How to Remove & Replace the Cabinet from a Whirlpool - Direct Drive Top-Load Washer (Also Kenmore, etc)
ALWAYS UNPLUG AN APPLIANCE BEORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE ON IT!!!
Look at the top box containing the timer for the washer (console or timer box) and on either side along the edge towards the bottom of that box there are two screws. These screws are either:
You can now rotate the console to box up to get inside that box. It also can rotate to the back of the machine to get it out of the way.
You will see a small plastic wire harness. These wires go to the lid switch and should be unplugged.
Also, there are 2 larger clips which hold the cabinet (body) in place. Use a screwdriver to pry them loose and the body (cabinet) can now separate from the back. (make not to look for a detergent/bleach/fabric softener dispenser, you may also need to remove the hoses (and reconnect when you are done) those hoses to these dispensers (may be under a plastic cover)).
Tilt the body forward and it will unhook from the bottom of the machine (it is not as heavy as you would think)
Look at the top box containing the timer for the washer (console or timer box) and on either side along the edge towards the bottom of that box there are two screws. These screws are either:
- On some models these screws are visible from the front on the bottom corners,
- On others they are behind plastic end caps that either snap off,
- On newer models the screws are located facing the back side and you simply back then about halfway out
- For a few late models there are no screws, you release the console by using a flat metal object to release clips on either side.
You can now rotate the console to box up to get inside that box. It also can rotate to the back of the machine to get it out of the way.
You will see a small plastic wire harness. These wires go to the lid switch and should be unplugged.
Also, there are 2 larger clips which hold the cabinet (body) in place. Use a screwdriver to pry them loose and the body (cabinet) can now separate from the back. (make not to look for a detergent/bleach/fabric softener dispenser, you may also need to remove the hoses (and reconnect when you are done) those hoses to these dispensers (may be under a plastic cover)).
Tilt the body forward and it will unhook from the bottom of the machine (it is not as heavy as you would think)
To replace the cabinet:
Look through the open lid and hook the front of the case to the bottom of the washer while keeping it slightly tilted towards you.
Hold the bottom in place with your foot as you push the cabinet back down against the back of the machine.
Reconnect any dispenser hoses.
Snap the two large clips back into place and then inspect the cabinet to make sure it is back in place and there are no gaps between the body and the back or bottom of the machine.
If there is a gap remove the clips and rebook the bottom front of cabinet to the bottom front of the machine and try again.
Plug the lid switch back in and put the time box (console) back into place and reattach it with the screws.
Hold the bottom in place with your foot as you push the cabinet back down against the back of the machine.
Reconnect any dispenser hoses.
Snap the two large clips back into place and then inspect the cabinet to make sure it is back in place and there are no gaps between the body and the back or bottom of the machine.
If there is a gap remove the clips and rebook the bottom front of cabinet to the bottom front of the machine and try again.
Plug the lid switch back in and put the time box (console) back into place and reattach it with the screws.