This DIY washer repair guide explains how to replace the clutch assembly on a direct-drive top-load washer. The washer clutch assembly releases the drive system's brake to allow the basket to spin during the spin cycle. If the washer spins when the basket is empty but not when it's full, the clutch assembly could be the problem (another problem could be the clutch band). Replace the clutch assembly with a manufacturer-approved replacement part if it's worn.
Not sure if your washer is a direct-drive washer? Check out our washer common questions to see how you can tell.
Top-load washers that use this direct-drive clutch assembly include models made by Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Crosley, Estate and Roper.
This video explains how to replace the clutch assembly in a direct-drive top-load washing machine.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the electricity and water
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Turn off the water supply valves for the washer.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
- 02.
Remove the agitator
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.
Tip: If your model has a plastic spring retainer with a square hole at the top, insert a 1/2" socket drive extension into the square hole and rotate the spring retainer counter-clockwise to release and remove the spring retainer.
Pry off the agitator cap.
Remove the agitator cap.
Remove the agitator bolt.
- 03.
Disconnect the hoses
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.
Tip: Wipe up spills with a towel to prevent slipping. - 04.
Lay the washer on its back
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.
- 05.
Release the drain pump
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.
Remove the drain pump clips.
- 06.
Remove the transmission and drive motor 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.
Warning: The transmission and drive motor assembly is heavy. Use a helper to pull the transmission and drive motor assembly out of the washer if necessary.
Unplug the motor wire harness.
Detach the wires from the drive motor capacitor
Remove the transmission mounting bolts.
Pull the transmission and drive motor out of the washer.
- 07.
Remove 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.
Remove the thrust washer from the transmission shaft.
Remove the clutch support ring.
Remove the clutch retainer ring.
Remove the clutch from the transmission shaft.
- 08.
Remove the brake cam
Pry the C-clip off of the brake cam.
Pull the brake cam off of the base of the washer.
Tip: The clutch band kit includes a new brake cam. Replace the brake cam at the same time that you replace the clutch assembly.
Pry the C-clip off of the brake cam.
Remove the C-clip from the brake cam.
Remove the brake cam.
- 10.
Install the new clutch assembly
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.
Tip: The clutch band kit includes a short and long clutch band spring. Use the short clutch band spring if you have a compact washer, otherwise use the long spring.
Install the new clutch assembly.
Install the clutch retainer ring.
Reinstall the clutch support ring.
Reinstall the clutch thrust washer.
- 11.
Reinstall the transmission and drive motor assembly
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.
Reinstall the transmission and drive motor.
Reinstall the transmission mounting bolts.
Reattach the wires on the motor capacitor.
Plug the drive motor wire harness back in.
- 12.
Reinstall the drain pump
Reposition the drain pump on the drive motor shaft and secure the drain pump with the retainer clips.
Reinstall the drain pump.
- 13.
Tilt the washer upright
Carefully tilt the washer upright.
- 14.
Reinstall the hoses
Connect the fill hoses and tighten the connections using channel-lock pliers.
Reconnect the drain hose on the back of the washer.
- 15.
Reinstall the agitator
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.
Reinstall the agitator.
- 16.
Restore the water and power
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.
Symptoms common to all washers
Repair guides for top-load washers
If the spin basket on your top-load washer is damaged, you can replace it with a new one. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.
Replace the timer if it doesn't advance or work properly.
If there's water in your washer at the end of the spin cycle, the drain pump could be faulty. If the drain and drain hose are clear, you can follow these instructions to replace the drain pump.
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