How to Replace the Seal & Bearing in a Maytag Washer

Unplug the washer from its power source to avoid electrical injury while disassembling the appliance cabinet. Find the hot and cold valves behind the machine; these valves supply water to the appliance. Rotate the valves all the way to the left to close them. Release the clamps to free the hoses from the ports on the rear appliance panel. Some water remains in the hoses even when the washer tub is empty; have a towel or bucket handy to catch the water when it spills out.

Slide a putty knife along the top edge of the front panel to locate the cabinet-retaining clips. Press the clips with the putty knife to release the top cover. Raise the cover to access the tub assemblies.

Push the tub cover down while lifting the eight locking tabs around its edge, using a small flat-head screwdriver. Remove the cover and set it aside. Some Maytag washers have a fabric softener dispenser attached to the top of the agitator; press down on the dispenser and rock it to either side to detach it. Take off the agitator cap and remove the assembly-retaining screw and washer. Pull the agitator assembly out through the top of the washer tub.

Remove the screws inside the inner tub or spin basket; the type and number of screws varies by Maytag series and model. Lift the inner tub out through the top of the washer cabinet. Remove the mounting bolts from the center of the outer tub assembly, as well as the bolts securing the assembly to the tub support. Detach the pump inlet and air dome hoses from the outside of the tub. Cover the air bell with your hand and lift out the outer tub assembly.

Use needle-nose pliers to pry the "O" ring from the agitator shaft. Remove the seal nut from the base of the shaft and hub assembly; rotate the nut counterclockwise with the seal nut tool. Take off the large hub nut by turning it counterclockwise, using a spanner wrench.

Lift the suspension springs off of the tub support hooks; use a spring tool to avoid injury. Remove the bolts securing the braces to the tub support. Lift out the tub support and attached seal and bearing housing. Take out the screws on the bottom of the tub support to separate the two components.

Pry out the seal body cavity on the bottom of the housing and push out the bearing. Press the new bearing into the housing. Insert the replacement seal body; tap the component into place with a rubber mallet, if necessary.