Whirlpool Top Load Washing Machine Suspension Rods Replacement
ID: 207281
Description: [youtubevideo|jptPMYstdcA]Follow this guide to...
Steps:
- Press hard on the agitator or wash plate and release to gauge the tub’s rebound.
- Rock the tub side to side and check for lingering motion.
- A tub that does not center immediately shows the rods are worn out.
- These instructions fit Whirlpool-built Amana, Roper, Maytag Bravos, and Cabrio top-load machines.
- The rod replacement process is almost identical on many GE, LG, and Samsung washers.
- The only major variation among brands is how the washer top is released.
- Acquire a W10189077 or W10820048 suspension rod replacement kit.
- Have a 6-in-1 screwdriver with a 1⁄4-inch nut driver tip for the rear screws.
- Put on one rubber-coated glove to grip oily suspension rods.
- Keep masking tape to secure the lid and a putty knife for clip-style tops if your model requires it.
- Unscrew the two hinge screws at the back corners and the screw on the power-cord cover.
- Standing at the front, pull the top toward you about two inches, lift up, then push it back to free it from its bracket.
- Avoid forcing the metal cabinet to prevent damage.
- Slide a putty knife under the front edge and press the two clips to unlock the top.
- Lift the top once both clips release.
- Tape the lid to the washer top so it cannot swing when the top is leaned back.
- Reach inside the cabinet, pull the rod upward with your gloved hand, and rotate its plastic cradle 90 degrees.
- Lower the freed rod gently into the tub opening.
- Tilt the washer onto its side or lay it flat if space allows, noting some water may spill when fully laid down.
- From below, guide the rod through both cabinet holes and wiggle the shepherd’s hook free.
- Feed the new rod up through the two cabinet holes and rest its bottom spring on the chassis lip.
- Return the washer upright while keeping the rod seated.
- Replace the old plastic cup with the new one supplied in the kit.
- Lift the tub and seat the rod’s hook into the cup; the Supco cup holds the hook at 180° instead of the original 90°.
- Significant force is required—use the glove for extra grip and take care not to slip.
- Repeat the unhook, tilt, remove, install, and hook steps for each of the other suspension rods.
- Limited floor space may restrict you to replacing one rod at a time.
- Some GE and Samsung cabinets have cut-outs that let you remove rods without tilting the washer.
- Confirm every plastic bushing matches the replacement kit; mixing brands can leave the tub unlevel and cause severe vibration.
- Ensure the tub sits level before closing the cabinet.
- Press down on the agitator again; the tub should return to center with no rebound and minimal side play.
- Run a spin cycle with clothes to confirm the bouncing and noise are gone.