How to Diagnose the Cause of a Coupling Failure in a Kenmore Series 70

Removing the Washer Cabinet

• 1

  Disconnect the power cord to the Kenmore washing machine and turn off the water supply on the valves next to the washing machine.

• 2

  Pull off the plastic ends on each side of the control panel on the washing machine to expose the screws. Remove the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Lift up on the control panel on the hinges and tip the panel up and back.

• 3

  Disconnect the lid switch harness connector but do not pull on the lid switch wires themselves, just disconnect at the harness.

• 4

  Place the blade of a flat-head screwdriver into the clip on each top side of the washer lid and press down to release the clip.

• 5

  Tilt the washing machine cabinet forward and pull firmly to remove the cabinet from the washing machine and expose the interior components.

• 6

  Pull gently on the dispenser hose to disconnect. Locate the bleach dispenser wax motor, which is a small component on the right-hand side of the tub. Disconnect the two-wire connector from the bleach dispenser wax motor terminals at the connection point.

Inspecting the Motor Coupler

• 7

  Find the motor inside the washing machine and the pump, which is on the side of the motor.

• 8

  Insert the blade of a flat-blade screwdriver into the pump housing clips and press to release the clips. Pull off the pump cover.

• 9

  Slide the pump off of the housing and disconnect the pump wiring at the harness.

• 10

  Disconnect the bolts holding the motor in place and use the flat-blade screwdriver to release the clips also holding the motor in position.

• 11

  Lift the motor up and out of the washing machine housing.

• 12

  Identify the motor coupler, which is located on the rear of the motor. Look at the motor coupler discs and inspect each disc for breakage or damage. Contact Kenmore for a replacement motor coupler if any of the discs are damaged.