Disassembling the Washer

The washer cabinet usually must be disassembled for repairs and some maintenance. The washer is connected to both the electric power outlet and to the water supply. Caution: Make sure the power cord and water hoses are disconnected before you disassemble the cabinet or tip it over for service. To disassemble a washer:

Step 1: To remove the control panel, remove retaining screws spaced around the panel. They are usually located under a piece of molding or trim that can be pried off. On some machines, you'll have to remove the back of the control panel, also held by retaining screws, to get at the working parts of the controls. Knobs on the control panel are usually friction-fit and will pull off. Some knobs are held by small setscrews at the base of the knob. Loosen the setscrews with a screwdriver or Allen wrench and pull the knobs straight off the shafts.

Step 2: To remove the service panel, remove its retaining screws, then spread an old blanket on the floor to protect the washer's finish. Make sure the machine and hoses are drained of water. Tip the washer over on its front or side to gain access through the bottom of the machine. The bottom of the machine generally doesn't have a service panel because it is usually open.

Step 3: To remove the top of the cabinet, insert a stiff-bladed putty knife into the joint between the top and side panels and give the knife a rap with your fist. This should release the spring clips so that the top can be removed.

Part of what makes washers so hard to repair is that they have so many control devices (components that control other functions, such as switches and timers). In the next section, we will learn how to repair or replace these parts.