How to Replace the Clutch on a Kenmore Washing Machine

Disconnect the washer from the power supply. Turn off the water supply valves. Unscrew and disconnect the water supply lines. Pull off the drain hose. You may need pliers to squeeze the drain hose clip to remove the hose.

Open the washer lid. Lift and twist the rinse dispenser on top of the agitator if your model has an agitator-mounted dispenser. Pop off the agitator cap. Pull the dust cap out of the agitator if your model has a dust cap.

Grasp the bottom of the agitator with one hand. Use a 7/16-inch socket wrench to remove the center bolt and washer. Pull the agitator straight out of the washer.

Lay a large towel across the floor. Move the washer in front of the towel. Standing behind the washer gently tilt the washer backward until it rests on its back on the towel.

Locate the pump in the underside of the washer. The pump will have a circular white plastic piece on top with a series of wires coming out just below it. Unsnap the large metal silver clip holding the top of the plastic piece to the metal framing of the motor. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to remove the clip.

Pull the pump off the motor framing. You may need to move it around a little to loosen it. You do not need to separate the pump hose from the white plastic pump top.

Grasp and pull out the motor wiring harness on the right side of the motor. The harness is hard plastic with multiple colored wires.

Unclip the plastic retainers holding the wires in place. Use a 1/2-inch socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts holding the metal motor and gear casing to the washer. The motor housing may be brown and appear rusted. Pull the entire motor housing and gear casing straight out of the bottom. It may be heavy.

Lay the entire unit face up so the long shaft is facing upward. Slide the large washer off the the gear shaft. Use pliers to pull off the old support ring. Use a screwdriver to pop off the retainer ring. Both are on the bottom of the shaft.

Lift the broken clutch, which is circular and silver, off the gear shaft. Use a screwdriver to remove the "C" clip under the clutch and lift off the plastic brake cam.

Place a new isolator ring into the housing of the new clutch. It goes in the center of the clutch. Put a new brake cam into place on the gear case. Pop the "C" clip back into place to secure the brake cam.

Place the new clutch fully on the gear shaft. Pop the retainer ring back into place on the clutch. Slide the support ring back into place. Put the thrust washer back on top of the support ring.

Put the motor and gear casing unit back into the washer. You may need to make adjustments to get the unit to slide fully back into the washer. Replace the motor housing bolts and tighten.

Reconnect the wiring harness and wire clips. Line up the pump with the top of the motor housing and pop into place. Replace the metal retaining pump clips.

Lift the washer back to an upright position. Slide the agitator back on the drive gear shaft. Rebolt the washer and bolt inside the agitator. Put the dust cap back if applicable. Replace the agitator cap and rinse dispenser if applicable.

Reconnect the water input hoses and the drain hose. Reconnect the power and turn the water back on. Run a test cycle to ensure the washer works.