How to Replace the Belt on a Whirlpool Washer
The Whirlpool washer is part of the GE line of appliances and uses many of the same mechanical systems in each brand of appliance. Replacing the belt in the Whirlpool washer is a fairly simple process that can be completed in less than an hour.
Because the belt is constantly moving during the operation of the washer, it can wear out and require replacement. You can change the belt yourself and save the time and expense of calling a professional to do the work for you.
Things You Will Need
- Crescent wrench
- Old blanket
- Socket wrench
- Pliers
Warning
Never attempt to replace the belt on the Whirlpool washing machine while it is still plugged into the power source.
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Unplug the electrical cord of the Whirlpool washing machine from the electrical outlet before you attempt to replace the belt.
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Turn the water supply off at the shut off valves behind the washer and unhook the hoses from the back of the washer with a crescent wrench.
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Lay an old blanket out in front of the washer and turn the washer on its face on the blanket.
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Locate the rear service panel on the back of the washer near the base and remove the panel, unfastening the screws with a screwdriver.
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Find the nuts on the motor mounting bracket and loosen the nuts with a socket wrench just enough so you can move the motor on the bracket.
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Slide the motor to the right on the bracket to loosen the tension on the belt and remove the belt from around the motor pulley.
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Advance the spin cam bar by lifting the red spin control solenoid plunger and turning the main pulley until the cam bar is fully engaged.
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Take the brake yoke spring off the gear case and detach the three support braces from the base plate with a pair of pliers.
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Detach the pump mounting bolts with a socket wrench and take the mounting stud off the gear case, turning the gears with the gear lever seven times.
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Unhook the yoke retainer from the support and slide the gear case down, removing the belt from around the gear pulley.
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Place the new belt on the gear pulley and slide the gar case back into position, attaching the pump mounting bolt and turning the spin cam bar until the gear mechanism engages.
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Place the belt around the motor pulley and slide the motor over to the left on the bracket, applying tension to the belt and tightening the nuts on the motor bracket.
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Attach the rear service panel to the back of the washer with a screws and tip the washer back up on its feet.
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Fasten the water hoses to the back of the washer with a crescent wrench and turn the water supply on at the dhut off valves behind the washer.
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Plug the electrical cord of the Whirlpool washing machine into the electrical outlet.
The Drip Cap
- The Whirlpool washer is part of the GE line of appliances and uses many of the same mechanical systems in each brand of appliance.
- Unplug the electrical cord of the Whirlpool washing machine from the electrical outlet before you attempt to replace the belt.
- Detach the pump mounting bolts with a socket wrench and take the mounting stud off the gear case, turning the gears with the gear lever seven times.
- Place the belt around the motor pulley and slide the motor over to the left on the bracket, applying tension to the belt and tightening the nuts on the motor bracket.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
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