How to replace the clutch assembly in a top-load washer

Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Turn off the water supply valves for the washer.

Wear work gloves to protect your hands.

If your model has a fabric softener dispenser at the top of the agitator, remove the fabric softener dispenser.

Open the washer lid and pry the cap from the top of the agitator.

Remove the 7/16" bolt and washer that secure the agitator to the agitator drive shaft.

Grip the bottom of the agitator and pull the entire agitator assembly up and out of the washer.

Move the washer away from the wall so you can reach the fill hoses. Mark which fill hose goes to the hot connector and which goes to the cold.

Using channel-lock pliers, carefully loosen and remove both hoses. Expect some water to pour out.

Pull the drain hose out of the standpipe behind the washer. Expect some water to pour out of the drain hose as you remove it.

Move the washer far enough from the wall that you can set the washer on its back. Lay a large towel behind the washer.

Carefully tip the washer backwards onto the towel to access the drive components at the bottom of the washer.

Use a slot screwdriver to release the metal mounting clips that secure the drain pump to the front of the drive motor.

Pull the drain pump forward to release it from the drive motor shaft. Leave the hoses connected to the drain pump.

Move the pump to the side of the motor so it’s out of the way while you replace the clutch assembly.

Unplug the wire harness from the drive motor.

Detach the wires from the drive motor capacitor.

Release the drive motor wire harness from the plastic retainer clip on the bottom of the transmission housing.

Remove the bolts that secure the transmission to the base of the washer.

Carefully pull the transmission (with drive motor attached) straight out of the bottom of the washer.

Set the transmission and drive motor assembly upright on a shop towel to service the clutch assembly.

Pull the thrust washer off of the transmission shaft.

Using needle-nosed pliers, pull the clutch support ring off of the top of the clutch assembly.

Using a slot screwdriver, pry the clutch retainer ring off of the top of the clutch assembly.

Slide the clutch assembly up and off the transmission shaft.

Pry the C-clip off of the brake cam.

Pull the brake cam off of the base of the washer.

Insert the isolator ring into the new clutch housing.

Slide the new clutch housing onto the transmission shaft.

Install the retainer ring on the top of the new clutch housing.

Reinstall the support ring on the top of the new clutch housing.

Reinstall the thrust washer on top of the new clutch housing.

Position the tab on the brake cam directly opposite of the spring on the clutch housing.

Carefully slide the transmission and motor assembly back into the base of the washer. Adjust the alignment of the clutch as necessary so the transmission is flush with the base of the washer and the mounting holes are lined up.

Reinstall the mounting bolts in the transmission.

Reconnect the wire harness plug on the drive motor.

Reattach the wires to the drive motor capacitor.

Reinstall the wire harness in the plastic retainer clip at the bottom of the transmission.

Reposition the drain pump on the drive motor shaft and secure the drain pump with the retainer clips.

Carefully tilt the washer upright.

Connect the fill hoses and tighten the connections using channel-lock pliers.

Reconnect the drain hose on the back of the washer.

Open the washer lid and push the agitator down on the agitator shaft inside the spin basket.

Reinstall the washer and agitator bolt, and tighten the agitator bolt securely.

Reinstall the dust cap and agitator cap on the agitator.

Turn on the water supply valves. Tighten the connection if there’s a slight leak.

Plug the washer into the electrical outlet. Return the washer to its original location.