel to the cabinet. Disconnect the lid switch electrical connector.
Step 4. Carefully pull the cabinet off your washing machine and set it aside. Pry the tabs on the tub cover and lift it off the tub assembly.
Step 5. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out one of the tabs securing the balance ring. Pull that side of the balance ring upwards and repeat this process with the other tabs. Take the balance ring off the tub and set it aside.
Step 6. Take your new washing machine balance ring out of its packaging. Install the new ring in the space between the inner tub and the outer tub. Turn the balance ring clockwise to lock it in place.
Step 7. Snap the tub cover back onto the tub assembly. Snap the cabinet back onto the washer assembly. Push the two retaining clips on the rear panel into the openings at the top of the cabinet.
Step 8. Connect the electrical connector back to the lid lock at the top of the cabinet. Lower the control panel and snap it into the cabinet. Apply the two screws at the back of your washing machine to secure the control panel. Plug the power cord into the outlet and try running a spin cycle to ensure that the problem has been fixed.
3. Damaged Suspension Rods
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace damaged suspension rods in your Admiral washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of water leakage and electrocution by shutting your washing machine’s water supply and unplugging the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Unscrew the two water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine using a pair of pliers (keep a rag handy to clean any water leaks).
Step 3. Squeeze the metal clamp on the drain hose at the back of your washing machine and slide it out of place. Pull the drain hose off the machine.
Step 4. Use a 1/4 inch nut-driver to take out the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the hinges. Put some tape over the lid of your washing machine to secure it.
Step 5. Pull the top panel forwards a bit, lift it up, and support it by resting it against a wall (do not rely on the hinges to support the top panel).
Step 6. Pull one of the suspension rods up a bit and take the bearing and socket off the end. Lower the rod through the opening and unhook it from the suspension spring. Repeat this process with the other three suspension rods.
Step 7. Lower the top panel and snap it into place. Carefully tilt your washing machine backwards and lay it on the floor (make sure to put in the two screws at the back to secure the top panel before doing this).
Step 8. Pull the four suspension rods through the openings on the outer tub and set them aside.
Step 9. Take your new suspension rod kit out of its packaging. Pass each rod through the opening on the outer tub.
Step 10. Carefully lift your washing machine upright and take out the two screws at the back holding the top panel. Lift the top panel again and support it.
Step 11. Snap the new suspension rod bearing cups into the mounts on the cabinet. Lift one suspension rod and hook the support spring onto it.
Step 12. Pass the new suspension rod through the opening on the cabinet. Slide the bearing onto the rod and turn it to lock it in place. Lower the suspension rod and repeat this process with the other rods.
Step 13. Lower the top panel and snap it back onto the cabinet. Peel the tape off the lid and use your nut-driver to apply the screws at the back to secure the top panel.
Step 14. Connect the drain hose back to the outlet port at the back of your washing machine. Squeeze the retaining clamp and slide it into place to secure the hose.
Step 15. Connect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses back to the ports at the back of your washing machine (prevent any chances of water leakage by securing the hoses properly).
Step 16. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the power outlet and turn the water supply valve on. Make sure everything works properly by running a spin cycle.
