July 01, 2013

How to replace the direct-drive motor on a front-load washer

This washer repair guide explains how to install a new drive motor in a direct-drive front load washer. This type of washer doesn't have a drive belt; the drive motor attaches directly to the spin basket shaft. If the direct drive motor fails, the washer basket won't spin. The control panel usually displays an error code if the drive motor fails. For example, a failed direct drive motor in an LG or Kenmore front-load washer typically causes the control to display the LE error code.

Follow the steps in this washer repair guide to replace a failed direct drive motor with a manufacturer-approved washer part.

If you're not sure if your washer has a direct-drive motor, check out the explanation in our washer FAQs.

This repair procedure covers direct-drive, front-load washers made by Kenmore and LG. You also can use the same basic procedure to replace the direct-drive motor in Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag and Amana front-load washers.

Quick links

Instructions

Tools required

Phillips screwdriver

Socket wrench set

Thread-locking fluid

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

60 minutes or less

Instructions

01.
Shut off the electricity
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
Have someone help you move the washer away from the wall.
02.
Remove the back panel
Remove the 4 screws from the back panel.
Lift up to release the back panel and pull it off.
PHOTO: Remove the screws from the washer rear panel.
PHOTO: Remove the washer back panel.
03.
Remove the rotor
Remove the 17mm bolt on the back of the motor and pull the rotor off of the motor.
Tip: Hold the rotor still and strike the ratchet with a sharp blow to loosen the rotor bolt.
PHOTO: Remove the bolt from the motor.
PHOTO: Remove the rotor from the motor.
04.
Release the wire harness from the tub
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the wire harness bracket and retainers on the back of the washer tub.
Remove the screw that holds the green ground wire on the back of the tub.
PHOTO: Release the wire harness from the tub.
05.
Remove the stator
Remove the 6 bolts that secure the stator—the part of the motor that doesn't move—to the tub.
Release the stator and unplug the wire harness connections.
Remove the motor.
PHOTO: Remove the bolts that hold the stator to the tub.
PHOTO: Unplug the stator wire harness connections.
PHOTO: Remove the wires from the tachometer.
06.
Install the new motor
Connect the wires to the motor and the tachometer.
Position the new stator on the back of the tub.
Replace the 6 bolts and tighten them firmly.
07.
Reattach the wire harness
Reinstall the wire harness bracket and retainers that secure the wires to the back of the tub.
Attach the green ground wire to the tub.
08.
Reinstall the rotor
Push the rotor back onto the shaft.
Apply thread locking fluid to the bolt.
Reinstall the bolt and tighten it firmly.
Tip: Open the washer door and have someone hold the spin basket still from the front of the washer while you firmly tighten the rotor bolt.
09.
Reinstall the rear panel
Position the rear panel on the back of the washer and secure it with the mounting screws. Tighten the screws firmly.
10.
Restore the power
Plug the washer into the electrical outlet. Return the washer to its original location.

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.