How to Replace a Door and Tub Boot Seal for a Whirlpool Front-Load Washer

Unplug the washing machine’s power cord.

Remove the three Phillips-head screws from the back edge of the top panel. Slide the panel toward the back of the washer, then lift it off.

Remove the three Phillips-head screws from the bottom of the lower front panel. Pull the panel down and away from the washer.

Open the detergent drawer. Press the release tab near the back of the drawer, and pull the drawer out of the washer. Remove the Phillips-head screw from the left side of the opening.

Press the release tab on the right side of the control console, then pull the side of the console away from the washer. Open the washer door. Slide the blade of a flat-head screwdriver into the slot in the bottom of the control panel. Pry up to release the control panel from the washer. Set the control panel on top of the washer.

Locate the retainer spring holding the boot seal to the door opening. Pry the spring forward with a flat-head screwdriver until you can grasp the retaining ring with needle-nose pliers. Pull the retaining ring off the door opening. Pry the boot seal off the door opening with your hands.

Remove the three Phillips-head screws holding the door switch to the washer body. Remove the four Phillips-head screws holding the front panel to the washer frame. Pull the panel off the frame to expose the tub and boot seal.

Loosen the screw clamp holding the boot seal to the washer tub. Pull the boot and clamp off the tub.

Place the clamp around the edge of a replacement boot seal. Slide the boot seal and clamp onto the washer tub. Seat the edge of the seal into the depression formed into the washer tub. Seat the clamp over the seal, and tighten the clamp.

Place the front panel on the washer. Install and tighten the four Phillips-head screws to secure it in place. Hold the door switch in place, and install and tighten the three Phillips-head screws. Pull the edge of the seal through the door opening, and press it onto the molded edge of the opening. Place the retaining ring around the edge of the seal, and snap it in place.

Place the lower front panel on the washer, and secure it using the three Phillips-head screws. Snap the control panel into position. Insert and tighten the screw on the left side of the detergent drawer opening. Slide the detergent drawer into the opening until it locks in place.

Put the top panel on top of the washer. Slide the panel forward until it locks into position. Insert and tighten the three retaining screws.