How to replace the cuff on a Whirlpool washing machine?
Replacing the hatch cuff on a Whirlpool washing machine is quite simple. To dismantle you only need a screwdriver, sometimes you may also need pliers, and the work itself will take literally half an hour. Let's figure out how to properly remove the old one and install a new seal.
Getting rid of the old cuff
Every owner of a Whirlpool washing machine can change the rubber seal. Therefore, if you see that cracks and black spots have appeared on the cuff, do not rush to call the specialist. It’s easy to install a new gasket yourself, without overpaying the service center specialists.
First of all, you need to purchase a new hatch cuff, similar to the damaged seal. Just tell the sales consultant the model of your Whirlpool washing machine and the serial number of the machine. Ideally, you also need to focus on the markings written directly on the elastic band.
Before removing the cuff, be sure to disconnect the machine from the power supply and turn off the valve responsible for the water supply.
Afterwards, wipe the machine body with a dry cloth. Next, you can begin dismantling the rubber seal. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
open the hatch door;
Use your hands to find the two clamps securing the cuff. If they are made of plastic, use a slotted screwdriver to pry up the “tongues” and remove the rims. If the clamp is made of metal, you should loosen the screw lock and hook the spring with a thin screwdriver;
remove both the inner and outer clamp from the device;
“unhook” the front part of the rubber seal from the body;
Locate the mounting mark on the collar indicating the position the gasket should be in relative to the drum. On most models the whirlpool is a small protrusion;
mark this place on the body;
remove the rubber cuff from the recess.
This way you can easily remove a damaged seal from the housing. Before installing a new rubber band, it is important to wash the seat from debris, dirt and deposits. Take a soapy sponge and clean the indentation. After cleaning the seat, lather it again with detergent. Dish liquid works well. It will make it easier to install the new cuff and serve as a lubricant.
Installation instructions
The most difficult part of the job is to pull the purchased cuff back on. The tight factory gasket will “resist” during installation, and this is the main difficulty of the repair. To change the rubber seal, strictly follow this algorithm:
Place the rubber band into the indentation. It is necessary that the previously made mark on the body and the mounting mark on the cuff coincide;
Start installing the gasket from the outside. Hold the already stretched part of the seal with your hand, and with the other, put the elastic on further;
pull the inner edge of the seal over the edge of the plastic tank;
touch the cuff, make sure that it “sits” in place, tightly “clasps” both the edge of the tank and the body of the washing machine;
Make sure that the marks on the elastic band and the front panel match. If not, you will have to reinstall the seal.
On Whirlpool washing machines, you can change the rubber seal without removing the front panel of the case.
If desired, you can disassemble the machine: disconnect the top cover and the front wall. Then it will be more convenient to work, and free access to the inside of the machine will be provided.However, in this case you will have to spend a little more time. After pulling the cuff, be sure to fix it in the washer. It is more difficult to secure the internal clamp. If the ring is metal, you need to unscrew the screw “latch”, position the rim on the seal and tighten the fastener.
When the clamp is made of plastic, you should proceed differently. It is necessary to take the ring and loosen it by pressing on the joint of the “tongues”, then put it in place and fix it on the cuff. Older Whirlpool washing machines may have wire fasteners. Then you will have to lay the wire over the entire seal and use pliers to tighten its ends. The resulting “knot” must be hidden in a special recess in the cuff.
Next, all that remains is to install the outer clamp and secure it in place. The principle of fixing the ring is similar to the rules for installing the inner rim. Only intact old fasteners may be reused. Therefore, inspect them carefully before installation. If the clamps are damaged or deformed, be sure to replace the rings.
If all installation rules are followed, the seal and clamps will fit tightly to the body. After completing installation, you need to check the system for leaks:
open the shut-off valve;
connect the washing machine to the network;
start the “Rinse” or “Express Wash” mode (there should be no laundry in the drum);
see if water is leaking from under the hatch door.
If it is dry under the machine, it means that the cuff has been replaced successfully. When droplets of water are visible under the door, or even worse - trickles, you will have to think further. Drain the water from the machine, open the door, check whether the seal fits tightly to the body and tank.Try tightening the cuff clamps even more. If these steps do not help, you will have to dismantle the gasket again and reinstall it.
Replacing the hatch cuff on a Whirlpool washing machine is quite simple. To dismantle you only need a screwdriver, sometimes you may also need pliers, and the work itself will take literally half an hour. Let's figure out how to properly remove the old one and install a new seal.
Thank you very much, your advice helped me.