If you’ve exhausted all other possibilities why your washer won’t spin, consider the washer clutch assembly to be the problem.
Tools Needed
- Slot Screwdriver
- 7/16″ socket
- ½” socket
- Needle nose pliers
Symptoms of a Bad Clutch
The
purpose of a clutch is to shift a transmission from one speed to another. In the case of the washing machine, the clutch would shift the transmission from an agitation mode to a spin mode. When the washer is unable to either spin or agitate, the clutch is usually the reason why.
If you get an F7E5 error code on a Whirlpool Direct Drive top loader washing machine, there is a convincing possibility that the clutch is faulty and will need to be replaced.
Safety First
- Unplug the washer from its power source
- Turn off the hot and cold water
- Disconnect the water supply hoses to the rear of the washer
- Disconnect the drain hose from the washer (some water may spill out – have a towel and a bucket nearby)
How to Access and Replace the Washer Clutch Assembly (Part #285785)
- Open the lid to access the agitator.
- On models with a rinse dispenser, pull the lock ring up with your fingers, twist the dispenser upward and remove.
- Use a slot screwdriver and lightly pry the agitator cap from the top.
- If your machine came with a dust cap, remove it.
- Hold the agitator base with one hand and with a 7/16-inch socket, remove the bolt from inside the agitator.
- Now, pull the agitator up and out of the tub and set aside.
- Now ease the washer on to its back so it is laying on a carpet or a towel.
- Unsnap the pump clips and wiggle the pump off the motor shaft.
- Disconnect the wire harness from the motor and unclip the wires from the plastic retainer.
- Use the ½ inch socket to remove the bolts that hold the gear case to the base.
- Now, remove the motor and gear case assembly from the washer.
- Remove the thrust washer from the gear case shaft.
- Use the needle nose pliers to remove the clutch support ring.
- Use a slot screwdriver to remove the retainer ring.
- Slide the old clutch off the gear case shaft.
- Detach break cam by removing the C clip.
How to Install the New Clutch Assembly
- Insert an isolator ring into the clutch housing.
- Place new brake cam on the drive tube and secure with the new C clip.
- Slide the new clutch on to the gear case shaft.
- Secure the new clutch with the new retainer ring and the original support ring.
- Replace the thrust washer.
- Slide the motor and gear case assembly into position in the washer and ensure the clutch spring is opposite the brake cam.
- Manipulate the assembly until the gear case is flush against the base.
- Secure and re-connect the wire harness.
- Align the pump with the motor shaft and slide the pump on.
- Reinstall both pump clips.
- Return washer to an upright position.
- Reinstall the agitator in the reverse order it was removed.
- Reattach the water supply hoses, plug the washer back in, and turn the water and power back on.
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