How to Repair and Remove the Tub Seal on a Kenmore Washer

Unplug the power cord from the grounded wall outlet to avoid electrical shock while repairing the washer. Turn off the water supply valve.

Pull out the washer to give yourself room to work behind it comfortably. Remove the three hex-head screws on the rear flange of the top cover, using a T-20 Torx screwdriver. Slide the top cover toward you slowly until it catches on the retaining tabs at the back of the control console. Apply downward pressure on the tabs with a small flat-blade screwdriver to release them. Lift the cover off of the top of the washer cabinet and set aside.

Press the release tab at the back of the detergent dispenser drawer. Remove the drawer from the washer cabinet.

Unplug the cable connector from the left side of the central control unit on the back of the control console. Pull on the plastic connector, rather than the cables themselves. Remove the cables from the two clips on the back of the central control unit.

Remove the recessed T-20 Torx screws at the bottom of the control console and to the left of the detergent dispenser drawer housing. Pry up the top edge of the control console to release the retaining clips. Hold down the locking tab on the right rear side of the control console and pull the console away from the washer. Rest the control console on a padded surface until you've completed your repairs.

Take out the three hex-head screws along the bottom flange of the toe panel, using the T-20 Torx screwdriver. Slide the toe panel straight down, then pull it toward you to remove it from the bottom of the washer cabinet.

Open the washer door and locate the retaining wire wrapped around the perimeter of the tub seal. Insert the tip of a small flat-blade screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers into the hook on the spring portion of the retaining wire. Pull the hook to gently stretch the spring. Remove the retaining wire from the tub seal.

Roll back the rubber tub seal on the right side of the door opening to access the door switch assembly. Remove the T-20 Torx screws from the door switch; the number of screws can vary by model. Pull firmly on the door switch assembly to remove it from its housing. Unplug the wiring connectors from the back of the assembly.

Close the washer door. Locate the four corner hex-head screws securing the front panel to the washer cabinet. Remove the screws with the T-20 Torx screwdriver. Set aside the removed front panel.

Turn the Phillips retaining clamp screw to loosen the metal clamp that holds the rubber seal in place. Remove the clamp and peel the seal off of the front of the washer tub.

Examine the rubber seal for tears or cracks. Apply a thin coat of bicycle tire patching adhesive to the area around the tear or crack. Place the rubber patch over the damaged area and smooth it down.

Replace the tub seal if the damage is extensive. Line up the replacement seal and the front of the washer tub. Position the seal so that its "weep holes" are at the bottom of the tub opening. Fit the seal onto the front of the tub. Replace the retaining clamp, then reinsert and tighten the retaining clamp screw.