Author Topic: How to replace a Whirlpool Duet washer bellow tub door seal (Read 132487 times)

AJ · « **on:** December 04, 2007, 09:48:11 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2010, 05:01:08 AM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2010, 08:21:42 AM »

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 24, 2011, 09:20:41 PM »

Quote from: schaffersapplian on June 13, 2010, 08:21:42 AM

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2011, 03:41:43 PM »

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

AJ · « **Reply #5 on:** April 26, 2011, 06:33:05 PM »

Glad you found our site helpful.

RAH52 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 26, 2011, 07:47:29 PM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 26, 2011, 07:58:22 PM »

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 27, 2011, 12:11:03 AM »

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2011, 10:59:53 PM »

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 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 31, 2011, 11:08:54 PM »

Quote from: dkal on August 31, 2011, 10:59:53 PM

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 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2011, 11:17:08 PM »

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

dkal · « **Reply #12 on:** September 01, 2011, 12:09:21 AM »

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.

Quote from: AJ on August 31, 2011, 11:08:54 PM

Quote from: dkal on August 31, 2011, 10:59:53 PM
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 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 01, 2011, 12:16:16 AM »

Quote from: krazytech on August 31, 2011, 11:17:08 PM

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

Thanks I'll see if I can find it

washman · « **Reply #14 on:** September 02, 2011, 10:38:33 AM »

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

spoonyjo · « **Reply #15 on:** September 08, 2011, 08:45:37 PM »

Is it possible to do this repair without removing the top of the washer? My washer has the dryer stacked on top and they're both wedged into a very tight alcove...

AJ · « **Reply #16 on:** September 08, 2011, 08:56:42 PM »

Quote from: spoonyjo on September 08, 2011, 08:45:37 PM

Is it possible to do this repair without removing the top of the washer? My washer has the dryer stacked on top and they're both wedged into a very tight alcove...

I do not believe so, if it's like the model shown in the photo you will have to remove the top before you can take the control panel off.
What is the model number of your washer?

spoonyjo · « **Reply #17 on:** September 09, 2011, 09:23:43 AM »

The model number is GHW9400PW0 -- it's very similar to the one pictured in your photos above.

AJ · « **Reply #18 on:** September 09, 2011, 09:34:43 AM »

I took a quick look at the GHW9400PW0 Diagram and yes it does look the same.

I don't recall ever having to change one on a stacked pair, but I do believe your washer and dryer are regular separate units simply connected with a stacker kit.

I believe you will need to remove the dryer if you are going to remove the top of the washer and so on like I showed above. I have never replace a bellows on any front load washer without removing the front and I think on all brands that requires removing the top too.

That's just been my experience with them.

Your model washer uses bellows part # 8182119

Let us know how it goes or if you have any other questions.

spoonyjo · « **Reply #19 on:** September 12, 2011, 08:22:41 AM »

Seems that the dryer is bolted to the top of the washer using the stacking kit -- so removing the top of the washer is going to be an enormous task, and beyond my abilities. And I'm not willing/able to spend the hundreds of dollars a service call for this would likely cost.

Upthread, someone had recommended using a sealant product to try to fix a front leak -- is there any more information about this? (How to use it, where to apply it, etc...)

Otherwise, I'll have to continue with my "towel in front of the washing machine to soak up the leaks" method...

Thanks!

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Author Topic: How to replace a Whirlpool Duet washer bellow tub door seal (Read 132487 times)