How to Replace the Lower Clothes Washing Machine Seal

Removing the Seal

• 1

  Disconnect the washing machine power cord and let the washer cool if recently in use.

• 2

  Take out the two screws holding the top cover in place and then lift up and out on the top cover. You may need help with this step as the cover can be bulky or heavy.

• 3

  Slide open the detergent drawer and push down on the tab in the back of the detergent drawer to release the detergent drawer fully. Pull out the drawer and set the detergent aside. Remove the two screws located in the back of the detergent drawer housing.

• 4

  Disconnect the wire connectors for the display, located above the door and then take out one of the screws on the top corner of the control panel. Pull the top of the washing machine from the support rail and then lift up and out on the control panel. Remove the remaining screws from the control panel and separate the front panel from the washing machine.

• 5

  Locate the four screws along the front of the washing machine to remove the front panel of the washer.

• 6

  Open the filter access door on applicable models, which is located on the lower front corner of the washing machine. Pull open the filter cover with the flat edge of a screwdriver and then pry out the filter cover slot with the screwdriver head. Set the filter housing aside.

• 7

  Pull open the washing machine door and remove the clamp along the bottom edge of the washing machine door.

• 8

  Carefully lean the front of the washing machine cabinet forwards and then disconnect the door switch connector. You will need help holding the front forward while disconnecting the door switch connector. Place a blanket on the floor and set the front cover down slowly. Wedge the front panel and the washing machine tub separate with a 6- to 8-inch block of wood if you do not have assistance to pull the front panel off the machine.

• 9

  Locate a tab and an arrow on the very top of the lip of the washing machine tub. Rotate the slot until over the tab and then hold the lower seal in one hand. Set your other hand over the washing machine housing and push the groove on the seal over the tub lip using your thumb. Loosen the boot, or seal, retainer clamp screw on the upper right hand side of the washing machine tub and then pull the seal out of the washing machine.

Replacing the Seal

• 10

  Remove the water nozzle from the window washer tubing and separate the gasket ring from the nozzle. Push the gasket ring down the nozzle and the nozzle through the corresponding hole in the new seal. Replace the nozzle shaft on the washer inlet tube and the washer inlet tube on the seal.

• 11

  Slowly press the new seal around the tub lip and then tighten the boot retainer clamp screw using a nut driver but do not over tighten.

• 12

  Insert the tabs on the door switch into the plastic wiring connectors. Reassemble the rest of the washing machine.