Washer Motor Coupler Replacement | Appliance Repair Boise

Motor Coupler – How to Install

 

When your motor coupler goes bad on your washing machine - Kenmore, Whirlpool, or Maytag washer - the inner tub will no longer spin and the agitator will not rotate. You will likely hear a loud grinding sound when the washer is in use.  A motor coupler replacement is a common repair.  At Western, we provide this Boise service at a very reasonable cost.

The motor coupler is a small rubber and plastic piece that couples torque from the motor, through the transmission, and into to the drive shaft of the appliance.  Because the washer’s motor coupler transmits all the motor torque, it makes sense that it will receive the most mechanical stress of the system.  This part may be prone to breakage after five or so years.  The following procedure will give you tips on the repair and replacement of washer’s motor coupler.  If you feel you cannot perform this task, call a professional appliance repair company in your area.

Caution:  Before any appliance repair is attempted, please disconnect electrical power to the unit.  Electricity will kill you if you are not careful.

Step number one is to remove the control panel so you can access the cabinet clamps.

Most direct-drive washers have two screws on the back of the control panel, one on each far end, pointing downwards. You will have to look closely to find them. A flashlight and Phillips-head screwdriver with an extension will help perform this easily.  Remove the two screws all the way without dropping them in the back of washer. Gently pull the front of the panel forward and rotate the front side of panel upwards. Rotate panel all the way backwards and lean it against the wall.

Step number two is to remove the appliances enclosure. Using a large flat-blade screwdriver, insert into slot and push the screwdriver handle away from you to release each clamp.

Remove the two clamps completely and set aside.  Disconnect the lid switch connector, which is located just under the control panel, which you just removed.  The connector will be very evident.  Slowly pull the top of the washing machine enclosure towards you so it pivots near your toes.  It is useful to put your toes against the outside of the enclosure to prevent it from moving.  Once pulled all the way towards you, release your toes and pull the enclosure off its base.  Set this aside.

Locate the washer drain pump.  

 It is secured to the motor with two clamps.  Remove the hex screws securing the clamps and set aside.  Use a large flat-head screwdriver to pry away the clamps and removed the pump from the motor shaft.  You do not have to remove the water hoses.  Remove the motor clamps and remove the motor.  You will now see the motor coupler. 

If the motor coupler is bad, you will see broken plastic pieces worn rubber.  If in doubt, replace it.

When installing a new coupler, I suggest you use one of the new couplers with the metal insert in the center.  These rarely go bad and are worth the extra few dollars. 

Tap the new coupler on to the motor and transmission shaft, line-up the teeth, and reinstall.  Note – if you need to tap on the motor coupler to secure a proper fit, be sure to tap the metal insert instead of the plastic – which is prone to breakage.

Appliance Repair - Washer Motor Coupler

When your motor coupler goes bad on your washing machine, it will no longer spin or agitate. You will hear what sounds like chains being dragged on the floor when it's in spin or agitate mode.

As the owner of a appliance repair business, I'm going to give you some free tips on how to replace this motor coupler yourself and save money in the process.

First things first, let's disconnect power to the unit!

Remove Washer Control Panel

Once we have power disconnected to the unit we want to rotate the control panel upwards to access the cabinet clamps. Most direct-drive washers have two screws on the back of the control panel, one on each far end, pointing downwards. You will have to look closely to find them. A flashlight and Phillips-head screwdriver will help.

Remove the two screws all the way without dropping them in the back of washer. Gently pull the front of the panel forward and rotate the front side of panel upwards. Rotate panel all the way backwards and lean against the wall.

Remove Washer Cabinet Clamps

Now we want to remove the whole washer enclosure. Don't worry, it's easier than it looks.

Using a large flat-blade screwdriver, insert it into the slot, push the screwdriver handle away from you to release each clamp. See the picture for reference.

Remove the two clamps completely and set aside.

Disconnect Washer Lid Switch

Disconnect the lid switch.

Now, open the washer lid and grab the inside of the cabinet firmly.

Put your toes against the outside bottom of cabinet to hold the bottom stationary.

By pulling your hand towards you, the one holding the inside oft the cabinet, pivot the cabinet towards you while at the same time holding the bottom stationary with your toes.

Now move your toes out of the way and slide the whole cabinet toward you and remove.

Remove Washer Pump and Motor

This is the easy part, please don't be intimidated. Remove the pump by releasing the two clamps with a screwdriver.

Do the same thing with the motor except you will have to remove the two hex screws on the clamps.

Pull the motor connector off. Rotate the motor to the right and set aside. Note: Don't touch the capacitor leads with your bare fingers. You may get shocked :->

Once the motor is removed, you will see the coupler. Remove it with a pair of pliers, install the new one, and re assemble in reverse order.

Congratulations! You have just completed your first Boise appliance repair.