How to Repair the Motor Coupler in a Kenmore Washer Medford MA

Steps

1. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
2. Remove the cabinet from the base:
   1. Look at the console (the thing with the knobs). If there are visible screws, remove them. If not, slide off the endcaps to expose screws, and remove them.
   2. Pull console forward and up to remove the tabs on the bottom of the console from the holes on the top of the cabinet.
   3. Lift up the console and lay it back until it rests on the hinges.
   4. Disconnect the lid switch harness connector by pressing on the tab (located in the middle), and pulling up.
   5. Insert a screwdriver into the turned-up edge of the clip (located on both sides), and pry back. This removes the clip from the hole in the cabinet.
   6. Slide the other end of the clip down and out the slot in the rear panel.
   7. Do the same thing to the other clip.
   8. Open and hold the lid while grabbing the cabinet front opening.
   9. Tilt the top of the cabinet toward you by pulling on the lid and opening of the cabinet. This releases the back slots of the cabinet from the tabs in the back of the base. Be sure that the back edge clears the vacuum break.
   10. Using the back of your leg and/or body as a support for the front of the cabinet, carefully lift while pulling it away from the base of the washer. This releases the front slots of the cabinet from the tabs in the front of the base.
   11. Set the cabinet aside
3. Remove the pump:
   1. Using a screwdriver or your hand, unsnap the bottom retainer from the pump.
   2. Using pliers, slide the clamp on the top hose off the port of the pump.
   3. Carefully remove this hose.
   4. Using a pail, drain excess water from this hose.
   5. Using pliers, slide the clamp on the bottom hose off the port of the pump.
   6. Carefully remove this hose.
   7. Using a pail, drain the excess water from this hose.
4. Remove the drive motor:
   1. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws (if used) which hold the top and bottom retainers to the front of the drive motor.
   2. Using a screwdriver or your hand, unsnap the bottom retainer from the drive motor.
   3. Carefully pull the drive motor straight out.
5. Pry or break the motor couplings off of the drive shaft and gearcase shaft.
6. Push one of the new plastic motor couplings on the shaft of the drive motor.
7. Push the other new plastic motor coupling on the shaft of the gearcase.
8. Place the new rubber isolation coupling on the drive motor coupling by lining up the holes in the isolation with the studs in the coupling, and then push on.
9. Turn the isolation a coupling on the drice motor lining up the holes with the studs on the other coupling on the gearcase.
10. Replace the drive motor.
11. Replace the pump.
12. Replace the cabinet.
13. Plug in washer or reconnect power.

Tips

• You should be able to tell visually whether the coupler is broken. either the 3 toothed plastic coupler will be broken (in which case the brake clutch may be sticking and should be greased/see below)or the rubber part will be worn out (just wear and tear). I also do not take the time to remove the pump/hoses etc, I just push the pump to the left and use a screwdriver stuck in the frame to hold it out of the way. It's also possible to do this without removing the cabinet by leaning the washer back and working from the bottom. easier than removing the cab especially if you have the dispensers which have the 3 hose connection under the console. Also, you cant just push on the coupler halves. use a nut driver handle inserted in the center of the coupler or such to knock it on with a hammer or such. T o grease the brake place some grease on a finger and wipe it in the clutch (silver colored disc above the transmission) between the brake pads. just a tad will do.

Warnings

• Be careful when moving the cabinet, as it could fall and injure your toes.

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