How to Fix a Weak Clutch on a Washer That Is Not Turning

Turn off the water supply valves to the washing machine. Pull the appliance away from the wall. Unplug the power cord from the outlet and disconnect the water supply hoses from the back of the machine. Remove the drain hose from the back of the washing machine using a pair of channel-lock pliers to release the hose clamp.

Clean up water spillage using some old rags. Open the washing machine lid and remove the rinse dispenser from the agitator if one is present. On some washing machines, you must pull up on the locking ring at the bottom of the rinse dispenser to release it before you can pull it off. Pry the top cap off the agitator using a flat-tip screwdriver.

Remove the bolt and washer securing the agitator to the shaft using a socket and ratchet. Pull the agitator out of the washing machine and set it aside. Spread a large towel or a blanket on the floor behind the washing machine. Tilt the appliance backward and lay it on the floor on its back.

Locate the water pump on the motor shaft and release the retaining clamps using a flat-tip screwdriver. Pull the pump from the motor shaft and set it aside. Unplug the wiring harness from the washing machine motor. Remove the gear case bolts using a socket and ratchet. Pull the gear case and motor out of the appliance as a single unit.

Slide the thrust washer off the shaft and set it aside. Remove the support ring from the shaft using a pair of needle-nose pliers. Insert a flat-tip screwdriver into the gap between the locking ring and shaft and pry it off the shaft. Slide the old clutch off the shaft and discard it. Remove the brake cam using a flat-tip screwdriver to remove the retaining ring.

Place the new brake cam on the assembly and install the locking ring using the needle-nose pliers. Slide the new clutch onto the shaft and install the locking ring with the needle-nose pliers. Install the support ring with the needle-nose pliers. Slide the thrust washer onto the shaft and then install the gear case assembly into the bottom of the washer.

Install the gear case retaining bolts using a socket and ratchet. Plug the wiring harness into the washing machine motor. Place the drain pump on the motor shaft and snap the retaining clamps into place to secure the pump. Stand the washing machine upright. Place the agitator on the shaft and install the retaining bolt and washer using a socket and ratchet.

Place the cap on the agitator and then install the rinse dispenser if there is one present. Connect the drain hose to the back of the washing machine using a pair of channel-lock pliers to secure the hose clamp. Connect the water supply lines to the back of the appliance. Make sure you put the cold and hot water hoses on the proper fittings.

Plug the power cord into the electrical outlet. Push the washing machine into place against the wall. Run the appliance for a short cycle while empty to test the operation of the new clutch.