How to replace a Whirlpool Duet washer bellow tub door seal

[AJ]

In this guide we use a Whirlpool GHW9100LW0 Duet washer to show you how to replace the bellow.

This is the main seal between the front bulkhead and the outer tub.

This is a easy repair and should take about a half hour to a hour if you have never installed one before.


Whirlpool Duet Front Load Washer Bellow Tub Door Seal Part # 8181850


**Disconnect the power to the washer before you start any repairs**

Remove the three screws on the back of the washer that hold the top on. Remove the top and set it aside.

Remove the soap dispensor and remove the screw inside the hole, see "B" in the photo.


Now you will need to remove the control panel. Once the screw behind the soap despensor has been removed it just unclips at the top. You may need to use a flate blade screwdrive to help you remove it.



Now set the control panel on top of the washer.


Open the washer door. Locate the cable spring as shown in the photo. Remove the cable.




Next you will have to remove the three (1,2,3) door switch screws.
Then remove the bottom panel. It is held on with three (A) screws on the bottom of the washer.



Peel the font of the bellows off of the washer and fold it into the tub.
Next close the door and remove the four screws (one at each corner, B) that hold the bulkhead on.



Once you have the buldhead removed all that is left to do is remove the rear bellow clamp.



Once you have the rear bellow clamp removed you will be able to easily remove the old bellow.

Replace the old bellow with the new one and put the washer back together.


Whirlpool Duet Front Load Washer Bellow Tub Door Seal Part # 8181850

[Zero.Geez]

We used these instructions yesterday and they worked like a charm!  Can't thank you enough for posting it and giving us the confidence to try to fix the washer. 

[schaffersapplian]

I recommend using a Sharpie marker to mark the position of the inner bellow clamp before removing it.    You DO NOT want to over tighten that clamp.

[jason43050]

I recommend using a Sharpie marker to mark the position of the inner bellow clamp before removing it.    You DO NOT want to over tighten that clamp.

How tight is too tight??

[jason43050]

I used these directions and it worked like a charm! Thanks! 

[AJ]

Glad you found our site helpful. 

[RAH52]

I need to invent a tool to put the spring loaded outer clamp back on . At times they go back on like butter ,other times not so good and then frustration takes over . If that tool has already been invented let me know . (and I don't mean 2 needle nose pliers ) LOL

[AJ]

The LG spring tool towards the bottom of this page may work.

http://appliancejunk.com/forums/index.php?topic=1579.0

I don't have the tool myself so I can't say for sure.

[tgoods]

I've been doing these with the front panel in place. It's probably a lot easier with the panel removed, just a few extra steps.
For the front clamp, I hold it in place at the end of spring with my knee.  Then I can use both hands to work the clamp into place.

[dkal]

Is there a way to reliably patch the bellow?  I have replaced three parts on this washer already an I am not keen on buying another replacement part.

[AJ]

Is there a way to reliably patch the bellow?  I have replaced three parts on this washer already an I am not keen on buying another replacement part.

No, not that I know of. If I recall correctly sometime ago one of our forum members tried to patch one using bicycle tire patches. It held for awhile, but then started to leak.

[krazytech]

use RTV 3M™ Scotch-Seal™ Industrial Sealant 800 this stuff will stick to anything,,,

[dkal]

I actually tried the bicycle tire patch, it lasts a couple days.  After finding this post I patched it from the inside to tide me over until I can find a better solution.  I am actually considering junking the whole thing and going back to a top loading washer.  So far I have had a broken strut, punctured internal drain hose and despite my best efforts (using very little HE detergent/ leaving door open after use / cleaning trap) the washer stinks of mildew.

Is there a way to reliably patch the bellow?  I have replaced three parts on this washer already an I am not keen on buying another replacement part.

No, not that I know of. If I recall correctly sometime ago one of our forum members tried to patch one using bicycle tire patches. It held for awhile, but then started to leak.

[dkal]

use RTV 3M™ Scotch-Seal™ Industrial Sealant 800 this stuff will stick to anything,,,

Thanks I'll see if I can find it

[washman]

Hi from the UK

Here in the UK it is recommended to carry out the hottest wash the machine can do ,at least once a month to kill off bacteria as low temperature washes do not kill the bacteria. Most washers in the UK are front loaders and  people here wash at low temp.
The bacteria cause the door seals to turn black if not killed off by high temp washes. So I change more seals because of this than seals that are damaged.

Washman