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How To Replace The Drive Block On A Washing Machine That Vibrates Too Much

9 May 2016

Frederick Hamilton

A washing machine is supposed to agitate, or quickly spin, the clothing inside to make sure every piece is thoroughly washed and to help drain out the excess water at the end of the cycle. The washing machine can start to vibrate or shake if a load becomes greatly uneven in weight, which is a problem easily fixed by shifting around the clothes inside. But sometimes the severe vibrations are constant and unrelated to the weight or balance of the clothes inside. This type of problem can indicate that your unit needs a new drive block.

The drive block is located under the agitator inside the washing machine and helps power and steer the agitator. Replacing the block isn't hard, but the process can prove time-consuming and you might need an assistant to help lift away heavy parts of the machine. If that description sounds like too much of a hassle, call in a home appliance repair service to replace the drive block.

Things You Need:

• Screwdriver
• Assistant (optional)
• Pliers
• Socket wrench
• Spanner wrench
• Hammer
• New drive block

Step 1: Remove the Outer Cabinet

Unplug the washing machine's power cord from the wall. Unscrew the screws holding the control panel onto the top of the washer, then swing the panel upwards until it snaps in place out of the way.

Unhook the bundle of wires connecting the panel to the washer by finding and unplugging the wire connector. Slide the end of a flat-head screwdriver under the metallic spring clips on each side of the panel, then press upwards to unsnap the clips to unfasten the machine's cabinet from the panel.

You can now pull the washer's outer cabinet or casing away from the control panel and washer tub. The cabinet is on a track, so you might need an assistant to help you lift the cabinet up and off the track and to set the casing well out of the way so you can work on the tub.

Step 2: Access the Drive Block

Find the water inlet spout on the tub and use pliers to loosen the clamp to the attached hose, then unhook the hose. Press the tabs on the spout to release and remove the spout. Set the spout aside.

Remove the agitator assembly by first pressing on the sides of the upper dispenser and pulling up to remove it. Unscrew the fastener on the agitator cap. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt holding the agitator base in place and remove the base.

Use a spanner wrench and hammer to remove the tub nut that's in the bottom of the washer tub under where the agitator was located.

Press down on the tub ring around the upper edge of the tub. Work your way around the circle, pressing and releasing the tabs underneath. Pull off the tub ring and set it aside. The tub is now free to be removed.

Lift the tub up and out of the machine, using an assistant to help lift, if necessary. You now have access to the drive block.

Step 3: Remove and Replace the Drive Block

Tap the drive block with a hammer gently to loosen the block. Pull the block straight up and off the drive tube. Dispose of the old block.

Take the new drive block out of its packaging. Slide the block onto the drive tube in the correct orientation. You can use the slots in the block and the tabs on the tube as a positioning guide. Push firmly down on the block to snap it into position then tap lightly with hammer to further secure.

Place the tub back onto the drive shaft using careful motions and an assistant, if necessary. Snap the tub ring back into place. Proceed with reassembling the unit using the disassemble instructions in reverse. Remember to plug the unit back into the electricity at the end of the process. For more information or assistance, contact a company like Appliance Tech Repair LLC by Frank Lecato.

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