Disassembling a Whirlpool top-loading washing machine

A Whirlpool washing machine cannot be repaired without first disassembling it, especially if a breakdown occurs with the motor, pump or electronics. You need to know where to start and where to end, what tools to use and how not to make the situation worse. It will be easier with front-facing machines, since there is a lot of text information and videos with detailed instructions on the Internet. But owners of other washing machines should not worry - our article will help you figure everything out. The main thing is not to experiment and strictly follow the given algorithm.

Preparatory stage

To properly disassemble a top-loading Whirlpool washing machine and get to the pump, motor or pressure switch, you just need to follow a few steps. First of all, you should do the preparatory work, otherwise there is a high risk of flooding your neighbors, getting an electric shock, or completely ruining the machine. We are talking about the need not to forget about the following points:

• disconnect the machine from the electrical network, turn off the water and disconnect it from the sewer;
• twist the connecting hoses and electrical wire, fixing them on the body in special grooves;
• provide free access to the washing machine from all sides, for which it is advisable to move the unit away from the wall or move it to an empty room;
• prepare a container to collect drained water;
• spread as many rags as possible around and under the machine.

Important! Be prepared for the fact that there is always water left in the washing machine, which will have to be drained onto the floor before repairs.

Now all that remains is to find all the tools necessary for disassembly in advance.These include a spatula, a set of screwdrivers, pliers, pliers, round nose pliers, a set of socket heads and wrenches. Insulating tape, gloves and spare clamps will come in handy. A detailed acquaintance with the technical user manual for the existing Whirlpool model will help. Only after this can you begin to disassemble the device.

We dismantle the pressure switch and control panel

The further sequence of actions depends on the final goal. If it is necessary to remove the pressure switch or control panel, then the starting point will be the top of the machine body. The step-by-step instructions are as follows.

1. Carefully insert the putty knife under the dashboard and lift to release the two spring clips.
2. Slowly pull the part towards you.
3. We inspect the opened selector switches and the water supply valve. When replacing the electronic board, you must remember the location of the connectors and lead wires.
4. We disconnect the conductors and power cable (to conveniently unhook the terminals and brackets, it is better to use a flat-head screwdriver or pliers).
5. Remove the water level sensor tube.
6. Using a suitable socket or wrench, unscrew the two fastening screws.
7. We take out the central control module.

Now all that remains is to straighten the groups of wires and finally remove the dashboard. To avoid confusion in the future when reassembling, it is recommended to photograph the connections and connectors or take care to mark them with a felt-tip pen or electrical tape. To penetrate even further into the interior of the Whirlpool washing machine, you will have to continue the manipulations you have begun.

Pump and motor

When the end point is a pump, starting capacitor or motor, dismantling begins from the bottom of the housing.For convenience and better visibility, the machine is placed on its “back”. It is important here not to destroy the electronic board or cause a short circuit, which can be caused by residual water getting inside the machine. Therefore, we first drain the residues through a garbage filter, and also dry the dispenser sections in the powder receptacle. Next we proceed according to the following instructions:

• press the latch at the junction and disconnect the drain hose;
• We fix the cover with electrical tape, securing it to the body of the machine;
• slowly lower the machine onto the back panel;
• take the 5/16 socket and unscrew the screws holding the drive belt;
• remove the protective casing;
• disconnect the connector connected to the electric motor;
• remove the drive belt;
• select the head by 1/2 and loosen the engine mounts;
• take out the engine.

To provide access to the pump, remove the left wall of the housing and inspect the drain chamber. Then we disconnect the hoses, pipes and loosen the clamps on the pump. All that remains is to pull the part towards you and pull out the pump.

Removing the tank

In a washing machine with vertical loading of laundry, the drum is also removed in a special way. To get to it, you need to place the washer on the bottom and remove the top cover. If everyone can handle the first one, then for the second procedure it is important to read the detailed instructions.

1. Take a quarter-inch wrench and unscrew the screws on the back that hold the cables and the protective casing.
2. We remove the protection.
3. We screw together the clamps through which the upper part is attached to the body.
4. Slide the top cover forward until you hear a click, indicating that the latches have been released.
5. We lift the part, making sure that the protrusions of the back wall fall into special grooves on the cover.
6. We hook the retaining chain into the holders on the body and lid.
7. We release the latter back and make sure that it is stable.

Now we proceed to the direct removal of the inner drum. Use a flat-head screwdriver to press the tabs and remove the lid from the tank. Next, unhook the detergent dispenser and use a 7/16 head to unscrew the fasteners on the stirrer. Next up is the tank nut, which, after rotating clockwise and tapping with a hammer, is loosened and removed. If the task is to repair the outer part of the drum, we move on:

• find the drive shaft;
• loosen the fixation and release the shaft from the drive unit;
• unscrew the fasteners on the pump cover and remove it;
• remove the previously attached chain to hold the top cover;
• close the lid of the machine tightly;
• return one or two screws on the rear panel to their original position;
• carefully lower the machine onto the “back”;
• open the drain pump cover;
• unhook the wire from the holding clip;
• disconnect the pump hose;
• release the drain pump from the retaining screws and remove;
• alternately unhook the connectors from the capacitor, drive, electric motor and gearbox;
• remove the gearbox;
• free the base of the tank from the wiring harness.

We repeat the procedure again with opening the top cover: set the washer to its original position, loosen the rear screw and return to the internal device. Here we remove from the tank all the hoses fixed on it (air pressure sensor tube, harness with wires), disconnect the hangers and ball joints. All that remains is to apply some effort and pull out the outer tank.

Having practiced removing and disconnecting the pump, pressure switch and all levels of the tank, it is easy to understand the principle of disassembling the other internal parts of the vertical washing machine from Whirlpool.It is only recommended to record all actions taken with notes or photographs so as not to get confused during reassembly. In addition to accuracy and consistency, you must also remember about safety - then repairing your washing machine yourself will not cause difficulties.

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