How to Get to a Basket Drive in a Washing Machine

Top Load Washing Machine

• 1

  Disconnect the power to the washing machine and pull the machine out away from the wall. Turn off the water supply valves and gas supply valve, if applicable.

• 2

  Remove the two end caps on the console to access the screws underneath. These screws are located on the top of the cover. Some models simply have the screws without an end cap. Unscrew the screws from the console.

• 3

  Lift up on the console and hinge the console back over the top of the washer.

• 4

  Find the lid switch harness connector in the top of the washing machine. This looks like wires hinged to a connector. Disconnect and remove the wires at the connector.

• 5

  Insert the flat blade of a screwdriver into the cabinet mounting clips along the sides of the washing machine. Push gently until the clips release and then pull the washing machine cabinet forward to remove it.

• 6

  Unscrew the agitator from inside the washing machine basket in a counterclockwise motion and lift it out to remove it.

• 7

  Remove the cap below the agitator and remove the cam using a square ½-inch socket drive. Take out the spanner nut using a spanner nut wrench.

• 8

  Lift out the washing machine basket with the help of an assistant. The basket drive system is located underneath the basket in the washing machine housing.

Front Load Washing Machine

• 9

  Disconnect the power to the washing machine and pull the machine out away from the wall. Turn off the water supply valves and gas supply valve, if applicable.

• 10

  Locate the screws along the bottom of the lower access panel and remove the screws.

• 11

  Push up on the lower access panel until the panel lifts out, then pull down to remove it.

• 12

  Access the basket drive system from underneath the basket through the access panel.