How to Replace the Mounting Stem on a Top Loader Washing Machine

Disconnect your washing machine’s power cord from the electrical outlet.

Remove the two screws from the bottom of the washer’s front panel. Pull the panel out from the bottom of the washer to release the panel from the top of the washer. Pop the bottom of the front panel from the clips on your washer’s frame by inserting a 1-1/2-inch putty knife into the side seam of the washer if the front panel is not secured with screws.

Remove the two screws from inside front of the washing machine cabinet holding the top panel to the side panels. Lift the top panel away from the cabinet and lean it against the wall behind the washing machine.

Unsnap the tabs holding the tub cover over the top of the inside and outside washtubs. Older model washers have a metal band holding the tub cover to the top of the tub. Loosen one of the screws on the metal band and lift it from around the tub cover. Lift the tub cover off the two washtubs.

Loosen the agitator screw along the base of the agitator with a screwdriver. Do not remove the screws from the agitator. Grab the bottom of the agitator and lift it from the washing machine to expose the retaining nut.

Fit a spanner wrench around the retaining nut. Gently tab one end of the wrench with a hammer to turn the wrench clockwise. Continue to turn the wrench and nut until you can remove it from the washer to expose the tub base cap at the bottom of the washtub.

Lift the cap off the tub base. Lift the inside washtub from the outside washtub to expose the mounting stem.

Remove the set screw on the side of the mounting stem. Depending on the washer age and model, this requires either a 1/8-inch hex key or a No. 20 torx head screwdriver.

Fit the spanner wrench over the mounting stem. Use the hammer to loosen the stem and turn the wrench clockwise. Lift the mounting stem off the agitator shaft to expose the tub seal.

Remove the tub seal from around the agitator shaft using a slight back and forth twisting motion. Though not a requirement, replacing the tub seal will ensure the replacement mounting stem continues to provide a watertight seal in the washtub.

Wipe the bottom of the washtub around the agitator shaft and the shaft with a soft cloth. Wet the inside of the replacement tub seal with water. Push down on the tub seal while using a back and forth twisting motion to install the new seal. Ensure you have it pushed all the way into the tub and centered on the agitator shaft.

Slide the replacement mounting stem over the agitator shaft. Turn the stem counter-clockwise and tighten it with the spanner wrench.

Insert the new set screw, provided with the mounting stem, through the side of the stem. Tighten the screw with the hex key or torx-head screwdriver.

Install the inside tub back into the outside tub. Install the tub base cap over the shaft. Insert the new tub nut onto the new mounting stem. Tighten the nut counter-clockwise with the spanner wrench.

Reverse the disassembly steps to reassemble the washing machine.