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Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning / Agitating - How to Replace the Motor Coupling

 My Whirlpool Heavy Duty washing machine recently stopped spinning and agitating during its wash cycles. I decided to make a repair myself, and have captured the steps I took below. I also made a video of the repair to help others who encounter similar problems.

Similar steps can likely be used on other washing machines, particularly ones from related brands, such as Maytag. My washing machine would not spin or agitate, however it would drain fine, so I knew that the problem was not with the motor and instead was due to any issue with the motor delivering power to the tub and agitator.

Other symptoms included a loud mechanical chattering/rattling sound whenever the spin cycle was engaged.

The machine I repaired had the following characteristics:

Brand: Whirlpool

Model: LSQ9244EQ0

The model number can be found on a sticker on the machine, which on top loading machines is often located the rear edge of the loading opening, beneath the lid.

Parts You'll Need

Completing the repair required only one part called a Motor Coupling. I used a genuine Whirlpool part, however many aftermarket options are available. The Whirlpool part number for my machine was:

Part #:  285753A

Tools You'll Need

The tools that I used to complete the repair were similar to the following. I've chosen tools that well priced but also have a reputation for being good quality, so you get the most value for your money. These are tools that you can buy once and use for years and years.

Please note, as shown in the video, I was able to complete the entire repair just using a screw driver, because the screwdriver I had fit the screws that retain the motor. Had that not been the case, I would have also needed a basic socket driver.

Steps

To complete the repair on the model I have, I took the following steps (as outlined in the video below). For your convenience, I've also produced a printable PDF of these steps.

  1. Unplug the washing machine from the electric wall outlet.
  2. Turn off the water supply to the machine.
  3. Unscrew the screws at the base of both ends of the control panel, then flip the control panel up.
  4. Unplug the small wire harness plug that connects the control panel to the cabinet.
  5. Remove the two large metal clips that hold the washing machine cabinet in place.
  6. Pull the washing machine cabinet forward, lifting from the top-rear edge and lift it out of the way to reveal all the components of the machine.
  7. Detach the pump at the base of the machine by unclipping its two metal straps. Pull the pump away and to the side to reveal the motor beneath. The pump hoses do NOT need to be detached.
  8. Detach the motor from the gearcase by unscrewing the two screws that secure the metal retaining straps that hold the motor in place. Pry the retaining straps off, and gently pull the motor off, placing it to the side to reveal the gearcase behind.
  9. Remove the old motor coupling and its rubber damper from the gearcase shaft and inward facing motor shaft.
  10. Install the new motor coupling pieces - one on the gearcase input shaft, one on the inward facing motor shaft. Light tapping may be required to seat them.
  11. Place the motor coupling rubber damper on the gearcase coupling. Turn the gearcase coupling side, and the motor coupling side so they will align during reassembly.
  12. Replace the motor, securing it with the metal retaining straps. Secure the straps with the screws removed earlier.
  13. Replace the pump, securing it with the metal straps.
  14. Replace the cabinet. Note that the front lower end of the cabinet goes underneath the front end of the machine chassis.
  15. Secure the cabinet with the metal clips. Check that the back panel of the washer is seated nicely into the rear left and right edges of the cabinet.
  16. Plug the wire harness plug from the control panel back into the cabinet.
  17. Lower the control panel into position, and secure it with the two screws.
  18. Turn the water supply back on, and plug the machine back into a wall outlet.
  19. Test the machine's functionality by starting a normal wash cycle.

Video


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