Tools for Removing a Washing Machine's Spring Clamp

Spring Clamp Location

• The wire clamp and spring on a washing machine is located around the outside of the boot seal. To access the wire clamp and spring, you must open the washer door. Depending on the model of your washer, you then have to pull back slightly on the outer portion of the seal.

Reasons for Removal

• It is necessary to remove the wire clamp and spring to perform a variety of repairs on your washing machine. For instance, to remove the front panel on many washers, you must first remove the light and water tube installed in the top of the boot seal, which are accessible only after the wire clamp and spring have been removed. You also need to remove the wire clamp and spring when repairing the washer's door latch, and when you replace the boot seal itself.

Whirlpool Washer

• Many models of washing machines are manufactured by Whirlpool, including Kenmore, Maytag, Amana and KitchenAid. To remove the wire clamp and spring from the boot seal of these models, you will need a flat-head screwdriver to pry the wire clamp and spring off the front of the washer.

Frigidaire and GE Washers

• On Frigidaire and GE washing machines, you will need a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the wire clamp and spring from the boot seal. To remove the wire clamp and spring, grasp it with the needle-nose pliers and then pull away from the front of the washer.