Whirlpool Washing Machine Not Spinning [How To Fix]

Is your Whirlpool washing machine not spinning? You’ve come to the right place; this guide explains the causes of this issue and provides steps on how to fix them…

Whirlpool Washing Machine Not Spinning — Solution

Is your Whirlpool washing machine not spinning? Here are the issues you should look for…

1. Machine Hasn’t Drained

If your Whirlpool washing machine isn’t spinning, it could be that the drum hasn’t drained. Your washer will not move to the next cycle without draining the water out first. If your Whirlpool washing machine isn’t draining, read this article.

2. Broken Drive Belt

The drive belt is looped around a pulley wheel at the back of the tub. If this belt gets worn or broken, the drum will not be able to spin properly. Do the following to replace the drive belt in your washer…

Front Loaders

Take the following steps to replace the drive belt in your front loader Whirlpool washing machine…

Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrical damage, ensure that your washing machine is unplugged from the outlet before starting this repair.

Step 2. Pry out the four plastic rear panel caps and set them aside. Using your 1/4 inch nut-driver, loosen the screws holding the rear panel to the cabinet. Pull the rear panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 3. If still intact, take the drive belt off the motor shaft and drive pulley. Discard the old drive belt, then prepare the new one for installation by removing it from its packaging.

Step 4. Loop the new drive belt around the two pulley wheels (make sure the grooved side is turned inwards).

Step 5. Remount the rear panel on the cabinet, then secure it by applying the bolts with your nut-driver.

Step 6. Snap the plastic caps back onto the four holes at the back of the machine. Plug the washer into the outlet, then try running a spin cycle.

Top Loaders

Do the following to replace a damaged drive belt in your top loader Whirlpool washing machine…

Step 1. Ensure that your washing machine is unplugged from the outlet and the water supply faucets are turned off before starting this repair in order to prevent water leaks and electrocution.

Step 2. Put some tape on your washing machine’s lid to help secure it. Spread a rag under the two inlet hoses at the back of the machine.

Step 3. With a pair of pliers, loosen the HOT and COLD water inlet hoses from the ports at then back of your washing machine (some water may spill out).

Step 4. Pull your washing machine’s drain hose out of the standpipe. With someone else assisting you, carefully tip the machine forwards and set it on the floor.

Step 5. Remove the bolts holding the belt guard using a 5/16 inch nut-driver. Take the drive belt off the two pulleys if still intact.

Step 6. Take your new washing machine drive belt out of its packaging. With the grooved side turned inwards, loop the new belt around the two pulley wheels.

Step 7. Put the belt guard back in place, then apply the bolts to secure it. Carefully lift the machine and set it on its feet.

Step 8. Peel the tape off the lid and reinsert the drain hose into the standpipe. Reattach the two inlet hoses to the ports at the back of the machine.

Step 9. Turn the water faucets back on, then plug the power cord back into the outlet. To ensure that the problem has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.

Washer/Dryer Combo

To replace the drive belt in your Whirlpool washer/dryer combo, here are the steps you’ll need to take…

Step 1. Make sure to unplug your washing machine from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent any chances of electrocution.

Step 2. Loosen the bolts holding the dryer compartment’s lower access panel using a Philips screwdriver. Pull the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 3. Using a tool such as a putty knife, release the two retaining clips of the front access panel. Pry the panel off the dryer compartment.

Step 4. Open the door of the dryer compartment and take the lint screen out. Release the air duct by taking out the bolts using a 5/16 inch nut-driver.

Step 5. Use your 1/4 inch nut-driver to remove the four bolts holding the heater shield. Take the heater shield off the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 6. Loosen the two lower screws holding the dryer front panel and bulkhead. With your nut-driver, take out the three bolts at the top of the control panel.

Step 7. Detach the panel from the machine, then set it on top of the cabinet. Unplug the door switch wire harness.

Step 8. Use your screwdriver to take out the two upper screws holding the front panel and bulkhead. Carefully lift the front panel and bulkhead off the front of the machine, then set it aside.

Step 9. Reach underneath the dryer drum. Push the idler pulley to release the tension on the drive belt. Take the drive belt off the motor pulley and idler pulley.

Step 10. Push the drive belt behind the drum. Carefully pull the entire drum out of the cabinet, then set it aside.

Step 11. With your nut-driver, take out the bolts holding the blower wheel cover. Secure the motor pulley with a pair of pliers.

Step 12. Rotate the blower wheel clockwise using a 1/2 inch socket wrench. Take the blower wheel out of the housing and set it aside.

Step 13. Detach the motor retaining clips using a 7/16 inch nut-driver. Unplug the wire harness from the motor assembly.

Step 14. Unplug the belt switch wires from the dryer motor (make sure to take note of where each connector goes).

Step 15. Carefully pull the dryer motor assembly out of the cabinet and set it aside. Full remove the old drive belt from the dryer cabinet, then discard it.

Step 16. Prepare your new washing machine drive belt for installation by removing it from its packaging.

Step 17. Hook the new drive belt on the rear bulkhead. Reinstall the motor assembly in the cabinet (ensure that the new belt is under the shaft).

Step 18. Plug the belt switch wire connectors into the appropriate ports on the motor assembly.

Step 19. Reconnect the main wire harness to the motor assembly. Snap the two motor retaining clips back into place.

Step 20. While holding the motor pulley with a pair of pliers, place the blower wheel on the shaft, then rotate it counter-clockwise to secure.

Step 21. Put the blower wheel cover back onto the assembly, then apply the bolts to secure it.

Step 22. Carefully lift the drum assembly and guide it back into the cabinet. Loop the new drive belt around the back of the drum.

Step 23. Reach underneath the drum assembly and pull the idler pulley backwards. Loop the new belt around the motor pulley and idler pulley in a zig-zag pattern.

Step 24. Hook the front panel and bulkhead onto the cabinet. Apply the upper mounting bolts using your nut-driver.

Step 25. Reconnect the door lock wire harness. Lift the control panel off the machine, then snap it onto the cabinet. Secure the control panel by applying the three bolts at the top.

Step 26. Use your nut-driver to apply the front panel’s lower mounting screws. Put the heater shield back on the machine, then apply the bolts.

Step 27. Remount the air duct on the cabinet, then apply the nuts with your screwdriver. Open the door of the dryer compartment and put the lint screen back in place.

Step 28. Snap the second front panel back onto the cabinet. Put the dryer compartment’s lower access panel back in place, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the bolts.

Step 29. Reconnect your washing machine to the power outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that everything works properly.

3. Door Isn’t Properly Locked

Many washing machine’s will not start a spin cycle unless the door is properly locked. If your machine isn’t spinning, be sure to check that the door is firmly shut. If your machine’s door isn’t locking, you’ll need to replace the door lock assembly. Click here to learn how to do this.

4. Damaged Drive Motor

The drive motor is mounted at the bottom of the tub assembly. This motor turns the drive belt, which in turn makes the drum turn. If your machine’s drive motor burns out or fails, the drum will not be able to spin at all. For detailed steps on how to replace a motor in your Whirlpool washing machine, read this article.

5. Damaged Clutch Assembly (Top Loaders)

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace a damaged clutch assembly in your top loader Whirlpool washing machine…

Step 1. Before starting this repair, ensure that your washing machine is unplugged from the outlet in order to prevent electrocution.

Step 2. Turn off your machine’s water supply faucets in order to prevent water leaks. Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the COLD and HOT water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your machine (keep a rag nearby in case water spills out).

Step 3. Use your pliers to release the clamp on the drain hose at the back of the machine, then slide it out of place. Pull the drain hose off the cabinet.

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Step 4. Open the lid of your washing machine. Pry the cap off the agitator, then pull the filter out.

Step 5. Using a 7/16 inch socket wrench, take out the bolt holding the agitator assembly to the cabinet. Pull the agitator out of the machine and set it aside.

Step 6. Close the lid of your machine and put some tape on it to secure. With the help of another person, tip your washing machine backwards carefully, then set it on the floor.

Step 7. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the two clips holding the drain pump assembly to the motor. Lift the drain pump off the motor shaft, then set it aside.

Step 8. Unplug the drive motor’s wire harness. Using your flat-blade screwdriver, release the motor wires from the plastic retainer.

Step 9. With a 1/2 inch socket wrench, remove the bolts holding the gear case to the bottom of the tub. Carefully slide the motor and gear case assembly out of the tub.

Step 10. Slide the thrust washer off the shaft gear case shaft. Pry out the support ring of the clutch assembly using a pair of needle-nosed pliers.

Step 11. Pry out the clutch assembly retaining ring using a flat-blade screwdriver. Lift the clutch assembly off the shaft, then discard it.

Step 12. At the bottom of the gear case, use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the c-clip securing the brake cam. Take the brake cam off and discard it.

Step 13. Remove your new clutch assembly from its packaging. Snap the new isolator ring into the clutch opening.

Step 14. Slide the provided brake cam onto the drive tube at the bottom of the gear case, the secure it using the c-clip.

Step 15. Lower the new washer clutch onto the gear case shaft. Using a flat-blade screwdriver and the supplied retainer ring, secure the new clutch assembly. Put the support ring onto the clutch.

Step 16. Slide the thrust washer back onto the shaft. Carefully lift the gear case and motor assembly, then slide it into the opening on the tub. Secure the assembly by applying the bolts with your 1/2 inch socket wrench.

Step 17. Reconnect the wire harness to the terminal on the drive motor. Slide the drain pump onto the motor shaft, then secure it by snapping the retaining clips on.

Step 18. Lift your washing machine back onto its feet carefully and peel the tape off the lid.

Step 19. Reconnect the drain hose to the port at the back of your washing machine, then secure it by sliding the retaining clamp into place.

Step 20. Open the lid of your washer, then lower the agitator back onto the shaft. Secure the agitator assembly by applying the bolt with you 7/16 inch socket wrench.

Step 21. Put the filter and cap onto the agitator assembly. Reattach the two water supply hoses to the ports at the back of your washing machine (ensure that they are secured properly in order to prevent any leaks).

Step 22. Turn the water faucets back on, then plug the power cord into the outlet. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.

Check out these other articles…

How To Move A Washing Machine [Detailed Guide]

Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes [How To Fix]

Whirlpool Washing Machine Not Spinning [How To Fix]

Whirlpool Washing Machine Flashing/Blinking [Solutions]

Whirlpool Washing Machine Belt [How To, Issues & Solutions]

How To Replace A Whirlpool Washing Machine Door Seal [Detailed Guide]

Whirlpool Washing Machine Filter [Issues & Solutions]

6. Damaged Transmission Assembly (Top Loaders Only)

To replace a faulty transmission assembly in your Whirlpool top loader washing machine, take the following steps…

Step 1. In order to prevent any water leaks and electrical damage, make sure to turn off the water faucets and disconnect your machine from the power outlet before starting this procedure.

Step 2. Spread a towel underneath the inlet hoses at the back of the machine. Disconnect the two hoses from the ports (use pliers if needed).

Step 3. Secure the lid of your machine with some tape. Using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, take out the bolts holding the top panel to the cabinet.

Step 4. Loosen the nut holding the wiring and tube cover. Take the cover off the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 5. Pull the top panel forwards, then lift and support it using a lanyard. Using a small screwdriver, pry the tub cover off the assembly and set it aside.

Step 6. Pry the agitator’s cap off, then take the filter out. With a 7/16 inch socket wrench, loosen the bolts holding the agitator to the tub. Carefully pull the assembly out of the tub.

Step 7. Loosen and take out the tub nut using a hammer and tub-nut wrench. Lift the inner tub out of the cabinet.

Step 8. Use your hammer to carefully knock the drive block off the shaft. Lower the top panel and snap it back onto the cabinet. Apply the bolts at the back to secure the top.

Step 9. With someone assisting you, tip your washing machine forwards carefully and set it on the floor.

Step 10. Use a 5/16 inch socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the belt guard. Take the drive belt off the motor pulley and transmission pulley, then set it aside.

Step 11. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the motor assembly and release the wires from the retainer.

Step 12. Remove the bolts holding the motor to the transmission assembly. Carefully lift the motor off the plate and set it aside.

Step 13. Unplug the wire connectors from the start capacitor and shift actuator. Loosen the screws holding the actuator to the transmission plate, then take it off the assembly.

Step 14. Release the capacitor wires from the retainer on the transmission plate. Use your screwdriver to loosen the nut holding the capacitor to the plate and set it aside.

Step 15. Using a 13mm socket, remove the bolt holding the transmission pulley. Take the pulley wheel off.

Step 16. Pry the splutch housing off the shaft and set it aside. Take the basket drive gear and spring off the shaft.

Step 17. Using your socket wrench, take out all the bolts holding the transmission assembly to the bottom of the tub. Carefully slide the transmission out of the machine and set it aside.

Step 18. Take your new washing machine transmission assembly out of its packaging. Slide the new transmission into the opening at the bottom of the tub. Secure the new transmission by applying the bolts with your socket wrench.

Step 19. Place the spring and gear onto the new transmission shaft. Snap the splutch housing onto the shaft.

Step 20. Place the pulley wheel on the new transmission’s shaft, then tighten the bolt using your nut-driver.

Step 21. Put the capacitor on the mounting plate and secure it by applying the screw. Snap the capacitor wire retainer into the slot on the plate. Plug the connector into the new capacitor.

Step 22. Mount the shift actuator on the transmission plate and apply the screw to secure it. Plug the wire harness into the actuator.

Step 23. Mount the drive motor assembly on the transmission plate, then secure the bolts using your socket wrench. Plug the electrical connector into the drive motor.

Step 24. With the grooved side turned inwards, loop the drive belt around the transmission pulley and motor pulley.

Step 25. Put the belt guard back into place, then secure it by applying the bolts using your 5/16 inch socket wrench.

Step 26. Carefully lift your washing machine back onto its feet. Loosen the bolts at the back of the machine holding the top panel. Lift the top panel and support it.

Step 27. Push the drive block onto the transmission shaft. Lower the inner tub onto the shaft and secure the tub nut using your hammer and tub-nut wrench.

Step 28. Lower the agitator onto the shaft, then apply the bolt with your 7/16 inch socket wrench. Put the filter and cap back onto the agitator assembly.

Step 29. Snap the tub cover onto the tub assembly. Lower the top panel and snap it into the cabinet. Use your nut-driver to apply the top panel mounting bolts.

Step 30. Put the tube and wiring cover back onto the cabinet, then apply the mounting bolt with your nut-driver.

Step 31. Reattach the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the ports at the back of your machine (in order to prevent any leaks, make sure the hoses are secured properly).

Step 32. Peel the tape off the machine’s lid. Turn the water supply faucets back on, then plug the power cord into the outlet. To see if the issue has been fixed, try running a spin cycle.

7. Failed Bearings

The bearings are mounted in the outer tub. They help ensure that the inner drum spins smoothly and evenly. If your Whirlpool washing machine isn’t spinning, it could indicates that the bearings have been warped.

To check for damaged bearings, open the lid/door of your machine. Try rotating the drum by hand. If it doesn’t spin smoothly and freely, the bearings have gone bad. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace the bearing assembly in your Whirlpool washing machine…

Front Loaders

For Whirlpool front loaders, you’ll actually need to replace the entire rear half of the outer tub. Here’s how to do this…

Tools Needed For This Repair:

  • Hammer
  • Flat-blade Screwdriver
  • 7mm, 13mm, 24mm Socket Wrenches
  • Large Pliers
  • Torx-10, 20, 25 Screwdrivers
  • Small Flat-blade Screwdriver
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Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrical damage and water leakage, make sure to unplug your machine from the outlet and turn the water faucets off before starting this repair.

Step 2. Loosen the bolts holding the top panel to the cabinet using a Torx-20 screwdriver. Pull the top panel backwards and lift it off the cabinet.

Step 3. Take out all the screws securing the rear access panel using your Torx-20 screwdriver. Pull the rear cover off the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 4. With your Torx 20 screwdriver, remove the screws holding the upper and lower braces to the rear panel.

Step 5. Go to the front of the machine and slide the soap tray out of the dispenser. Press the tab inside to completely release the tray.

Step 6. Remove the nut next to the dispenser opening using a Torx-20 screwdriver. Release the tabs at the right side of the cabinet holding the control panel.

Step 7. Open your washer’s door. Insert the large flat-blade screwdriver into the opening at the bottom of the control panel. Pry the panel off the cabinet.

Step 8. Unplug the control panel’s wire connector from the main control board. Release the control panel wire from the retainers. Take the control panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 9. Wedge a flat-blade screwdriver underneath the retaining band around the door boot seal (take care not to puncture the door boot seal). peel the door boot seal off the front panel.

Step 10. With the Torx-20 screwdriver, take out the nuts holding the door lock assembly to the front panel.

Step 11. Remove the bolts holding the lower front access panel with your Torx-20 screwdriver. Take the lower access cover off the machine and set it aside.

Step 12. Using the same Torx screwdriver, remove the bolts at the bottom and top of the front panel. Carefully pull the front panel upwards and lift it off the machine.

Step 13. Pull the water inlet tube and window washer tube off the ports at the top of the door boot seal (be careful not to puncture the door gasket).

Step 14. Use the Torx-20 screwdriver to remove the screws holding the top frame base. Push the dispenser assembly backwards.

Step 15. Lift the top frame brace, then release the window wash hose from the retainer. Set the brace aside.

Step 16. Pull the detergent dispenser hose from the port at the top of the tub assembly.

Step 17. With the 7mm socket wrench, loosen the nut holding the door boot seal retaining band. Peel the door boot seal and retaining band off the front of the drum.

Step 18. Use the 13mm socket wrench to remove the bolts holding the counter-weights to the front of the tub assembly (ensure that you loosen one weight at a time). Lift each weight off the tub and set them aside.

Step 19. Go to the back of the washing machine and take the drive belt off the two pulleys. Use your 24mm socket wrench to take out the bolt holding the pulley wheel to the back of the tub.

Step 20. Slide the pulley of the shaft at the back of the machine. With the Torx-25 screwdriver, remove the nut holding the grounding wire to the bearing hub.

Step 21. Disconnect the grounding wire from the drive motor. With your 13mm socket wrench, remove the bolts holding the motor assembly to the bottom of the tub.

Step 22. Carefully lift the motor assembly off the tub and set it on the floor of the machine. Use your socket wrench to remove the nuts holding the rear counter-weight. Lift the weight off the machine and set it aside.

Step 23. In order to catch any water leaks, spread a rag at the bottom of the cabinet underneath the tub assembly.

Step 24. Loosen the bolt holding the pressure tube connector using the Torx-10 screwdriver. Release the pressure tube locking tab, then take the tube off the cabinet.

Step 25. Release the green wire from the retainers on the pressure tube (make sure to take note of how the wire is routed).

Step 26. Spread some rags in front of the pump filter knob. Open the pump filter and let any water that may be stuck in the machine drain out completely.

Step 27. Using your pliers, squeeze the clamp holding the sump hose to the bottom of the tub, then slide it out of place. Pull the hose off the machine (some water may spill out).

Step 28 Release the clamp holding the second outlet hose to the back of your tub. Pull the hose off the port.

Step 29. Use a pair of pliers to grab the upper mounting pins of the four shock absorbers, then turn counter-clockwise about 90 degrees to release them from the bottom of the tub.

Step 30. Pull each of the four shock absorbers out of the tub mounts. Pull the temperature sensor wires off the slots on the tub (make sure to take note of how they where routed).

Step 31. Unplug the connector from the temperature sensor at the lower front of the the tub assembly.

Step 32. Use your small flat-blade screwdriver to release the wire retainer bracket mounted on the cabinet.

Step 33. Carefully unhook each of the two suspension springs from the cabinet, then guide the tub assembly out (have someone help you if needed).

Step 34. Unhook the two suspension springs from the openings on the tub assembly, then set them aside.

Step 35. Turn the tub assembly over and set it face-down on the floor. Using your flat-blade screwdriver, pry out the retaining clips holding the two halves of the tub together (ensure that you take note of how the clips are installed).

Step 36. Pull the front half of the outer tub off the assembly and set it aside. Lift the inner drum out of the assembly and set it aside.

Step 37. With your Torx-20 screwdriver, remove the nuts holding the motor shield to the rear half of the outer tub. Take the shield off the old tub.

Step 38. Remove your new washing machine outer tub from its packaging. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to fit the provided tub seal into the groove of the new outer tub.

Step 39. Apply some grease to the bearing assembly in the rear half of the outer tub. Mount the motor shield on the new outer tub, then apply the bolts to secure it.

Step 40. Set the front half of the outer tub face-down on the floor. Turn the inner tub upside-down and lower it onto the front half of the outer tub.

Step 41. Lower the new rear half of the outer tub onto the inner tub shaft. Use your hammer and the retaining clamps to secure the two halves of the tub assembly.

Step 42. Lift the tub assembly upright and hook the two suspension springs into the slots.

Step 43. Carefully guide the tub back into the cabinet, and hook the suspension springs onto the mounts.

Step 44. Push each of the four shock absorbers into the mounts at the bottom of the tub, then turn clockwise to lock them in place.

Step 45. Mount the two counter-weights onto the front of the tub assembly, then apply the bolts using your 13mm socket wrench.

Step 46. Mount the rear counter-weight onto the machine, then secure it by applying the bolt. Connect the outlet hose to the port at the back of the tub and slide the retaining clamp in place to secure it.

Step 47. Attach the sump hose to the port at the bottom of your machine. Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the retaining clamp and slide it into place.

Step 48. Mount the drive motor at the bottom of the machine, then use your socket wrench to apply the bolts. Snap the green grounding wire into the slots on the tub, then apply the bolt near the bearing hub.

Step 49. Snap the air pressure tube onto the back of the tub and apply the screw to secure it. Loop the second green wire around the pressure tube, then plug the connector into the motor.

Step 50. Place the pulley wheel on the shaft at the back of the tub, then apply the bolt with your 24mm socket wrench.

Step 51. With the grooved side is turned inwards, loop the drive belt around the drive pulley and motor pulley.

Step 52. Mount the upper and lower braces onto the back of your machine, then apply the screws with your Torx-20 screwdriver.

Step 53. Go to the front of the machine and fit the door boot seal around the tub opening. Place the retaining band around the seal and tighten the bolt to secure it.

Step 54. Push the dispenser hose back into the port at the top of the drum. Snap the wire harness bracket back into the slots on the cabinet.

Step 55. Connect the inlet tube to the port at the top of the tub assembly. Push the window wash tube into the retainer on the top frame brace.

Step 56. Mount the top frame brace on the cabinet, then apply the screws with your Torx-20 screwdriver. Connect the window wash tube to the port at the top of the door boot seal.

Step 57. Reach under the tub and push the temperature sensor wires into the retainers at the bottom. Plug the wire connector back into the temperature sensor.

Step 58. Mount the front panel onto the cabinet, then use your Torx screwdriver to apply the screws at the top and bottom.

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Step 59. Open the door of the washer and push the door lock back into place. With your Torx screwdriver, apply the bolts to secure the lock assembly.

Step 60. Snap the lower access panel onto the front of the cabinet, then apply the screws at the bottom with the Torx-20 screwdriver.

Step 61. Fit the door boot seal around the front panel. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to fit the retaining band around the door seal (be careful not to accidentally puncture the seal).

Step 62. Pass the control panel’s wire connector through the opening at the front of the machine. Snap the control panel onto the cabinet.

Step 63. Secure the control panel wires in the retainers on the cabinet. Plug the control panel wire connector into the terminal on the main control board.

Step 64. Using your Torx screwdriver, apply the screw next to the dispenser opening. Slide the soap tray into the dispenser.

Step 65. Go to the back of the machine and mount the rear access cover on the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the bolts with your screwdriver.

Step 66. Place the top panel on the machine, then apply the bolts at the back using your Torx-20 screwdriver.

Step 67. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet, then turn the COLD and HOT water supply faucets on. Try running a spin cycle to ensure that everything works properly.

Top Loaders

Tools Needed For Repair:

  • Philips Screwdriver
  • Flat-blade Screwdriver
  • Adjustable Wrench
  • 1/4 Inch Allen Wrench
  • Hammer
  • Putty Knife
  • Pliers
  • Tape
  • Towel
  • 5/16, 7/16, and 3/8 Inch Socket Wrench
  • New Bearing Kit
  • Bearing Installation Tool

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace damaged bearings in your top loader Whirlpool washing machine…

Step 1. In order to prevent water leaks and electrocution, make sure to unplug your washing machine from the outlet and turn the water faucets off before starting this repair.

Step 2. Place some tape on the lid of your washing machine to help secure it. Insert your putty knife under the two front corners of the top panel (this will release the retaining clips).

Step 3. Lift the top panel and support it against a wall, or with a lanyard (do not rely on the hinges).

Step 4. Using your pliers, squeeze the clamp holding the re-circulation hose to the tub cover and slide it out of place. Pull the tube off the tub cover.

Step 5. Pry the tub cover off the assembly using your flat-blade screwdriver. Pry the agitator’s cap off and take out the filter.

Step 6. Use a 7/16 inch socket wrench with an extension to take out the bolt holding the agitator to the shaft. Carefully pull the agitator out of the tub and set it aside.

Step 7. With your Philips screwdriver, take out all the screws holding the basket hub to the shaft. Carefully lift the inner tub out of the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 8. Lower the top panel onto the cabinet and snap it back in. Pull the drain hose out of your home drain.

Step 9. Carefully tip the machine backwards and set it on the floor. Loosen the nut holding the rotor assembly at the bottom of the tub using the 1/4 inch Allen wrench.

Step 10. Pull the rotor off the machine and set it aside. Unplug the wire harness from the stator at the bottom of the tub.

Step 11. Using the 3/8 inch socket wrench, loosen the bolts holding the stator to the bottom of the tub. Pull the stator and mounting plate off the tub assembly.

Step 12. Use your pliers to squeeze the drive shaft at the bottom of the tub. While squeezing the shaft, loosen the bolt holding it using your adjustable wrench.

Step 13. Use your hammer to knock the drive tube through the opening in the tub. Set the washing machine back onto its feet.

Step 14. Insert the putty knife under the panel, then lift and support the top. Take the drive tube out of the tub and set it aside.

Step 15. Using a hammer and the bearing removal rod (provided in the bearing installation tool kit), knock out the lower bearing from inside the tub.

Step 16. Lower the top panel onto the cabinet. Tip the machine backwards and set it on the floor. Take out the three lower bearing pieces on the floor underneath the machine.

Step 17. Use your bearing removal rod and hammer to knock out the the upper bearing. Lift the machine on it’s feet, then lift and support the top.

Step 18. Take out the upper bearing from inside the tub, then discard it. Take out your new washing machine bearings from the packaging.

Step 19. Use a cloth to clean the bearing housing. Push the new upper bearing into the seat.

Step 20. Take the bearing installation tool out of its packaging, then loosen the three lower pieces. Slide the installation tool arm through the upper bearing.

Step 21. Lower the top panel onto the cabinet. Carefully tip the machine backwards. Slide the spacer tube and bearing washer onto the installation tool arm at the bottom of the tub.

Step 22. Push the lower bearing onto the installation tool. Reattach the three lower pieces to the installation tool’s arm.

Step 23. Tighten the installation tool nut using your adjustable wrench (this will push the lower bearing into the housing).

Step 24. Once the lower bearing is in place, loosen the nut and take the three lower pieces off. Lift the machine onto its feet, then lift the top cover.

Step 25. Pull the bearing installation tool out of the tub and set it aside. Push the new drive tube into the bearing opening using a block of wood and a hammer.

Step 26. Close the top and tip the machine backwards once more. Place the nut on the drive tube, then tighten it using your adjustable wrench.

Step 27. Plug the wire harness back into the stator, then snap the retainer on. Place the stator and mounting plate at the bottom of the tub, then secure them by applying the bolts with your 3/8 inch socket wrench.

Step 28. Place the rotor on the stator, then tighten the nut using the 1/4 inch Allen wrench. Set the machine on its feet finally, then lift and support the top.

Step 29. Using the provided grease, fill the inner grooves of the new bearing seal. Apply a bead of the provided sealant to the seal.

Step 30. Slide the bearing seal onto the drive tube, then push it into place. Apply a layer of sealant to the top of the bearing seal.

Step 31. Clean off any excess sealant and grease on the shaft and inner tub with some tissues.

Step 32. Lower the inner tub onto the shaft. Put the basket hub back on the shaft, then apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 33. Snap the tub cover back onto the assembly. Attach the tube to the port on the tub cover, then secure it using the retaining clamp.

Step 34. Lower the agitator onto the shaft, then use your 7/16 inch socket wrench to apply the bolts. Place the filter and cap onto the agitator assembly.

Step 35. Lower the top panel and snap it into the cabinet. Peel the tape off the lid of your washing machine.

Step 36. Turn the water supply faucets back on, then plug the power cord into the outlet. Try running a spin cycle to see if the issue has been fixed.

8. Failed Drive Stator

A burnt stator can prevent your washing machine from spinning. If your Whirlpool washing machine uses a stator instead of a drive motor, Read this article to learn how to replace this part: Whirlpool Washing Machine Motor.

9. Damaged Motor Coupler (Top Loaders Only)

To replace the motor coupler in your top loader Whirlpool washing machine, take the following steps…

Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by disconnecting your washing machine from the outlet before starting this procedure.

Step 2. Use a screwdriver to take out the nuts on each front corner of the control panel. Lift the control panel upwards and let it hang over the rear panel.

Step 3. Unplug the lid switch wire connector from the top panel. Pry out the spring clips holding the cabinet to the rear panel using a flat-blade screwdriver.

Step 4. Carefully pull the entire cabinet off the machine and set it aside. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the retaining clips holding the pump to the motor.

Step 5. Slide the drain pump assembly off the motor shaft. Unplug the electrical connector attached to the motor assembly.

Step 6. Loosen the bolts on the motor retainer clips. Pry the two clips off the motor assembly using your flat-blade screwdriver.

Step 7. Pull the drive motor off the machine. Pry the coupler cog and isolator off the motor mounting plate. Pry the second cog off the motor shaft.

Step 8. Discard the old pieces, the take the new coupler assembly out of its packaging. Push the new cog and isolator onto the gear case drive shaft.

Step 9. Push the other cog onto the drive shaft. Mount the drive motor back onto the machine. Snap the two retaining clips onto the motor, then apply the bolts to secure them.

Step 10. Plug the wire harness back into the motor assembly. Slide the drain pump onto the motor shaft, then snap the two retaining clips on.

Step 11. Carefully lift the cabinet and mount it onto the washer. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to push the two spring clips into the cabinet slots.

Step 12. Reconnect the lid switch wire harness. Lift the control panel and snap it back into the cabinet, then apply the screws to secure it.

Step 13. Reconnect your washing machine’s power cord to the outlet, then ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a spin cycle.