How to Replace the Bellows on a Kenmore HE2 Plus

Rotate the water supply valve to the "Off/Closed" position. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet to avoid electrical injury while replacing the bellows.

Move the washer away from the wall and stand behind it. Remove the three T-20 Torx screws from the rear edge of the top cover. Pull the top cover toward you to expose the plastic retaining tabs securing the front of the cover to the control console. Press down on the tabs with a small flat-head screwdriver to release them. Lift the top cover off the washer and lean it against a wall.

Pull on the plastic wiring connectors to detach the wires from the central control unit on the back of the control console.

Open and fully extend the detergent dispenser drawer. Press the small retaining tab behind the detergent compartment to free the component. Remove the recessed T-20 Torx screws to the left of the detergent drawer and at the bottom of the control console.

Lift the top edge of the control console and use a small flat-head screwdriver to press the plastic retaining clips until they release. Locate the locking tab on the right rear side of the control console. Press the tab while simultaneously pulling the console away from the washer cabinet. Set the control console aside with the selector knob side facing up.

Remove the three hex-head screws on the bottom edge of the lower front access panel. Slide the panel down and pull it away from the washer.

Locate the retaining wire and tension spring on the front of the bellows. Pull the edge of the tension spring with a pair of needle-nose pliers and remove the retaining wire. Work gently to avoid bending or twisting the tension spring component.

Open the washer door and note the door switch on the right side of the front panel. Pull the bellows away from the edge of the door opening to gain access to the door switch assembly. Remove the two T-20 Torx screws and pull the assembly from its housing. Turn the door switch assembly over and pull on the plastic connectors to disconnect the wiring and free the component. Close the washer door.

Locate and remove the two hex-head screws at the top of the front panel. Remove the two corresponding screws at the bottom of the panel. Grab the sides of the front panel and pull it away from the washer cabinet. Rest the removed panel against a wall or the side of the appliance.

Loosen the retaining clamp around the front of the bellows by turning the retaining clamp screw counterclockwise. Remove the retaining clamp and set it aside. Peel the bellows off the edges of the door opening to remove it.

Fold the replacement bellows over the front of the washer tub. Install the bellows so the three "weep holes" are at the bottom of the door opening.