Amana Washer Parts and Replacement Guide

About
Latest Posts

Emmanuel is a mechanical engineer with a background in electrical engineering. He has a passion for figuring out how things work, and loves to take apart motors and machines and reassemble them to maximize their efficiency. He uses his technical knowledge to help bring you the best product recommendations, maintenance tips, and troubleshooting steps for any issues you may encounter.

Latest posts by Emmanuel Joseph (see all)

Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start Troubleshooting Guide - October 8, 2022
Whirlpool Washer Agitates But Won’t Spin Troubleshooting - September 27, 2022
Best Washing Machine Outlet Box Options - August 29, 2022

A broken washer is one of the most inconvenient things, especially on a laundry day. After a long busy week at work, you finally want to clear out the pile of laundry you’ve been saving for days.

You turn on your washer, and with your clothes and detergent in place, you set the timer. Instead of doing the job you want it to, the washer decides to ignore you. You either hear some strange noise, or the water doesn’t even come out. I can only imagine the frustration that follows.

A broken washer can only mean one thing: a damaged part. Each part of your washing machine works together to provide good quality performance. However, should any parts break down, it affects the washer’s general performance.

Fortunately, you can get and replace the broken parts yourself. Most washer brands like Amana provide replacement parts. In this Amana washer parts and replacement guide, I will provide you with detailed instructions on how to replace your Amana washer’s replaceable parts.

Types of Washers

When it comes to the Amana brand and how they make their washers, the following words come to mind: Minimalist, Efficient, and Simple. If you are familiar with the Amana washing machine, then I am sure you can relate to these. They may not be the most attractive, but they are among the best to get the job done.

So far, Amana only has two models of washers, and they are:

Top-load washers and,
Front-load washers.

Regardless of what type of washer you have, they all operate with the same mechanical components. All mechanical parts are the same; only the positioning is different. The motor is at the bottom for Top-load washers because the tubs are faced upwards. While for Front-load washers, the motor is at the back.

Unfortunately, in this article, we will be learning with Amana’s Top-load washer.

Amana Washers – Parts and Replacement

In this section, we will replace your Amana washer’s part step-by-step.

Here are the various parts and how to replace them.

Amana Washer Agitator

Amana Top-load washers use an agitator to spin instead of an impeller. The agitator is the part of the washing machine which rotates back and forth. It moves the clothes inside the tub while rubbing against them to remove dirt. In your Amana washer, the agitator is the tall vertical roller in the center of the washing machine.

A washer with a faulty agitator fails to wash the clothes properly. Because the agitator can no longer spin the load correctly, the washer can no longer clean your clothes. This leaves strange stains on your clothes and sometimes causes damage to them.

How to Replace the Amana Washer Agitator

Here is how to return your washer’s agitator:

Tools Needed

Flat head screwdriver
7/16 socket
Towel

Removing the Old Agitator

First, ensure the power and water supply to the washer is disconnected.
Open the washer to access the agitator. The agitator is in three different assemblies: the base, the drill, and the top.
Using a flat head screwdriver, undo the tab securing the fabric dispenser to the agitator.
Lift the fabric dispenser to remove the top.
Once you have removed the top, you should be able to see the screw securing the drill to the rest of the agitator assembly.
Using a 7/16 socket, undo the screw to release.
Now gently pull up the drill to remove.
Remove the plastic ring from the agitator base.
You can now pull out the entire agitator base.

Replacing the New Agitator

To install the new agitator, first put the agitator base into the washer, and ensure it is properly aligned.
Place the plastic ring(washer) onto the agitator base; make sure you align it with the four tabs around the edges of the base.
Now, put the drill back in.
There’s a can that comes with the new agitator assembly; put it into the drill and ensure it is properly aligned.
Put in the screw, and tighten with the 7/16 socket to secure.
Finally, put back the fabric dispenser onto the agitator, and make sure it’s clipped in properly.
You have replaced your washer’s agitator successfully!

Amana Washer Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is part of the washer responsible for the amount of water going into your washer for a cycle. The inlet valve opens up when you set your washing machine for an action that requires water in the tub, such as washing or rinsing. When the valve is open, it allows water to flow into the tub.

It also closes back when enough water has been let in. So, there will only be a flow of water when the inlet valve opens, and when it closes, there will be no flow. The water inlet valve can identify when water Is needed and when it’s sufficient by an electric signal in the washer.

When your washer’s water inlet valve goes faulty, it means the water flow of your washer will be compromised. You either stop getting enough water in the tub or none at all. A faulty inlet valve can also cause water leakage from the washer.

How to Replace the Water Inlet Valve

Here is how to replace your Amana washer’s water inlet valve:

Tools Needed

Channel locks
Towel
Flat head screwdriver
Philip screwdriver

Removing the Old Water Inlet Valve

For safety, disconnect the washer’s power and water supply.
Turn off the washer’s water supply.
Turn the washer around to access the valve.
Using channel locks, undo the screws securing the water inlet hoses to the waterline. You should know that once you loosen the connection, there is likely still water in the line. So, I advise you to have a bucket or a towel handy.
Once you undo the screws, carefully pull out the hose and set them into your bucket or towel.
Now, follow the same steps to remove the other end of the hose from the back of the washer.
The next step is to remove the control console. Using a screwdriver, undo the four screws securing the control console. Once the screws are out, push the console forward and then use a flat head screwdriver to unplug the cords.
Undo the screw securing the timer.
Once the control console is completely released, tip it forward and rest it on the washer.
There are two hex-head screws securing the valve; undo them.
Disconnect the harness connection. Before that, take note of the current wiring connections. I suggest taking a photo with a phone or camera for accuracy.
Gently pull back on the wire harness connectors to disconnect from the solenoid coils.
Now we can remove the water valve. Pull it out of the washer and set it aside.

Installing the New Water Inlet Valve

Bring your new water inlet valve and place it into position.
Remember the photos you took earlier of the wire connections? Follow the exact placements and push each wire connector fully into the correct connector spade.
To properly secure the water inlet valve, reinstall the mounting screws with a screwdriver. Avoid over-tightening the screws.
Position the control panel and make sure it properly aligns with the washer.
Insert the screws into the back panels, and tighten firmly to secure.
Restore the power supply.
Restore the water supply.
Your washer’s water inlet valve has been successfully replaced.

Amana Washer Drain Pump

The function of the drain pump in a washing machine is to discharge water from the tub during a spin cycle. The drain pump has two hose terminals, each of which is connected to the washing machine.

The washing machine discharges the water used to wash the clothing after each spinning cycle. It is responsible for taking out the water so a fresh one can come in. If the drain pump goes faulty, the washing machine will no longer be able to perform the task properly.

A faulty drain pump can also prevent the washer’s motor from spinning. When this happens, you either need to repair or replace it. Keep reading to find out how to replace the drain pump.

How to Replace the Drain Pump

Replacing the Amana washing machine’s drain pump is the same as some other brands. There might be a few turns and routes due to the design, but they follow the same procedure.

Here is how:

Tools Needed

Plier
Towel
Flat head screwdriver
Philip screwdriver

Removing the Old Drain Pump

Of course, when replacing the drain pump, the first task we have is to remove the old one. The drain pump is connected directly to the motor on the Amana washer. The front side of the motor is connected to the shaft. The shaft is a long beam that holds every component together.

On the backside of the motor, the other end of the shaft goes into the pump. So, to get to the drain pump, you will have to go through all these components.

First, make sure the power and water supply are turned off or disconnect the washer’s plug completely.
For easy accessibility, remove the cabinet.
Now, the first thing you will see is a component (mostly white or black) with two hoses attached to it; that is the drain pump.
Using a plier, slide the hose clamps backward to release the hoses.
Once the clamps are off, you can gently pull the hoses out.
Two other clamps are holding the drain pump onto the motor; pop them off and turn 90 degrees to remove them.
Now that the drain pump is free, gently pull it off the motor.

Installing the New Drain Pump

For replacement, we are basically going to follow the same procedure above, but in reverse now.

Grab your new drain pump and secure it onto the motor. To secure, spin the motor from under to align with the drain pump properly.
Once your drain pump is aligned correctly, use the two clamps we initially removed, put them in, and turn 90 degrees to properly secure the pump to the motor.
Next, reattach the two hoses onto the drain pump.
Draw the clips forward.
Now, tighten them using a plier.
That’s it; your drain pump has been successfully replaced.

Amana Washer Suspension Rod

The suspension rod helps to humidify the tub movement in the washing machine. It provides stability to the washer, so it does not shake or vibrate while the tub spins.

Your Amana washer uses four suspension rods, and they are installed at the four corners of your washing machine. If one or more of them gets broken, the stability of your washer will be compromised. This is why you need to replace them.

How to Replace Amana Suspension Rod

Before we begin the replacement, let’s take a quick test to verify if the suspension rods are broken.

Open your washing machine lid.
Hold and press down on the agitator as hard as you can.
Then release it to see how bouncy it is.

If the agitator comes back to the middles as it should, then your suspension rods are okay.

However, if it does not return to the center, the suspension rods are broken. You can also jerk the agitator to the sides to see if it comes to normal.

If you have tried the test above and confirmed your suspension rods are broken, they need to be replaced.

Tool Needed

Philips screwdriver
Masking tape
Hand gloves

Removing the Old Suspension Rod

First, turn off your washer’s power and water supply for safety.
Next, you have to remove the top of the washing machine for accessibility.
Using a screwdriver, undo the three screws securing the washer’s lid. The first two are on the hinge, which allows the machine to pivot. The third screw is on the cover plate on the power cord going into the machine itself.
Once the screws are undone, slide the lid forward, up, and lift it back to remove. You can use masking tape to secure the lip on top of the washer’s top, so it doesn’t fall off.
Now, we remove the suspension rod. Reach into the washer’s cabinet, and pull on the suspension rod to withdraw from the plastic housing.
You need to rotate the plastic about 90 degrees before it can slide the suspension rod out of the housing. I suggest you wear a glove for a firmer grab. The rod has been there for a while now, and it will be slippery.
Once the rod has been released from the plastic housing, gently put the rod back into the cabinet.
You have to pull the rod from the bottom to either tilt the washer on its side or lay it flat entirely.
From underneath the washer, pull the old suspension rod out. There are two holes the rod has to pass through to come out.
Follow the same steps to remove the other three suspension rods.

Installing the New Suspension Rods

Once you have successfully taken out the old suspension rods, insert the new rods in the same way.
Rest the spring on the chassis of the washer before tilting it back into place. This way, you can ensure the rod is still through both holes when you level the washer.
When all four rods are in place, tilt the washer back into place.
Open the washer lid and pry out the plastic cup from the old suspension rod using a screwdriver.
Now insert the new cup and the plastic rest from the new suspension rod.
Follow the same procedure for the remaining three rods.
Your washer’s suspension rod has been successfully replaced.

Amana Washer Shift Actuator

The washer’s shift actuator has a lot of functions. As the name implies, it shifts between the agitate and spin cycles, ensuring that the right parts are actuated for each cycle. It’s basically the part of your washing machine responsible for changing the transmission from the agitator to spin mode.

The splutch is shifted by the actuator, which also monitors its location. If your washer’s shift actuator is compromised, the washer will pump but spin slowly or not at all. A faulty actuator can also cause your washer not to agitate. This is because it thinks the lid is open and will not allow it to spin. This is why you need a replacement.

How to Replace the Amana Shift Actuator

The washer’s shift actuator is located at the bottom of the washer. The washer’s hoses have to be disconnected, and the unit itself has to be tilted or placed down horizontally for easy access.

Here is how to replace your Amana shift actuator:

Tools Needed

Tape
Pair of channel lock pliers
5/16 screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
Towel

Removing the Old Shift Actuator

First, turn off or disconnect your washer’s power supply.
Turn off the water supply.
Disconnect the drain hose. When doing this, be cautious of any excess water that might still be in the hose. This is why you need the towel.
Undo the screws securing the hoses to the washer using the channel locks. When the screws loosen, take them out by hand and then pull out the hoses completely.
Using the tape, tape down the lid to the top of the washer. This will help secure the cover from falling off and possibly getting damaged.
Next, lay down the washer on the floor, ensuring the front is faced upward. I advise you to lay down a towel first so the washer doesn’t get scratches or dents.
To access the actuator, first, remove the pulley cover. Using a nut driver, undo the screws securing the pulley cover.
Now you should see the actuator.
Before touching the actuator, note where the wire harness is connected.
Disconnect the wire harness
There are two screws securing the shift actuator; undo them using a screwdriver.
Once the screws are undone, pull out the shift actuator.

Installing the New Shift Actuator

Like any other replacement, we follow the same procedure of removing the shift actuator but backward.

Bring your new shift actuator and place it in the old’s exact position. Make sure the knob on the shift actuator aligns with the hole on the cam ring.
Put in the screws, and tighten them using a screwdriver.
Reconnect the harness wire in the exact position you pulled it out from.
Place the pulley cover, put in the screws, and tighten to secure properly.
Now, bring up the washing machine to its proper position.
Reconnect the hoses on the washer and tighten the screws properly.
Reconnect the drain pump.
Turn on the water supply.
Restore the washer’s power supply.
Congratulations! Your washer’s shift actuator has been successfully replaced.

Amana Washer Drive Belt

The drive belt in your washer is the part that enables the machine to turn during a wash cycle. It is designed to fit between the motor and the drum pulley. The drive belts need to be very tight for the pulley assembly to function appropriately. If your belt is broken, the washer will fill with water and operate normally, but it will not spin.

When a drive belt has been used on a washer without being changed, it weakens over time. Thereby increasing the chances of breaking apart. This is why you might have to change your washer’s pulley belt.

How to Change the Amana Washer Pulley Belt

Provided you have access to it, the Amana washer’s pulley belt is one of the easiest parts to replace.

Tool Needed

Towel
Tape
Channel lock pliers
Philip screwdriver

Removing the Old Drive Belt

For safety, turn off your washer’s power supply.
Shut off the water supply as well.
Disconnect the drain hose. When doing this, be cautious of any remaining water in the hose. You can keep a towel nearby for this purpose.
Loosen the screws holding the hoses to the washer with the channel locks. When you’re finished, completely remove the hoses by hand.
Using the tape, tape down the lip on the top of the washer. This will keep the lid from opening up and maybe damaging itself.
Carefully lower the washer to the ground. Make sure that the bottom of the washer is facing up.
Remove the pulley cover to gain full access to the washer’s bottom. To do so, use a screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the cover in place. Now we have access to the drive belt.
Pull and rotate the old pulley belt off until it comes off.

Installing the New Pulley Belt

Bring the new drive belt and place it in the exact position the old one was.
Wrap it around the motor pulley, then rotate it along the splutch until it snaps into place.
Replace the cover and properly secure it.
Return the washing machine to its original position.
Reattach the hoses to the washing machine and tighten the screws.
Reconnect the drain hose.
Turn on the water supply.
Reconnect the power supply to the washer.
Congratulations! Your washer’s drive belt has been successfully replaced.

Amana Washer Splutch Cam Kit

Your washer’s splutch cam kit is responsible for the energy transfer from the motor to the transmission. This allows the washer to spin. If your splutch cam assembly gets damaged, this will comprise the spinning of your washer.

So, if your washing machine is not spinning properly or does not spin entirely, then a damaged splutch cam assembly is also a possibility.

How to Replace the Amana Splutch Cam Kit

The splutch cam kit is connected to the motor by the drive belt, and replacing it will only take a few minutes.

Tools Needed

Tape
A pair of channel lock pliers
A 5/16 nut driver
A Phillips head screwdriver
A 12mm socket wrench

Here is how to replace your Amana washer’s splutch cam kit:

Removing the Old Splutch Cam Kit

The first order of business, disconnect the washer’s power supply for safety.
Turn off the water supply.
Remove the drain hose. Be careful of any remaining water in the hose when doing this. You can keep a towel closer for this.
Using the channel locks, loosen the screws securing the hoses onto the washer. When you’re done, remove the hoses entirely by hand.
Tape down the lip on the top of the washer using the tape. This will protect the lid from opening up freely and potentially getting damaged.
Lower the washer carefully onto the ground. Make sure the front of the washer is facing upwards. You can fully access the bottom of the washer.
Remove the pulley cover. To do this, undo the two screws securing the cover using a screwdriver.
Remove the pulley belt by pulling and rotating it until it comes off. Once this comes off, you should see the splutch assembly.
There is a 13mm bolt securing the pulley onto the splutch assembly. Using the socket wrench, undo the bolt. This might require a little bit of energy as it would be extra tight.
Once the bolt loosens up, you can take it out by hand.
Next, remove the shift actuator. Do this by disconnecting the harness wire, undoing the two screws, and pulling the actuator out.
Once the shift actuator Is out, one component keeps us from accessing the splutch assembly: the start capacitor. Disconnect the wire connected to the start capacitor. Now turn it counterclockwise to remove it fully. You should have full access to the splutch assembly now.
Three tabs are securing the splutch assembly. Simply press and hold them all at the same time. While holding the tabs, pull them to release the splutch assembly.
Once the assembly is out, take out the spring that comes with it.

Installing the New Splutch Cam Kit

Insert the spring that comes with your new splutch assembly.
Remember the white piece with the tab you had to press in order to remove the assembly; bring it and insert the cam ring into it, and then put in the new splutch assembly.
Now insert the whole assembly, making sure the tabs align with the holes.
Once the assembly is in place, replace the star capacitor the same way you found it and connect the wire harness.
Put back the shift actuator and make sure the knob aligns appropriately with the hole on the cam ring. Put in the screws, tighten properly, and reconnect the wire harness.
Now, insert the new pulley wheel, and ensure the rigid side goes to the back.
Put back in the nut, tighten first with your hand. Once the nut is placed, you can use the wrench to tighten it correctly.
Replace the belt the same way we removed it. Wrap it around the motor pulley, then guide It along the splutch as it rotates until it snaps in place.
Replace the cover, and secure it properly.
Raise the washing machine to its proper position.
Reconnect the hoses and tighten the screws on the washing machine.
Connect the drain pump once again.
Activate the water supply.
Reconnect the washer’s power source.
Congratulations! The splutch clam kit in your washer has been changed successfully.

Amana Washer Motor Coupler

If you turn on your washer, set the time for a wash cycle, and the washer fills up the water but does not wash the clothes by agitating, you most likely have a faulty motor coupler. The motor coupler is the part of your washer that connects the transmission to the motor’s driveshaft. If the drive system seizes, the coupling breaks, preventing further damage to the drive motor.

They are often made of plastic and rubber, attached to one side of the driving shaft. There are numerous indicators that your Motor coupler has failed. The most typical issue is no spinning and strange noises, so you need to replace the motor coupler.

How to Replace Your Motor Coupler

Your washer’s motor coupler is located between the gear case and the motor, located at the bottom of the washer.

Tools Needed

Slot screwdriver
Philips screwdriver
Socket wrench set
Hammer
Work gloves

Removing the Old Motor Coupler

To access the motor coupler, we will have to remove the washer’s control console and the cabinet. Followed by removing the motor itself from the assembly.

To begin, turn off your power and water supply.
There are two plastic end caps securing the control console; remove them.
Undo the screws at the base of the console control.
Gently pull the console forward, up, then back over the top of the back panel.
Detach the wire harness from the lid switch on the washer’s top panel.
Use a slot screwdriver to pry out the clips forward to release. The cabinet should be free now.
Lifts the cabinet from the back, sliding it forward to remove it from the washer frame. Now we can fully access the bottom of the washer, which is where the motor is located.
Two metal clip holders secure the drain pump to the drive motor; lift to release them.
Once the clips are out, carefully pull the drain pump to release it from the drive motor shaft. Leave the hoses connected to the drain pump, but place them on the washer frame for safety.
Disconnect the wire harness from the drive motor by releasing the locking tab on the wire harness connection plug.
Disconnect the wires from the motor’s capacitor.
The screws and a clip are the only things preventing us from removing the motor. Remove the screws from the motor’s retention clips and detach the bottom clip using a slot screwdriver.
Pull the motor out by removing the top retainer clasp. I must warn you that the motor is quite heavy, so remember to use a little more energy to keep it from falling and breaking.
Place the motor down gently once you remove it.
Using a flat head screwdriver, pry out the old coupler from the gearcase.
Do the same for the motor coupler on the motor shaft. There might be some dirt on the shaft; clean them.

Installing the New Motor Coupler

The new coupler assembly comes in three parts: two new motor couplers and a plastic isolator.

Once the motor couplers have been removed, bring one of the new ones and set it on the gearcase. Make sure it’s in the exact position the old one was.
Push the motor coupler using a socket wrench or the back of a screwdriver and a hammer. Tap the hammer until it’s flush with the shaft.
Bring the second motor coupler over and secure it to the motor shaft. Use a hammer and a soccer wrench or the back of a screwdriver to secure it like we did the first one.
With the two motor couplers in place, mount the motor unto the gearcase. Make sure the motor is aligned correctly in place.
First, install the top holding clip. Make sure the clip is aligned properly, and then apply a little pressure to snap it into place. Do the same for the bottom clip.
Insert the screws into the clips and tighten them to secure the clips properly.
Reattach the motor capacitor wire.
Plug the wire harness back into the connector on the drive motor.
Replace the drain pump with the shaft of the drive motor. Ensure the drain pump is engaged correctly.
Reinstall the two holding clips to secure the drain pump.
Reinstall the washer’s cabinet.
Lower the control console and secure it properly with the screws and plastic end caps.
Return the washer’s power supply.
Return the water supply.
That’s it! Your washer’s motor coupler has been replaced successfully.

FAQs

Question: How Long do Amana Washer Last?

Answer: A new Amana washing machine has an average life expectancy of 11 years.

Question: Is there a Reset Button on My Amana Washing Machine?

Answer: Yes, there is. To reset your Amana washer, press and hold the End of Cycle or Cycle Signal button For twenty seconds. You can also remove the flashlight using this procedure.

Question: Why is My Washer not Wringing Out My Clothes?

Answer: A drain hose malfunction is the most frequent cause of a washer that spins but still produces wet clothes. If you had to remove the drain tube to perform another repair, it could be clogged, kinked, or wrongly positioned.

Question: Why does My Washer Spin but not Agitate?

Answer: A broken agitator could be the fault if your washer does not agitate yet spins. The agitator is the tall roller positioned at the middle of your washer. It agitates and propels the clothes through the water during the wash cycle. The output shaft is splined to the agitator to keep the transmission in place.

Question: Is it Worth Repairing a Washing Machine?

Answer: This depends entirely on how much the repair would cost. First, verify what your washer’s warranty says about a repair. Otherwise, I would not recommend repairing it if it costs more than half the washer value.

Question: Do Clothes Get Clean if the Agitator is Broken?

Answer: No. While the agitator rotates, it rubs against the clothes, cleaning them. If the agitator isn’t rotating correctly due to a mechanical problem,t his can directly impact the cleanliness of your clothing since the agitator gets the fabric moving, and movement and friction are essential for clean clothes.