I need directions for replacing the motor coupler on a kitchenaid washer

Hello Dale,

A pretty common thing that's wrong when a KitchenAid washer doesnt agaitate is a broken motor coupler. This tip i wrote will tell you how to disassamble the washer,check&replace that coupler
http://www.fixya.com/support/r10293994-whirlpool_made_washer_not_agatating


GENE

It doesn't agitate If your washer doesn't agitate, check these: Lid switch Motor coupler Belts Clutch Drive motor Drive pulleys Transmission Agitator Lid switch If the lid switch is defective, the washing machine may not agitate or function at all. The switch is inside the washing machine main housing near the door frame. Often you have to raise or open the top or front of the washing machine to get to the switch. If it's defective, you need to replace it. Motor coupler Many washers produced by Whirlpool® use a small, relatively inexpensive motor coupling. It's plastic and rubber and is mounted to the shaft of the motor on one side, and to the transmission on the other. Over time, the coupler wears out and fails. If this happens, you need to completely replace it. Belts Many washing machines have one or two belts. If a belt is broken or badly worn, you need to replace it with a genuine belt from the manufacturer. (Some washing machine belts are designed with special characteristics not found in automotive belts.) Clutch If your washer was made by GE®, it may use a clutch for agitating the clothes. As the clutch wears out, it may prevent the washer from agitating well or at all. If the clutch is worn, you need to replace it. For this job, you probably want to hire a qualified appliance repair technician. Drive motor Many washer brands use a reversing motor. For agitation the motor runs in one direction, for spinning and draining, the other. It's possible for a motor to burn out in one direction and continue to operate in the other. If this happens, you need to replace the entire motor. Drive pulleys The motor or transmission drive pulley may be worn and unable to turn the drive belt. If so, replace the pulley

You have one of two problems. If your machine sounds like it's trying to agitate, you will have a bad coupler. If it just does nothing after it fills, your lid switch is bad.
For your lid switch, click on this http://www.partselect.com/MultiModels.aspx?ModelNum=kaws850l&searchTerm=img_HWUP4CX3&RefineSearch=0&imgMfg=Whirlpool tha lid switch is #11. Machine will not agitate without the lid closed and a bad switch makes the machine think that the lid is open.
For your coupler, click on this http://www.partselect.com/MultiModels.aspx?ModelNum=kaws850l&searchTerm=&RefineSearch=0 the coupler is part #13 ( comes with all 3 pieces ) The coupler connects the motor shaft to the transmission. When bad, the motor will spin but the trasmission will not.
Note: Unit will pump water even with a bad coupler because the pump is connected directly to the other side of the motor shaft than the transmission.
Also, to replace the coupler or lid switch. Take the machine apart through the top. Remove screws from the front edge of the console click on this http://www.partselect.com/MultiModels.aspx?ModelNum=kaws850l&searchTerm=&RefineSearch=0 Remove both #8's. and unplug the wire from the lid switch.
Then click on this, http://www.partselect.com/MultiModels.aspx?ModelNum=kaws850l&searchTerm=&RefineSearch=0 and remove both #6's. Once you have removed the #6's, you will be able to pull the case foward just a little. Then you can unattach the hose connections. Once you have deattached everthing holding the case from pulling forword, tilt the case to you and lift off the bottom frame. Now you will be able to replace both the motor coupler and or the lid switch.
If I were you, If the coupler has never been replaced, or if you can see a black dust on the floor under the middle of the unit. I would go ahead and do so. The motor coupler is the most common part to fail on machines like yours. Under normal use they will fail anywhere from every 4 to 8 years. Less if you load it heavy, more if you load it light.
I hope this helps and Good luck

based on feedback that i received on the forum, i realized that the washer doesn't have a belt (it's a direct drive machine). then, i replaced the motor coupler, which was a lot easier than i thought when i posted this question.

detailed instructions can be found on an excellent post by jsrock516 on fixya.com. even though the washer is labeled 'kitchenaid,' look for whirlpool, top-load washer, tips. then, search for replacing a motor coupler.

jsrock516's instructions look complicated, but they're really just a very detailed, step-by-step guide written so you don't need any pictures. read through them before you start, and then follow each step as needed. great stuff.

Washer has a motor coupler linking motor to transmission. If this motor coupler is broken or has rounded out where it engages the motor and/or transmission gear it will only fill and drain. You can view this coupler by leaning washer back against the wall & looking underneath with a flashlight. There may be a sound dampener panel on the bottom that you have to remove to see it. It is two pieces of white plastic with a rubber grommet in the middle.

you have a direct drive washer with a coupling broke.Here is a good article on it http://repair2000.com/coupling.html

replace the motor coupler...you have to remove the case and then the water pump, then the motor....the coupler in behind the motor

Hi , washer is not spinning . found motor coupler had broken . need help on the best way to replace .

Gear case part # 3360629 retails for about $170.
This dosn't happen very often.
You can find a junk whirlpool, roper, kenmore or kitchen-aid and pull the motor and gear case to save $$$$$

Edward You can find complete instructions here: http://www.askgene.com/2007/02/07/whirlpool-washer-direct-drive/how-to-replace-the-motor-drive-coupling-on-whirlpool-direct-drive-washer/ Gendos...post back