Directions to Install a Door Boot on a Whirlpool Duet Washer

Disconnect the washer's power cord from the grounded electrical outlet. Turn off the water supply to the machine -- the hot and cold water supply valves are usually located on the wall behind the washer.

Remove the three hex-head screws along the rear edge of the top cover. Lift the cover off of the appliance and set it aside. Note that some Whirlpool Duet models require you to depress a series of retaining clips at the front of the top cover in order to free it.

Slide the detergent drawer out as far as you can and depress the locking tab behind the detergent compartment. Pull the detergent drawer from its housing. Remove the recessed screw to the left of the housing, using a hex-head screwdriver.

Find and depress the locking tab on the right side of the control console. Open the washer door and locate the small slot on the bottom of the console. Fit the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the slot and push it straight up to unlock the retaining tab. Pull the console forward and fold it down to access the wiring harness on the central control unit. Pull firmly on the plastic connectors to unplug the ribbon wires from the wiring harness. Set the control console aside with the controls facing up.

Use the hex-head screwdriver to remove the screws along the bottom edge of the lower front access panel; the number of screws varies by Duet model. Pull the panel up and forward to remove it from the washer.

Find the tension spring on the boot at the bottom of the door opening. Stretch the tension spring with needle-nose pliers or a flat-head screwdriver and remove the connected retaining wire from the boot perimeter.

Roll the rubber boot away from the door opening and fold it back inside the washer tub. Remove the door switch screws on the right side of the door opening, using the hex-head screwdriver. Reach behind the door opening and lift the door switch assembly up to clear the retaining tabs. Pull the assembly out of its housing and unplug the wires from the back of the component.

Remove the hex-head screws securing the front panel to the sides of the washer cabinet. Pull the panel away from the cabinet and lean it against the side of the appliance.

Locate the retaining clamp holding the rubber boot to the tub opening. Rotate the retaining clamp screw counterclockwise until the clamp is loose enough to remove. Peel the boot off of the front of the tub and discard it.

Pull the plastic cap off of the water inlet nozzle. Pass the nozzle through the hole in the replacement boot and replace the cap. Slip the boot onto the front of the washer tub. Replace the retaining clamp and tighten the clamp screw.