How to Replace a Suspension Spring & Rod Assembly in a Kenmore Washer

• 1

  Apply a strip of duct tape to the front of your Kenmore washer lid, securing the lid to the top of the cabinet. This step prevents the lid from swinging open when raised.

• 2

  Insert a putty knife into the seam between the top of the washer and its base. Unhinge the pair of tabs inside the seam. Each tab is located close to the side of the washer.

• 3

  Raise the washer lid and carefully lean it back against the wall. Raising the lid reveals the suspension rod at each corner of the washer cabinet.

• 4

  Reach down and grab the first rod. Push the rod up to detach its upper half from the cabinet.

• 5

  Remove the the plastic suspension ball from the top of the rod. The ball clips onto the rod. The ball includes a plastic bushing on its underside. This bushing fits into a cup at the top corner of the washer. Your replacement suspension rod may include a new ball and bushing.

• 6

  Reach down inside the cabinet and squeeze the locking tab that attaches the suspension rod to the support bracket on the side of the inner tub.

• 7

  Pull the suspension rod free of the cabinet.

Installation

• 8

  Lower the replacement rod down into the cabinet. Be sure the spring side of the rod goes in first.

• 9

  Insert the rod into the support bracket along the side of the tub. Pull the rod up to secure its locking tab to the support bracket on the side of the tub.

• 10

  Fit the replacement bushing into the suspension cup in the top corner of the cabinet.

• 11

  Pull the rod up through the center of the cup and bushing.

• 12

  Clip the replacement suspension ball onto the top of the rod, and allow the ball to settle onto the bushing.

• 13

  Close the washer top and remove the duct tape from the lid.