How to Install the Outer Tub of a KitchenAid Washer

Unplug your KitchenAid washer’s power cord from the wall outlet. Turn off the washer’s water supply lines, and disconnect the lines from the valve connections on the rear of the machine.

Release the control panel from the top of the washer by removing the screws from each end. Lift the panel off the top of the washer and rotate it to the back of the washer to uncover the lid switch wiring harness and the spring clips.

Pull the KitchenAid lid switch wiring harness from the top of the washer. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the spring clip in the top of the washer cabinet. Push down and forward on the clip to release the washer cabinet body to the frame.

Lift the lid on your KitchenAid washer. Grab the body of the washer and tilt it forward. Lift the cabinet body up and off the washing machine frame.

Squeeze the clamp ends together that hold the fill hose to the back of the fill spout. Slide the clamp down the hose and pull the hose from the spout. Unsnap the plastic fill spout from the washing machine’s back panel.

Pull the fabric dispenser off the top of the agitator. Pull the dust cap out of the inside of the agitator to expose the agitator bolt. Use a 7/16-inch socket and socket extension to remove the agitator bolt. Lift the agitator out of the washtub to access the tub nut.

Place a spanner wrench around the tub nut. Strike the spanner wrench with a small hammer to turn the nut counterclockwise and remove it.

Push down on the tub cover above each of the eight tabs. Unsnap each tab from the outer washtub. Lift the cover from off the inner and outer washtubs. Lift the inner metal washtub from the outer tub to expose the metal drive block.

Tap on the bottom of the drive block with the side of the hammer until you can remove it from the agitator shaft. Apply lubricant around the agitator shaft inside the outer tub.

Pull the small air-pressure hose from the side of the outer plastic wash tub. Lay an old towel beneath the washtub to catch any water remaining in the drain hose. Pull the hose from the bottom of the tub.

Remove the four suspension springs from the spring brackets around the bottom of the outer washtub with pliers. Release the brackets from the bottom of the washtub by removing the 1/4-inch screws holding them to the tub.

Lift the exterior washtub from the frame and agitator shaft. Pull the center seal from the center bottom of the washtub. Push the seal into the center hole on the new outer washtub. Install the new outer tub onto your KitchenAid washer over the agitator shaft. Ensure the drain hose fitting on the bottom of the outer tub lines up with the metal shield attached to the washing machine frame.

Reconnect the spring brackets to the bottom of the new washtub. Attach the suspension springs to the brackets and the washer frame. Complete the assembly of the washer by reversing the steps used to take the washer apart.