How to Remove the Pulley on a Kenmore Front-Load Washer
Your Kenmore front-load washer uses a large pulley to transfer power from the motor to the washer tub. A rubber belt runs from the motor to the pulley, providing the agitating and spinning motion the washer uses to clean your laundry. A damaged pulley can make the washer unusable. If it becomes damaged or worn, you can remove the pulley on a Kenmore front-load washer to replace it. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Socket wrench
- 21-millimeter socket
- Breaker bar
Instructions
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1
Unplug the washer to prevent electrical shocks and accidental washer activation.
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2
Unscrew and remove the three Phillips-head screws located along the back edge of the washer’s top panel. Slide the panel back, and lift the back edge to remove the panel from the washer.
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3
Remove the 12 screws holding the back panel on the washer. Slide the back panel up, and pull it off the washer.
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4
Grasp the belt near the large pulley. Turn the pulley, while pulling the belt out of alignment with the pulley, until the belt runs off the side of the pulley.
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5
Slide the handle of a screwdriver through the pulley, into the hub behind the pulley. This will keep the pulley from turning while you remove the retaining nut.
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6
Remove the retaining nut with a 21-millimeter socket. Turn the nut counterclockwise until it comes off the retaining stud. Pull the pulley off the stud.
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Tips & Warnings
The pulley retaining nut may be extremely tight. Use a breaker bar or other extension to provide extra leverage if you can’t free it with a socket wrench.
When replacing the pulley, be careful not to tighten the retaining nut too much. You can damage the pulley or crack the washer tub.
