Leaking Boot on a Front-Loading Washer

Pull the washing machine away from the wall and unplug the power cord from the outlet. Remove the six screws securing the top to the washer, using the Phillips screwdriver. Three screws are on the top panel and three on the plastic trim on top of the panel. Remove the panel from the washer and set it aside.

Pull the soap dispenser out of the front of the machine. Push in the tab at the back of the drawer to release it from the dispenser bracket. Remove the screws from the soap dispenser area and the top of the control panel, using the Phillips screwdriver. Depress the retaining clips on the control panel and pull it off the front of the washer.

Unplug the wires from the control panel and set aside. Lift the front of the washer off the floor and slide a wood block under it to prop it up. Remove the screws from the bottom panel, using the nut driver. Pull the bottom panel away from the appliance frame and set it aside. Remove the block and lower the washer to the floor.

Open the door of the washing machine and locate the door switch on the right side. Remove the screws from the door switch, using the nut driver. Push the switch into the washer. Grab the loop of the outer spring clamp at the bottom of the door opening, using needle-nose pliers. Pull the clamp away from the gasket.

Peel the door gasket away from the door opening and push it into the washing machine. Remove the four screws from the front panel -- one at each corner -- using the nut driver. Set the front panel aside.

Loosen the screw on the inner spring clamp, using the nut driver. Pull the spring clamp away from the boot. Pull the two small hoses out of the top of the door seal. Pull the old boot off the washtub and discard. Place the new door seal on the washtub, lining up the arrows to ensure the hose openings are at the top.

Push the new boot onto the washtub. It will take some work to get it back on so that it locks onto the lip of the tub. You can lubricate the edges of the boot with liquid detergent to make it easier. Install the inner spring clamp onto the new boot. Tighten the clamp, using the nut driver.

Place the upper panel on the front of the washer and install the screws, using the nut driver. Reach into the machine between the front panel and the frame. Grab the door switch and push it into the opening on the front panel. Install the retaining screws, using the nut driver. Lift the washer off the floor and slide the wood block under it.

Install the lower front panel and tighten the screws with the nut driver. Remove the block from under the appliance and lower it to the floor. Plug the wires into the control panel and snap the panel into place on the front of the washing machine. Install the screws into the top of the control panel and at the soap dispenser, using the Phillips screwdriver.

Slide the soap dispenser into the washing machine and push it in all the way. Place the top cover on the washer and install the three screws at the back with the Phillips screwdriver. Place the plastic trim piece on top of the washer at the front and twist in the screws.

Plug the power cord into the electrical outlet and push the washer into place against the wall.