Replace a Washing Machine Water Pump
Washing machines are durable and expensive appliances. Repairing them is often less expensive than replacing them, and you may often be able to repair them with minimal skills and tools, saving both money and time. Here are the steps to replace a leaking washing machine water pump.
Steps
- Determine if the water pump is the actual problem with your machine. Supply hoses, fittings, drain hoses, and the washing machine tub can all be the source of a leak, and water failing to be discharged from the tub during the spin and rinse cycle can be caused by a failed water pump coupling or other problems.
- Locate the model and manufacturer information to find a replacement water pump. You may find a replacement part at a local appliance repair shop, or search online for suppliers.
- Remove the machine to a location where it is easily accessible. Taking it out onto a Build a Patio Enclosure or driveway will allow you to get to the part you need to change.
- Turn the washing machine on its side so you can access the motor and water pump assembly on its bottom. The Whirlpool machine in the illustrations is easiest to work on if it is laying on its left side facing the machine; other machines may be configured differently.
- Remove the discharge hoses from the water pump by squeezing the clamp with pliers and pulling away from the fittings. The hoses are soft and flexible, so it should be easy to slide them free if the clamps are loosened sufficiently.
- Remove the spring clamps that hold the pump in place. You can either pull them from underneath the pump with needle nosed pliers, or pry them off by inserting a flat bladed screwdriver between the clamp and the base of the pump and then twisting it. The rear clamp is identical to the front, but since it is difficult to see, you have to remove it by feel.
- Pull the pump away from the motor. The coupling will usually slide free without any problem, if it doesn't, it may have a snap ring or other device locking it in place. You may have to twist the motor and pump slightly on its suspension to give you enough room to remove the pump.
- Compare the replacement pump with the new one, to make sure they are identical. If anything seems out of place or incorrectly sized, your new pump probably will not work.
- Slide the pump into the position you removed the old one from, then slide it onto the coupling Remove a Pilot Bushing from a Crank Shaft on the base of the motor. If the pump doesn't slide on easily, you will need to rotate either the shaft or the pump impeller so it will.
- Make sure the new pump slides all the way up against the motor base, so the stabilizing arms rest against it, then replace the spring clamps to secure it in place.
- Replace the hoses and clamps onto the new water pump and secure the clamps.
- Reinstall the washing machine and test it to make sure you don't have any leaks.
Tips
- Check online parts suppliers – they may have much better prices than dealers or the manufacturer.
- Clean out debris and inspect the chassis and transmission of the washing machine while you have it out.
Warnings
- Never service or attempt to diagnose problems on an electrical appliance while it is plugged in.
Things You'll Need
- New water pump
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
