July 01, 2015

How to replace a laundry center washer snubber ring

How to replace a laundry center washer snubber ring

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a washer snubber ring in a laundry center. Located at the base of the washer, the snubber ring provides flexible support to the leg and dome assembly, which holds and supports the tub. If the snubber ring wears out, the leg and dome assembly loses support, causing the tub to bang against the cabinet sides during the spin cycle. Replace a worn snubber ring with the manufacturer-approved laundry center part.

This procedure shows how to replace the washer snubber ring in Kenmore, Frigidaire, White-Westinghouse, Crosley and Gibson laundry centers.

Quick links
Tools required
#2 Square-head screwdriver
Wire hook
Crow boar
Block of wood
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Replacing a washer snubber ring in a laundry center

This video explains how to replace the washer snubber ring in a laundry center.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off the power

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

  2. 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 screws from the bottom of the front panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the lower front panel from the laundry center.

    PHOTO: Remove the lower front panel from the laundry center.

  3. 03.

    Remove the front access panel

    Remove the mounting screws from the front access panel and pull off the panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the access panel mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the access panel mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the front access panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the front access panel.

  4. 04.

    Remove the top washer panel

    Remove the top panel screws.

    Disconnect the lid switch wires.

    Pull off the top washer panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screw from under the right front corner of the top panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screw from under the right front corner of the top panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screw from under the left front corner of the top panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the screw from under the left front corner of the top panel.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the lid lock switch wires.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the lid lock switch wires.

    PHOTO: Remove the top washer panel.

    PHOTO: Remove the top washer panel.

  5. 05.

    Remove the front suspension springs

    Tilt the top of the tub forward and remove the front vertical and horizontal suspension springs.

    PHOTO: Remove the vertical spring.

    PHOTO: Remove the vertical spring.

    PHOTO: Remove the horizontal spring.

    PHOTO: Remove the horizontal spring.

  6. 06.

    Remove the snubber ring

    Use a crow bar and wood block to pry up the leg and dome.

    Use a wire hook to pull out the snubber ring.

    Warning: Never place your hand under the leg and dome assembly while it's raised.
    PHOTO: Pry up the leg and dome.

    PHOTO: Pry up the leg and dome.

    PHOTO: Pull out the snubber ring.

    PHOTO: Pull out the snubber ring.

  7. 07.

    Install the new snubber ring

    Position the new snubber ring with the arrow pointing up.

    With the leg and dome assembly pried up, use the wire hook to slide the new snubber into position.

    Lower the leg and dome assembly and pull the block of wood out of the cabinet.

    Warning: Never place your hand under the leg and dome assembly while it's raised.
    PHOTO: Install the new snubber ring.

    PHOTO: Install the new snubber ring.

  8. 08.

    Reinstall the front suspension springs

    Tilt the top of the tub forward and reconnect the horizontal and vertical suspension springs.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the horizontal spring.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the horizontal spring.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the vertical spring.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the vertical spring.

  9. 09.

    Reinstall the top washer panel

    Position the top washer panel on the washer cabinet and reinstall the mounting screws.

    Reconnect the lid switch wires.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the top washer panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the top washer panel.

    PHOTO: Reconnect the lid lock switch wires.

    PHOTO: Reconnect the lid lock switch wires.

  10. 10.

    Reinstall the front access panel

    Position the front access panel on the laundry center frame and reinstall the mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the front access panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the front access panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the access panel mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the access panel mounting screws.

  11. 11.

    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 washer front panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the screws at the bottom of the front panel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the screws at the bottom of the front panel.

  12. 12.

    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.

Symptoms common to all laundry centers

Choose a symptom to see related laundry center repairs.

Main causes: unbalanced load, broken suspension springs or shocks, worn snubber ring
Main causes: door not fully shut, bad door switch, faulty push-to-start switch, wiring failure, bad drive motor, blown fuse, control failure
Main causes: clogged drain system, blocked drain hose, bad drain pump
Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, faulty drive motor, drain system problem, broken drive system components
Main causes: control system failure, broken heating element, bad gas valve coils, gas supply failure, voltage supply problem, blown fuse
Main causes: broken dryer drive belt, weak drive motor, binding drum seals
Main causes: blocked exhaust vent, clogged lint screen, bad timer, moisture sensing problems, weak gas valve coils, bad heating element
Main causes: bad lid switch or lid lock, drive motor failure, broken motor coupler, bad timer, faulty electronic control board
Main causes: lack of water supply, failed lid switch or lid lock, bad water level pressure switch, control system failure, bad water valve

Repair guides common to all laundry centers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your laundry center.

How to replace a laundry center washer timer

If the washer doesn't fill, spin or drain, the timer could be the problem.

Repair difficulty
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How to replace a laundry center washer snubber ring

If the washer tub bangs the cabinet during the spin cycle even though the load is balanced, you might need to replace the snubber ring in the base of the washer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a laundry center dryer door switch

The dryer won’t start if the door switch is defective. Your can replace it in about 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

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