July 01, 2015

How to replace a laundry center washer drive motor

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a washer drive motor in a laundry center. The washer drive motor creates the rotation that moves the agitator and spins the basket. If the motor wears out or locks up, the washer won't agitate or spin. Replace the washer drive motor with the manufacturer-approved laundry center part.

Use this repair guide and video to replace a washer drive motor in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Crosley, Gibson and White-Westinghouse laundry centers.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

#2 Square-head screwdriver

Socket wrench set

Pliers

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

45 minutes or less

Replacing a washer drive motor in a laundry center

This video explains how to replace the washer drive motor in a laundry center.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the laundry center. If the dryer uses gas, shut off the gas supply.
02.
Remove the washer front panel
Remove the 2 screws at the bottom of the front panel.
Slide the front panel down to disengage the mounting tabs and pull off the front panel.
PHOTO: Remove the screws from the bottom of the front panel.
PHOTO: Remove the front panel from the washer.
03.
Remove the motor shield
Remove the motor shield mounting screws and pull the motor shield away from the drive motor.
Disconnect the wires from the capacitor and remove the motor shield.
PHOTO: Remove the motor shield screws.
PHOTO: Disconnect the capacitor wires.
04.
Raise the front of the tub
Remove the mounting bolt from the front tub support leg.
Raise the front of the tub and reinsert the bolt in the leg mounting hole so that the bottom of the tub rests on the bolt.
PHOTO: Remove the tub bolt.
PHOTO: Raise the tub.
05.
Remove the drive motor
Unplug the wire harness from the drive motor.
Push the idler pulley inward and roll the drive belt off the motor pulley.
Remove the motor mounting nuts.
Lift the motor, tilt it back and pull it out the front.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wire harness from the washer drive motor.
PHOTO: Push the idler pulley inward.
PHOTO: Release the washer drive belt.
PHOTO: Release the motor mounting nuts.
PHOTO: Remove the washer drive motor.
06.
Install the new drive motor
Tilt the new drive motor back and insert it over the motor mounting plate.
Reinstall the motor mounting nuts.
Push the idler pulley inward and roll the drive belt onto the motor pulley.
Reconnect the wire harness on the drive motor.
PHOTO: Install the new washer drive motor.
PHOTO: Reinstall the motor mounting nuts.
PHOTO: Reinstall the motor drive belt.
PHOTO: Connect the wire harness to the new motor.
07.
Reinstall the drive motor shield
Reconnect the 2 wires to the motor capacitor and reinstall the motor shield using the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reconnect the capacitor wires.
PHOTO: Reinstall the motor shield.
08.
Lower the front of the tub
Lift the tub and pull the mounting bolt out of the front tub support leg.
Lower the tub to line up the mounting holes and reinstall the mounting bolt.
PHOTO: Reinstall the tub mounting bolt.
09.
Reinstall the washer front panel
Push the front panel mounting tabs into the mounting slots on the frame.
Slide the front panel up slightly to engage the mounting tabs and reinstall the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the washer front panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the screws at the bottom of the front panel.
10.
Restore power to the laundry center
Plug the laundry center into the wall outlet. If the dryer uses gas, turn on the gas supply.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.