How to Replace a Tub Seal on a Kenmore Front Load Washer

Reach behind the washer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Close the valve that supplies the water to the machine.

Pull the washer 3 to 4 feet from the wall. Remove the screws securing the back of the top panel to the rear washer panel using a hex-head screwdriver; the number of screws may vary by model. Pull the top panel toward the back wall. Press the retaining tabs along the back edge of the control console with a flat-head screwdriver to release the top panel. Set the removed top panel finish-side-up to avoid scuffing or scratching the enamel.

Open the detergent drawer and pull it out as far as it will go. Press the gray plastic release tab at the back of the drawer and remove the drawer from the machine.

Unplug the cable connector from the wiring harness on the back of the control console. Pull the plastic connector to avoid damaging the cables. Remove the cables from the control console retaining clips.

Remove the screws on the left side and bottom edge of the control console. Slide the tip of a small flat-head screwdriver under the top edge of the console. Lift the edge of the console with the screwdriver to release the retaining clips along the top of the dryer cabinet. Press the release tab on the back of the control console and remove the console from the front of the machine. Set the console on a padded surface with the controls side facing up.

Take out the screws on the bottom edge of the lower front service panel using a hex-head screwdriver. Slide the service panel down to disengage the retaining clips on the sides of the washer cabinet. Pull the panel toward you and set it aside.

Open the washer door. Stretch the tension spring at the bottom of the tub seal by inserting the tip of the small flat-head screwdriver into the ring on either side of the spring and pulling gently. Remove the tension spring and attached retaining wire from the perimeter of the tub seal.

Peel the tub seal away from the edges of the door opening and fold it back inside the tub. Remove the screws surrounding the door switch on the right side of the door opening using the hex-head screwdriver. Reach behind the edge of the door opening and pull out the door switch assembly. Pull the plastic connector to detach the wires from the back of the assembly.

Close the washer door. Use the hex-head screwdriver to remove the screws at each corner of the front panel. Pull the panel off the front of the machine and stand it against a wall.

Remove the retaining clamp holding the seal to the washer tub; twist the Phillips retaining clamp screw counterclockwise until the clamp is loose enough to slip off. Remove the seal from the front of the tub.

Unscrew the plastic cap from the water inlet tube; slip the tube through the hole in the seal and replace the cap. Fit the replacement seal onto the front of the washer tub. Install the tub seal with the three "weep holes" at the bottom of the door opening. Reinstall the removed retaining clamp.