My washing machine does not spin (the tub won't move at all). It fills and empties water fine, and the motor sounds like it is working normally, but the tub won't spin. Any ideas on how to fix this (what's broke...belt, pulley)? And if so, how to get the back panel off to do the repair myself if possible?

John, July 2006

Hi my Russell Hobbs washing maching fills with water and emptys but it don't spin or wash

Paul, March 2014

Less than an hour later, and it works like a champ. Your advice was absolutely spot on, JP. One plastic piece of the coupler was broken in half, the other lost two of the pins, and the rubber middle piece was shredded to bits. Not sure how to repay you, but thank you very, very much. If you ever need computer advice, I'll try to check these forums from time to time and lend a hand if needed.

John, July 2006

Well, part arrived, so here goes. I'll let you know if it was a success.

John, July 2006

Hello,

No, your washer does not have a belt. This is a Whirlpool built direct drive (no belt) washer. They stopped putting belts in this particular washer around 1986 or so I believe. Good luck with the repair! We'll be here if you need further assistance.

JP, July 2006

Sounds feasible (didn't know if this model used a belt or not). I'll order the part, then let you know how it goes. Thanks for the input.

John, July 2006

Hello,

If you have no movement on either the wash or the spin mode, it sounds like your motor coupling is broken. You have this instead of a belt. It is a 3 piece part between the motor and the gearcase.


Here are rough instructions that I wrote for replacing:


Start by removing the screws in front of the control panel and then flipping the panel back. (Your screws may be hidden by plastic end pieces on each end. Just pull those off to reveal the screws.) Once the panel is back you will see the lid switch harness, just unplug this. You will also see 2 spring clips that must be removed. Stick a straight screwdriver in them and bend them out. Once the clips are out stand in front of the washer and grab the front and side of the cabinet and rock it forward. The whole cabinet tilts forward and you can place it out of the way. You will now see the innards of the washer. To get to the coupler you basically remove the 2 springs clips to the pump and then slide it off the shaft. There is no need to remove the hoses. Disconnect any motor harness connector that is on the motor. Now remove the spring clips attached to the motor and slide the motor out. You will now see the coupler, just remove the 3 pieces and and reverse the what you did to take it apart.

JP, July 2006