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.

Instructions

1. Shut off the power

Unplug the laundry center. If the dryer uses gas, shut off the gas supply.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Reinstall the drive motor shield

Reconnect the 2 wires to the motor capacitor and reinstall the motor shield using the mounting screws.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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.