Whirlpool washing machine suspension plate replacm

I have a broken suspension plate that needs to be replaced in my Kenmore (whirlpool) series 80 washing machine.

I have the washing machine apart but am stuck on how to separate the tub from the gear box so that I can put in the new suspension plate.

I have removed the agitator and am left with the shaft that comes up from the gear box. I can get the replacment parts for $50 but am not sure that when I remove the gearbox shaft if I will then have to replace gaskets or not?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Is this a repair that I can do my self?
Should I have sears come out and charge an arm and a leg to repair?
Should I replace the washer (5 years old)?

PLEASE HELP!

http://www.diyforums.net/forums/diy-tips/45460- whirlpool-parts-lxr7144eq1lxr7144e.html



you have to remove flaired nut at bottom of inter drum lift out theirs three sloted screws at the bottom outer drum (replace screws and rubber washers with new). go to this link theirs a drawing of how its done type in model number for your washer. lxr or lhe ???. model 80 is sears b.s. you need whirlpool number under top door along back edge.transmission has to unbolt from under outer drum this is why sears ask large service call price your looking 4 to 6 hours work.if you have not done this before at least 8 hours

Post edited by: hobbist, at: 2008/09/25 21:24

Knight welcome here I have nothing to add to Hobbist expert advice

First.....thank you for your response. I removed the spanner nut from the top of the drive shaft and it allowed me to remove the inner tub. I was then removed 3 screws (attaching the outer tub, brakets and springs) and was able to slide the outer tub up and off of the shaft. I then unbolted the gear case (removed 3 screws from the bottom) and dropped the gear case and motor. I then was able to lift the basket drive off of the agitator shaft (the one the connects to the gear box) which gives me access to the suspension plate (yea).

The question: I was planning on replacing the centerpost gasket (the gasket the seals the outer tub and the basket drive) thinking that it would be a safe move. I however was wondering whether I need to replace any of the gaskets in the basket dive the seal the agitator shaft or should they be fine to leave alone. My only concern with replacing these if they do not have to be is looking at the diagrams, it shows multiple seals and bearings (which I don't want to have to mess with or screw up if I don't have to).

The other question that I have is that on the bottom of the basket drive there is a plastic brake drive cam that had a little plastic tab that sticks down into the clutch asse assembly and I was wondering if the tab has to be aligned in a specific way or does it just sit in the clutch assembly ?

Thanks again for all of the help......

i never did just the three at the bottom washers are flat rubber one inch dia thats all i ever done

i never did just the three at the bottom washers are flat rubber one inch dia thats all i ever done