How to Install a Clutch in a Direct Drive Washing Machine

Unplug the washer before you begin. Turn off both water supply valves and disconnect the hoses from the washing machine using a pair of channel-lock pliers. Release the clamp on the drain hose with the channel-locks and pull the hose from the appliance. Clean up water spillage with some old rags.

Remove the rinse dispenser from the agitator by pulling up on the blue locking ring and pulling it off. Pry the cap off the agitator using a flat-tip screwdriver. Reach into the center of the agitator and pull out the dust cap. Remove the bolt and washer from the center of the agitator with a socket and ratchet.

Pull the agitator out of the washing machine. Spread a large towel out on the floor behind the washer. Lean the washing machine backward and place it on its back on the towel. Release the clips from the washing machine pump using a flat-tip screwdriver. Pull the drain pump from the motor shaft and set it aside.

Unplug the wiring harness from the washer motor. Remove the retaining bolts from the gear case with a socket and ratchet. Pull the gear case and motor assembly from under the machine. Slip the thrust washer from the agitator shaft. Remove the support ring from the shaft with a pair of needle-nose pliers and then remove the locking ring with a flat-tip screwdriver.

Slide the old clutch off the shaft. Remove the brake cam using a flat-tip screwdriver to remove the locking ring. Place the new brake cam on the shaft and install the locking ring using a flat-tip screwdriver to slide it into place. Slide the new clutch on the shaft and install the locking ring using the flat-tip screwdriver to push it into the groove.

Install the support ring with the needle-nose pliers and slide the thrust washer onto the shaft. Install the gear case and motor assembly into the washing machine. Install the retaining bolts with a socket and ratchet. Plug the wiring harness into the washer motor.

Push the drain pump onto the shaft of the washer motor and lock the retaining clips. Stand the machine up. Connect the agitator and tighten the retaining bolt with a socket and ratchet. Insert the dust cap into the agitator and place the cap on top. Set the rinse dispenser on the agitator and push down on the locking ring.

Connect the water supply hoses to the washer and plug the power cord into the electrical outlet. Push the machine against the wall and run it for a short cycle to test the new clutch.