I just figured out how to take the back off this machine yesterday. Yes, it was a challenge. The first thing I did was went to www.sears.com and downloaded all the drawings and parts lists. That gave me a bit of an idea as to where to start.
Procedure:
Step 1: Take the plastic end caps off the control section of the unit. Do this by removing two sheet metal screws on the back corners of the machine (one in each corner) that connect the end caps to the plastic retaining strap. The caps should now feel loose. They snap into the unit so I just wiggled them and pulled toward the front of the machine. It didn't take a lot of force and make sure you don't brake the tabs off the end caps.
Step 2: Once the caps are removed, two screws will be visible were the contol box meets the top of the unit. Remove the two screws (one on each side). Lift up on the control box to clear the top edge of the back plate and move it to the side.
Step 3: Now, two spring clips will be visible. These clips connect the back plate to the washer cabinet. To remove them, I used a large, flat bladded screw driver. It is hard to describe how to remove them but when you see the thing it is pretty apparent how to remove it. The procedure was to stick the blade in the front edge of the clip. The clip has a channel that the blade will fit into. Then pivit the screw driver towards the rear of the machine using the curved edge of the clip as a fulcrum. The clip will just pop right out. Once the clips are removed, the back will be loose.
Step 4: Remove the sheet metal screws that hold the back on to the base of the cabinet. They are located right above the rear feet of the machine.
Step 5: There is a plastic strap that attaches the back plate to the machine base. The end of the strap is located in a depression at the bottom center of the machine. To disconnect, turn the strap 90 degrees.
From this point on the thing is basically off. There are a few more connections but it is apparent how to remove them.
Note the motor, water pump and all the mechanical stuff is only accessible from the bottom of the machine. Removing the back will not give you access. I had to drain the water in the unit and then tip it on the side to access these parts.
Good luck
Dan Kollodge, March 2006
