skip to main content

I need to remove front panel of Whirlpool Elite...How?

15 years ago

I have a top loading, Kenmore Elite Whirlpool washer. It's about five years old. I'm not sure of the model name and all the paperwork is still packed away.

Do you know how I remove the front panel? The washer developed a large leak this evening. Water is running out from under the washer, near the front. It is not leaking from the hoses that fill the washer, nor the big hose that drains the water out.

Any help you can offer will be so appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

dadoes
15 years ago
You probably mean Kenmore Elite. Whirlpool doesn't use the Elite designation on their models.

A model number would be very helpful in determining the machine's exact construction. Assuming it's a toploader, there should be a model/serial tag at the tub opening just beneath the lid.

However, assuming it's a typical direct-drive agitator toploader, there's no front panel. The entire cabinet (three-sided) comes off the base, leaving the rear panel standing with the control panel. It's normally done by removing a couple screws at the front corners of the control panel, flipping the panel back, disconnecting a wiring harness that goes through the top beneath the console, removing two spring clips that hold the cabinet to the rear panel, the lifting the cabinet forward and off the base. However, there are several methods of opening the control panel for access to the clips ... which is why a model number would be helpful.
dadoes
15 years ago
Oh, and again, assuming a typical direct-drive agitator toploader, the machine's pump is at the front where you describe the leak as originating.
Related Discussions
Samsung vs. Whirlpool front-loaders
Q
Comments (13)
I am back here from 2004 because my Kenmore HE3 has just run into its first serious problem. Whirlpool made this front-loader, and Sears put their name on it. I think all of these machines are trouble, and you got lucky if you get more than a few years out of them. Mine is suffering from bad bearings - and this model 110.44832 200 happens to be one of the few where you cannot just replace a $75 bearing set - you have to buy the external drum part that happens to have the bearings along with the drum. The repair guys say the part alone is $400, so I am about to just go buy a new FL. I see the part online for $260, on 'back order,' so I may get a new front-loader, order the part, and fix the old washer, and sell it off on my own time line. Youtube has videos for a lot of these repairs if you are willing to try it. On my HE3, the water pump died - I got the diagnostic code from the panel, and got on the internet, and figured that out - I went to a Sears appliance place and bought a replacement pump for maybe $50. when I opened up that pump, which has a filter you should clean regularly, I found a tiny sock from one of my little boys. Yes, the washing machine allowed a tiny sock to get sucked into the water pump somehow. That clogged and killed the pump. These HE3s and HE3ts have lots of notes on the web about the cast aluminum 'spider' bracket, which grasps the inner tub inside of the outer tub, decaying. I have not had that problem. But this experience is worthless now as I go to shop again - those problems have probably been solved, and the currently available machines probably have even newer, more creative design flaws. If Whirlpool had decided to stick with this HE3 design, and adapt design problems as they emerged, they could have a rock-solid washer we all wouold be raving about. But no. While some allow you to simply replace bearings, my model cannot. The pump can suck up a little sock. The spider bracket is cast aluminum which corrodes. The drive pully is also cast aluminum and breaks. I think I have avoided some of these problems because I balanced my front-loader so well. So, Mine lasted from fall 2004 to now, spring 2012. That is about as much as you can expect, America. The repairs are incredibly expensive. They put you right on the edge of deciding to pay a lot for repair or to go buy new - that maximizes the money out of your pocket. When this pile of metal was working well, it was great. Cleaned VERY well. Spun clothes so dry, you did not need to run dryer as much. We have left the days of appliances that might last well beyond 15 years. We all have stories of washing machines, fridges, water heaters, and dryers that lived from 1950 or 60 or 70 up to 20 years. Not any more. Have materials gotten worse? Are our engineers dumber? Do we lack comparison shopping ability? No. No. No. All it would take is one company to decide to stick to one good design and eliminate flaws year by year. And buy market share by keeping repair costs low along the way. We would flock to it, and tell each other eagerly.
...See More
My Whirlpool front loader is walking
Q
Comments (6)
Uh, no. Not missing it. The important parts are the suspension. Instead of leveling it to the housing, leveling it for when it is spinning does balance "the important parts". Too many "professional" installers use a level on the top, adjust the legs and then leave. When the owner calls to complain they are told that the machine was leveled... then I get called because their machine is walking around. They don't take the time to run a cycle, or to even read the installation manual. I get calls from store owners who complain about the customers complaining to them... when I go over the installation instructions the installers are supposed to be following the store owners are upset that we "hid" this information in the installation manual!!!! Too often, the professionals don't remove the shipping brace or the suspension clips and when the machine shakes itself apart it is blamed on the machine!
...See More
Maytag or Whirlpool compact front loader decision
Q
Comments (10)
Whirlpool owns Maytag, yet oddly doesn't manufacture either of the two washers you're considering. The Maytag is a Korean machine made by Samsung; the Whirlpool is from Italian manufacturer Antonio Merloni Group, best known in the U.S. as the parent company of Asko. Indeed, there's an Asko-branded machine (WCAM1812) that's nearly identical to the Whirlpool LHW0050P, except that it can dry as well as wash your laundry. Both the wash-only and wash/dry machines are also sold under the Eurotech brand, sometimes for less $ than the better-known Whirlpool- or Asko-branded equivalents. Although I have no direct experience with either of these machines, Samsung is reputed to be more reliable than AM. Nonetheless, I'd favor the Whirlpool for its considerably larger capacity (despite not being any larger on the outside), and because the Maytag lacks internal water heating. Even if you set the temperature controls to warm or hot, you might get cold water (and poor cleaning) if your water heater is not very close to your washing machine. Since front-load washers draw only a small amount of water, much of the water will have cooled off in the pipes between the water heater tank and the washer. The Whirlpool heats its own water though, up to 140Â°F (i'm not clear on whether it heats water to a lower temperature on the warm-water settings, or doesn't heat it at all unless set for a hot-water wash - the online info isn't very specific). Looking both of these over in stores, they both appear to be reasonably well made. The Whirlpool's door latch and detergent drawer are a tad flimsy for my tastes, although they should hold up well if you aren't rough with them.
...See More
Wolf gr366 front panel removal
Q
Comments (4)
I have looked and can't find anything. Have you tried calling Wolf? They or an installer/tech may be able to help.
...See More
caroline94535
Original Author
15 years ago
Dadoes...Thank you so much for the quick response. Yes; it's a Kenmore Elite.

Under the lid is serial No. CS2903056, Type 111, and I do believe it's a direct drive. There are no screws in the front corners of the control panel. There's also a number stamped into the back of the machine; it's 3357978.
dadoes
15 years ago
The serial number isn't much helpful, it only reveals that the machine apparently was built in Clyde, OH during the 29th week of 2005. The model number should also be on that plate, starting with 110. 110.someothernumbers. With the model number, you can find parts diagrams at www.searspartsdirect.com. However, Type 111 does provide a clue.

Does your console look like this picture? If so, the screws are hidden behind the side trim pieces. Carefully snap the trim off both ends. Remove the screws. Raise the console and pry out the spring clips. Don't forget to disconnect the wiring harness, and reconnect it when reassembling. When putting the cabinet back in place, slots in the bottom edges at the rear corners must engage on tabs sticking up on the base.

There is another method sometimes used to secure the console to the cabinet, involving spring clips instead of screws, released by slipping a putty knife or other such thin blade at the front corners between the console and top and pressing back while pulling upward on the console. That's why the model number is needed, to determine your machine's exact construction.

If your pump is the source of the leak, it's easy to replace. Two hoses come off, two clips hold the pump to the motor.
caroline94535
Original Author
15 years ago
I'm so sorry to be slow getting back, again. I finally found the paperwork (we're remodeling and everything is packed).

The serial number is 110.26964500

I'm going to check my machine against your photos now.
dadoes
15 years ago
Ahh. Based on the parts diagrams, your machine does NOT have the removable side-trim pieces or console screws. It has the clips instead.

Get access as shown in these pictures. Slip the putty knife under the console and press it back while at the same pushing back on the console to disengage the clip from the machine top. Release both sides, then the console should raise up and pivot back for access to the cabinet clips.
sandylaine
15 years ago
Just a quick note - if anyone is looking for appliance repair help - I've found that the applianceguru.com is a great resource (no insult to anyone here because I think everyones great!) There always seems to be a few appliance technicians online who are always willing to help...

Related Stories

PAINTING Knotty to Nice: Painted Wood Paneling Lightens a Room's Look

By No. 29 Design

Children ran from the scary dark walls in this spare room, but white paint and new flooring put fears and style travesties to rest

DECORATING GUIDES The Great Divide: Structures and Panels Shape Spaces

By Rebecca Gross

Conquer small and large spaces with modern, functional and stylish room dividers

GREEN BUILDING Let’s Clear Up Some Confusion About Solar Panels

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Different panel types do different things. If you want solar energy for your home, get the basics here first

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

GREEN BUILDING Going Solar at Home: Solar Panel Basics

By Christine Tusher

Save money on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint by installing photovoltaic panels. This guide will help you get started

DIY PROJECTS Hide Cords in Style With DIY Graphic Panels

By Sarah Dorsey

Keep wires under wraps for a neater-looking home office or media center, with wall panels you make to your exact taste

TRIM Exterior Panel Shutters Cover All the Bases

By Rachel Grace

Take care of privacy, security and decoration in one fell swoop with panel shutters to dress your home's windows

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Patio Details: Sliding Fabric Panels Filter the Light Just Right

By Annie Thornton

Stepping up to the harsh sun and heat of the desert Southwest, this intimate patio is an exotic escape right outside

Ideabook 911: I Need Help Staging for Resale

By Becky Harris

DECORATING GUIDES The Dumbest Decorating Decisions I’ve Ever Made

Caution: Do not try these at home

Sponsored

More Discussions

Bosch ventless dryer questions…

3

laundry room redesign and suggestions

1

GAS OR ELECTRIC DRYER

25

New Miele Washing Machine- WXR860- Need Help

5

finished edge for LVT around a floor drain

0