How to Replace a Front Seal on a Kenmore HE3 Washer

Pull the Kenmore washer away from the wall far enough that you can get behind it to work. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Remove the retaining screws from the top cover of the machine at the back using a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the soap dispenser from the front of the machine and set it aside.

Remove the screws from the soap dispenser opening and the top of the control panel using a Phillips screwdriver. Press in on the two retaining clips on the control panel and pull it off the front of the machine. Lay it on top out of the way. Open the washing machine door and remove the two screws securing the door latch to the front panel using a nut driver.

Push the latch inside the machine. Pull the outer retaining spring away from the door gasket perimeter using a pair of needle-nose pliers. Pull the gasket away from the door opening and push it inside. Lift the front of the machine off the floor and slide a wooden block under it to prop it up.

Remove the screws from the bottom of the front panel using a nut driver. Remove the wooden block and set the machine back onto the floor. Remove the screws from the top of the front panel with a nut driver. Pull the panel away from the machine far enough to unplug the wiring harness. Set the front panel aside.

Remove the two hoses from the top of the door seal by pulling them out. Pull the door gasket away from the washtub. Remove the inner spring clamp from the gasket and throw the old gasket in the trash. Place the new door seal on the washtub, making sure the openings for the two hoses are at the top. Work the gasket onto the lip of the washtub.

Insert the two hoses into the openings at the top of the door seal. Install the inner spring clamp around the inner perimeter of the door gasket. Work the clamp into the groove so that it is secure. Insert the two hoses to the openings at the top of the seal.

Place the front panel at the front of the washing machine and plug in the wiring harness. Install the retaining screws for the top of the front panel using a nut driver. Reach into the machine and place the door latch into the opening. Secure the latch with a nut driver. Install the outer edge of the door gasket onto the lip of the opening, making sure it is tight.

Install the spring clamp on the outer perimeter and make sure it is tight in the groove to prevent the gasket from coming off the opening. Raise the machine off the floor and prop it up with the wooden block. Install the screws on the bottom of the Kenmore washer front panel using a Phillips screwdriver.

Remove the block and lower the appliance to the floor. Place the control panel on the front of the machine and snap it into place. Install the retaining screws to the control panel and the soap dispenser using the Phillips screwdriver. Place the top cover on the machine and install the retaining screws using the Phillips screwdriver.

Install the soap dispenser into the front of the machine. Plug the power cord in and push the machine all the way against the wall. Run the Kenmore HE3 for a short cycle while empty to test the new door seal.