How to Change the Drive Coupling on a Kenmore Top Load Washing Machine

Kenmore washing machines have a coupling assembly that connects the motor to the washtub and agitator. When the motor is running, the coupling spins, in turn rotating the washtub and agitator. The coupling on a direct-drive machine is made of heavy plastic and may break after regular usage. If the coupling breaks, the tub and agitator will not move and your clothes will not receive a proper wash. You can purchase replacement coupling assemblies through Sears, Kenmore's parent company.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Hex driver
• Putty knife
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Remove all of the clothes from inside of the machine, then unplug the machine from the wall.

2. Look for the two screws securing the control panel in place, then remove them. The screws may be located on the front or rear corners of the control panel. Alternatively, they may be placed under plastic end-caps on the front-left and -right sides of the control panel. If there are no screws, then the control panel is secured using clips on the bottom of the left and right sides. Slide the putty knife under the front of the left and right sides of the control panel to release the clips.

3. Rotate the control panel up and behind the washing machine.

4. Remove the wire connectors connected to the top of the washing machine body.

5. Release the spring clips on the top-left and -right of the washing machine body using a flat-head screwdriver.

6. Remove the washing machine cabinet by tilting it towards you, sliding it forward a bit, then lifting it away from the washing machine.

7. Remove the pump, located on the front of the motor, in the bottom-center of the washing machine assembly. To remove, un-clip the two clips securing the pump, then wiggle it off the motor. Move the pump to the side, but do not disconnect the hoses connected to it.

8. Unplug the wire harness connected to the right side of the motor, then remove the two hex screws on the front of the motor. The clips are located in the center of the motor, one on top and one on the bottom.

9. Snap off the bottom clip of the motor using the flat-head screwdriver. Then, place one hand on the bottom of the motor to support it and snap off the top clip. Remove the motor.

10. Remove the three pieces of the old drive coupler, one piece located on the rear of the motor and the other two pieces on the gear-case driveshaft.

11. Install the new coupler cogs, one on the gear-case driveshaft and the other one the rear of the motor. Ensure that the prongs are facing outward. You may need lightly tap on the cogs with a hammer to get them to lie flush against the motor or gear-case driveshaft.

12. Place the new isolator onto the prongs of the cog connected to the gear-case driveshaft.

13. Re-insert the motor into the washing machine, ensuring that the prongs on the new cog are inserted into the holes on the isolator. Secure the motor with the clips on the top and bottom of the motor housing, then secure it using the hex screws that were removed.

14. Plug the wire harness back into the side of the motor, then align the motor shaft on the front of the motor with the pumpand reinstall the pump onto the motor. Secure the pump using the pump clips that were removed.

15. Replace the washing machine cabinet, then plug the wire harness back into the top rear.

16. Lower the control panel, then secure it using the screws that were removed.

References

• Appliance Aid: Inglis, Whirlpool, Kenmore Direct Drive Washers - How To Take Apart
• Repair Clinic: Washing Machine Drive Motor Coupler Replacement