If your Kenmore washing machine is not spinning, you’ve come to the right place. In this detailed guide, we’ll be explaining the causes of this issue and giving you steps on how to fix them…
Table of Contents
Kenmore Washing Machine Is Not Spinning — How To Fix
If your Kenmore washing machine is not spinning, look for the following issues…
1. Damaged Idler Pulley (Dryers)
To replace a damaged idler pulley in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Ensure that the machine is disconnected from the power outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent any chances of electrocution.
Step 2. From the back of the machine, loosen the bolts holding the top panel. Slide the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Loosen the bolts at the back of the control panel using a Philips screwdriver. Pry the panel off the mounting plate, then set it on top of the cabinet.
Step 4. Disconnect the lid switch wire harness at the top of the front panel. Open the door of your machine, then take out the two lower screws on the front panel.
Step 5. With your Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts at the top of the front panel. Lift the front panel off the cabinet carefully, then set it aside.
Step 6. Disconnect the drum light wire harness at the top of the front bulkhead. Detach the moisture sensor wire harness at the bottom of the bulkhead.
Step 7. Using your Philips screwdriver, take out the nuts holding the front bulkhead to the cabinet. Lift the bulkhead off the machine and set it aside.
Step 8. Reach underneath the drum and push the idler pulley inwards (if still intact). Unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley.
Step 9. Lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside. Use needle-nosed pliers to pry off the tri-ring holding the pulley wheel to the idler arm. Slide the pulley wheel off and discard it.
Step 10. Prepare the new pulley for installation by taking it out of its packaging. Slide the new pulley onto the shaft, then secure it by snapping the retaining ring on.
Step 11. Lift the belt and drum, then carefully guide them back into the cabinet. Reach underneath the drum and push the idler pulley inwards.
Step 12. Loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and idler pulley in a zig-zag formation. Slowly rotate the drum by hand to ensure that the belt is properly aligned.
Step 13. Lift the front bulkhead and remount it on the cabinet. Secure the bulkhead by applying the Philips screws.
Step 14. Plug the moisture sensor and drum light wire connectors back in. Lift the main front panel and mount it on the cabinet. Using your Philips screwdriver, tighten the bolts at the bottom of the door opening.
Step 15. Plug the door switch wire harness back in, then apply the Philips screws at the top.
Step 16. Snap the control panel onto the front of the cabinet, then apply the bolts at the back using your screwdriver.
Step 17. Place the top panel on the cabinet. Secure the top panel by applying the nuts at the back.
Step 18. Reconnect your appliance to the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
2. Faulty Drum Rollers (Dryers)
The rollers support the drum and help it spin smoothly. If the rollers in your dryer get damaged, the drum will not be able to spin. Follow the steps below to replace this part…
Front Rollers
To replace the front drum rollers in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by disconnecting your appliance from the outlet.
Step 2. With your Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts at the back of the cabinet securing the top panel. Slide the top panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the machine.
Step 3. Use your screwdriver to take out the bolts at the back of the control panel. Carefully pry the panel off the mounting bracket, then set it on top of the cabinet.
Step 4. Disconnect the door switch wire harness at the top of the front panel. Open the door of your dryer, then take out the two screws at the bottom of the opening.
Step 5. Loosen the nuts at the top of the front panel. Carefully lift the panel off the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 6. Disconnect the drum light wire connector at the top of the front bulkhead. Detach the moisture sensor wire harness at the bottom of the bulkhead.
Step 7. With your Philips screwdriver, loosen the nuts holding the front bulkhea to the cabinet. Lift the bulkhead off the machine, then set it face-down on a flat surface.
Step 8. Use needle-nosed pliers to pry off the tri-ring holding the drum roller you want to replace. Slide the roller off the shaft and discard it.
Step 9. Prepare the new drum roller for installation by unpacking it. Slide the new roller onto the shaft. Secure the roller by snapping the retaining ring on.
Step 10. Lift the front bulkhead and mount it on the cabinet. Use your Philips screwdriver to apply the bolts to the bulkhead.
Step 11. Plug the moisture sensor and drum light wire connectors back in. Lift the front panel and mount it on the machine. Tighten the bolts at the top of the panel.
Step 12. Plug the door switch wire connector back in. Snap the control panel onto the front of the cabinet. Apply the bolts at the back of the pane.
Step 13. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the top panel by applying the Philips screws.
Step 14. Reconnect your machine to the outlet, then try running a spin cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
Rear Rollers
To replace the rear drum rollers in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Disconnect your appliance from the power outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. From the back of the machine, use a Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the top panel to the cabinet. Slide the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the machine.
Step 3. Loosen the two screws securing the control panel. Pry the panel off the mounting plate at the front of the machine, then set it on top of the cabinet.
Step 4. Disconnect the door lock wire connector at the top of the front panel. Open the door of the machine, then take out the bolts at the bottom of the opening.
Step 5. Take out the screws at the bolts at the top of the front panel. Carefully lift the front panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 6. Disconnect the drum light and moisture sensor wire connectors at the top and bottom of the front bulkhead.
Step 7. Loosen the screws securing the front bulkhead to the cabinet. Lift the bulkhead off the machine and set it aside.
Step 8. Reach under the drum and push the idler pulley inwards (this will release the tension on the drive belt). Unhook the belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley.
Step 9. Carefully lift the drive belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside. Using needle-nosed pliers, carefully pry off the tri-ring securing the roller you want to replace.
Step 10. Slide the roller off the shaft and discard it. Take the new roller out of its packaging and mount it on the rear bulkhead.
Step 11. Secure the new roller by snapping the tri-ring on. Lift the drive belt and drum, then carefully guide them into the cabinet.
Step 12. Reach underneath the drum and hook the belt onto the idler pulley and motor pulley in a zig-zag formation. Try rotating the drum by hand to ensure that the belt is properly aligned.
Step 13. Lift the front bulkhead and mount it on the machine. Secure the bulkhead by applying the bolts. Plug the moisture sensor and drum light wire connectors back in.
Step 14. Remount the front panel on the cabinet, then tighten the bolts at the top using a Philips screwdriver.
Step 15. Open the door of your washing machine, then tighten the screws at the bottom. Snap the control panel onto the mounting bracket, then apply the nuts at the back.
Step 16. Mount the top panel on the cabinet. Using your Philips screwdriver, apply the screws at the back of the panel.
Step 17. Reconnect your appliance to the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
Check out these other articles…
Maytag Washing Machine Will Not Start [How To Fix]
Kenmore Washing Machine Belt [Problems Solved]
Kenmore Washing Machine Heating [Issues & Solutions]
Kenmore Washing Machine Error Codes [How To Fix]
Kenmore Washing Machine Is Making Noise [How To Fix]
Samsung Washing Machine Is Not Heating [3 Causes & Solutions]
Samsung Washing Machine Is Overheating [3 Causes & Solutions]
3. Damaged Rotor
The rotor is mounted on the stator and helps the drum spin properly. If this part gets damaged, your machine will not be able to spin. Follow the steps below to replace this part…
Front Loaders
Take the following steps to replace the rotor in your front loader Kenmore washing machine…
Step 1. Ensure that your washing machine’s power cord is disconnected from the outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent any chances of electrocution.
Step 2. Using a Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts holding the rear access panel to the cabinet. Pry the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Loosen the bolt holding the rotor to the back of the tub using a 17mm socket wrench. Carefully pry the rotor off the back of the tub, then set it aside.
Step 4. Prepare the new rotor for installation by unpacking it. Mount the new rotor on the stator, then secure it by applying the 17mm bolt.
Step 5. Snap the rear panel back onto the cabinet. Secure the rear panel by tightening the Philips screws.
Step 6. Reconnect your washing machine’s power cord to the outlet. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.
Top Loaders
To replace a damaged rotor in your top loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Ensure that your washing machine’s power cord is disconnected from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Turn your washers’ water supply taps off in order to prevent water leaks. Using pliers if needed, disconnect the inlet hoses from the ports on the machine.
Step 3. Pull your washing machine’s drain hose out of the standpipe. Tip the machine forwards carefully, then set it on the floor (if needed, get someone to help you).
Step 4. Using a hammer and an adjustable wrench, loosen the bolt holding the rotor to the bottom of the tub. Pry the rotor off the bottom of the tub and set it aside.
Step 5. Prepare the new rotor for installation by unpacking it. Mount the new rotor on the tub, then tighten the bolt using your adjustable wrench.
Step 6. Carefully lift your washing machine onto its feet. Reinsert the drain hose into the standpipe.
Step 7. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the machine (ensure that each hose is properly connected in order to prevent leakage).
Step 8. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the outlet, then turn the water taps on. Ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a spin cycle.
4. Damaged Rotor Position Sensor
To replace a faulty rotor position sensor in your Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…
Front Loaders
To replace the rotor position sensor in your front loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Disconnect your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent any chances of electrocution.
Step 2. Loosen the bolts holding the rear access panel to the cabinet using a Philips screwdriver. Pry the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Using a 17mm socket wrench, loosen the bolt holding the rotor to the back of the tub. Pry the rotor off the machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Loosen the screws holding the stator wire retainers using a Philips screwdriver. Take out the nut holding the stator grounding wire to the tub.
Step 5. Take out the bolts holding the stator to the back of the machine using a 10mm socket wrench.
Step 6. Lift the stator off the tub. Disconnect the wire harness from the rotor position sensor. Pry the sensor off the stator using a flat-blade screwdriver.
Step 7. Discard the old sensor, then take the new one out of its packaging. Snap the new sensor onto the stator, then plug the wire harness in.
Step 8. Mount the stator on the tub, then tighten the bolts using your 10mm socket. Put the wire harness retaining bracket back in place, then tighten the screws.
Step 9. Apply the bolt to secure the stator grounding wire. Mount the rotor on the stator, then tighten the bolt using your 17mm socket wrench.
Step 10. Snap the rear access panel onto the cabinet, then tighten the Philips screwdriver. Plug your washing machine’s power cord into the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
Top Loaders
To replace a damaged rotor position sensor in your top loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of water leakage or electrocution, ensure that your washer’s power cord is disconnected from the outlet, and the water taps are turned off.
Step 2. Using a pair of pliers if needed, disconnect the water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (it is advised that you keep a rag nearby in case water spills).
Step 3. Pull your washing machine’s drain hose out of the standpipe. Tip your machine forwards carefully and set it on the floor.
Step 4. Using a hammer and a adjustable wrench, take out the bolt holding the rotor to the bottom of the tub. Carefully pry the rotor off the tub (this may require some effort).
Step 5. Loosen the bolts holding the stator to the bottom of the tub using a 10mm socket wrench. Lift the stator off the machine.
Step 6. Disconnect the wire harness from the rotor position sensor on the stator. Pry the sensor off the stator, then discard it.
Step 7. Prepare the new rotor position sensor for installation by unpacking it. Snap the new sensor on the stator, then plug the wire harness in.
Step 8. Mount the stator on the tub, then secure it by applying the 10mm bolts. Place the rotor on the stator, then use your adjustable wrench to apply the bolt.
Step 9. Reinsert your washing machine’s drain hose into the standpipe. Connect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the corresponding ports at the back of the machine.
Step 10. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet, then turn your water supply taps on. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a wash cycle.
5. Broken Drive Belt
Another common thing which can prevent your washing machine from spinning is a broken belt. To check the belt in your Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…
Front Loaders
Step 1. Disconnect your appliance from the outlet before starting this procedure in order to avoid any chances of electrocution.
Step 2. Using your Philips screwdriver, loosen the nuts securing the rear access to the cabinet. Pry the panel off the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 3. Inspect the belt looped around the motor pulley and drive pulley. If the belt is broken or damaged in any way, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 4. Once you are satisfied that the drive belt is in good condition, remount the rear panel on the cabinet, then tighten the Philips screws.
Step 5. Reconnect your appliance to the outlet, then try running a spin cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
Top Loaders
To check the drive belt in your top loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Turn your washing machine’s water supply taps off and disconnect the power cord from the outlet in order to prevent leakage and electrocution.
Step 2. Pull your washing machine’s drain hose out of the standpipe. Disconnect the water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (some water may spill out, so ensure that you keep a rag nearby).
Step 3. Tip your washing machine forwards carefully and set it on the floor (if needed, get someone to assist you).
Step 4. Loosen the bolts holding the belt guard to the bottom of the tub. Take the guard off and set it aside. Inspect the drive belt around the two pulleys. If the belt is broken or damaged in any way, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 5. Once you are sure that the belt is in good condition, put the guard back on and apply the screws.
Step 6. Carefully lift your washing machine onto its feet, then insert the drain hose into the standpipe.
Step 7. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the machine (ensure that the hoses are properly connected in order to prevent leaks).
Step 8. Plug your machine’s power cord into the outlet, then turn the water taps on. To ensure that the problem has been fixed, try running a wash cycle).
Dryers
To inspect the belt in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Disconnect your machine from the power outlet in order to prevent any chances of electrocution.
Step 2. Loosen the bolts at the back of the machine securing the top panel using a Philips screwdriver. Slide the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the machine.
Step 3. Take out the screws at the back of the control panel using your Philips screwdriver. Pry the panel off the mounting bracket, then lay it on the cabinet.
Step 4. Disconnect the door switch wire harness at the top of the front panel. Open the door of your machine, then loosen the two bolts at the bottom of the door opening.
Step 5. Take out the screws at the top of the front panel. Lift the front panel off the cabinet carefully and set it aside.
Step 6. Disconnect the moisture sensor wire harness at the lower section of the front bulkhead. Detach the drum light wire connector at the top of the front bulkhead.
Step 7. Using your Philips screwdriver, take out the nuts holding the bulkhead to the front of the cabinet. Carefully lift the bulkhead off the machine and set it aside.
Step 8. Inspect the belt around the drum to find out of it’s broken or damaged. If the belt is damaged, you’ll need to purchase a new one and replace it.
Step 9. Once you are sure that the drive belt is in good condition, remount the front bulkhead on the cabinet, then tighten the screws.
Step 10. Plug the moisture sensor and drum light wire connectors back in. Remount the front panel on the cabinet, then apply all the screws using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 11. Reconnect the door lock wire harness. Snap the control panel onto the mounting bracket, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the nuts at the back.
Step 12. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by applying the bolts at the back of the cabinet.
Step 13. Reconnect your appliance to the outlet, then try running a spin cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
6. Failed Motor
Another common thing that can prevent your washing machine from spinning is a defective motor. For detailed steps on how to test and replace the motor, read this article: Kenmore Washing Machine Motor.
7. Damaged Tub Shaft (Front Loaders)
If your washing machine tub shaft gets damaged, the machine will not be able to spin. If the inner drum doesn’t turn when you rotate it by hand, it indicates that it is damaged and should be replaced. Follow the steps below to do this…
Step 1. Turn your washer’s water supply taps off and disconnect the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to avoid any chances of water leakage or electrocution.
Step 2. Loosen the screws at the back of the machine holding the top panel using a Philips screwdriver. Slide the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Using your Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts holding the rear access panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Loosen the bolt holding the rotor to the back of the tub using a 17mm socket wrench. Set the rotor aside.
Step 5. Loosen the screws holding the stator wire harness retainers to the back of the tub. Take out the bolts holding the stator to the tub using a 10mm socket wrench. Lift the stator off the tub, then disconnect the wire harnesses.
Step 6. Place a 12mm socket on the pointed end of the upper rear shock absorber mounting pin. Pull the pin out using pliers. Detach the rear shock absorber from the tub.
Step 7. Detach the pressure hose from the port at the back of the tub. Loosen the screws at the top of the cabinet holding the steam generator to the support bracket.
Step 8. Take out the screws holding the support bracket. Move the support bracket and steam generator out of place.
Step 9. Slide the soap tray out of the dispenser, then press the little tab inside to release it from the housing.
Step 10. With your Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts next to the dispenser opening. Take out the screws at the back of the control panel.
Step 11. Pry the control panel off the front of the cabinet. Disconnect the wire harnesses attached to the control panel. Set the panel aside.
Step 12. Pry your washing machine’s pump filter access panel open. Pull the emergency drain hose out of the retainers.
Step 13. Use your screwdriver to take out the two screws securing the pump filter housing. Pull the housing out of the machine and set it aside.
Step 14. Open the door of your washing machine. Wedge a flat-blade screwdriver underneath the retaining band around the door boot seal.
Step 15. Reach into the cabinet behind the front panel and disconnect the door switch wire harness.
Step 16. Loosen the single screw at the bottom of the front panel. Take out the screws at the top of the front panel using a Philips screwdriver. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 17. Place a container underneath the emergency drain tube. Pull the cap off the tube, then let any water stuck in the machine drain out.
Step 18. Once all the water has drained out, put the hose’s cap back on. Using a pair of pliers, release the retaining clamp holding the sump hose to the bottom of the tub. Detach the hose from the tub (some water may spill out, so keep a rag nearby).
Step 19. Disconnect the wires from the heating element at the bottom of the tub (ensure that you note where each plug goes).
Step 20. Loosen the bolt holding the grounding wire to the heating element using a 10mm socket.
Step 21. Disconnect the wire harness from the thermistor next to the heating element. Release the wire harness from the retainer.
Step 22. Release the spring clamps holding the tubes to the ports at the top of the door boot seal. Pull each tube off the seal.
Step 23. Push the light assembly out of the port on the door boot seal. Loosen the nuts holding the weights to the front of the drum using a 13mm socket wrench. Lift each weight off the drum and set it aside.
Step 24. Using your Philips screwdriver, loosen the screw-clamp holding the dispenser hose to the top of the tub. Detach the hose from the tub.
Step 25. Use a pair of pliers to release the retaining clamp securing the vent hose to the top of the drum. Pull the hose off the machine.
Step 26. Push a 12mm wrench onto the pointed end of the one of the upper front shock absorber mounting pins. Pull the pin out of the shock absorber, then repeat this process with the second one.
Step 27. Pull each shock absorber out of the tub. Loosen the screws holding the control panel mounting bracket to the front of the cabinet. Take the bracket off and set it aside.
Step 28. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the suspension spring covers off the cabinet. Carefully lift each suspension spring, then unhook it from the cabinet.
Step 29. Lower the tub assembly carefully, the guide it out of the cabinet. Set the tub assembly on two supports facing upwards.
Step 30. Using a 10mm socket wrench with an extension, loosen the bolts holding the two halves of the outer tub. Lift the front half of the outer tub off the assembly and set it aside.
Step 31. Lift the inner tub out of the rear half of the outer tub, then set it aside. Unpack your new inner tub assembly.
Step 32. Carefully lower the inner tub into the rear half of the outer tub. Place the front half of the outer tub on the tub assembly, then tighten the bolts using the 10mm socket wrench (mind the heating element).
Step 33. Attach the two springs to the mounts on the tub. Lift the tub assembly, then carefully hook the two springs onto the cabinet. Snap the covers onto the suspension springs.
Step 34. Place the control panel’s mounting bracket on the cabinet, then tighten the bolts using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 35. Push the two front shock absorbers into the mounts at the bottom of the tub. Secure the shock asborbers by pushing the upper mounting pins in.
Step 36. Mount the two weights on the tub assembly, then use your socket wrench to apply the bolts.
Step 37. Push the drum light assembly back into the port at the top of the door boot seal. Attach the little tubes to the ports on the door seal, then slide the retaining clamps into place.
Step 38. Plug the wire harness into the thermistor. Connect each wire harness to its appropriate terminal on the heating element at the bottom of the tub.
Step 39. Attach the sump hose to the outlet port at the bottom of the tub, then slide the retaining clamp into place using pliers.
Step 40. Plug the pressure tube into the port at the lower rear of the tub. Push the rear shock absorber into the mount, then snap the pin into place.
Step 41. Plug each wire connector into its appropriate terminal on the stator. Mount the stator at the back of the tub, then secure it by applying the 10mm bolts.
Step 42. Secure the stator wire harness retaining brackets to the back of the tub by applying the Philips screws.
Step 43. Place the rotor on the stator, then tighten the bolt using your 17mm socket wrench.
Step 44. Snap the rear access panel onto the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the Philips screws.
Step 45. Lift the front panel, then carefully mount it on the cabinet. Apply the Philips screws at the top of the front panel.
Step 46. Tighten the single screw at the bottom of the front panel. Push the pump filter housing into the cabinet, then apply the two screws.
Step 47. Open the door of your washing machine. Reach into the cabinet and reconnect the wire harness to the door lock assembly.
Step 48. Fit the door boot seal around the front panel. Using needle-nosed pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver, fit the retaining wire around the door gasket.
Step 49. Reattach the dispenser hose to the port at the top of the drum. Use your Philips screwdriver to tighten the screw-clamp.
Step 50. Attach the vent hose to the port at the top of the drum, then slide the retaining clamp into place with pliers.
Step 51. Plug the wire connectors back into the control panel. Snap the panel onto the front of the cabinet, then apply the screws at the back with your Philips screwdriver.
Step 52. Tighten the bolts next to the dispenser opening. Slide the soap tray back into the dispenser.
Step 53. Move the steam generator and support bar back into place. Tighten the screws to secure them.
Step 54. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Using your Philips screwdriver, apply the screws at the back.
Step 55. Reconnect your appliance to the outlet, then turn the water supply taps back on. Ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a cycle.
