How to Replace a Damaged Tub Seal in Your GE Washer

Water leaking from your GE washer model WHDSR316GWW can point to a problem with a couple different components, however, if the leak tends to occur during the fill cycle or as the washing machine agitates your clothing, a worn tub seal is likely the issue. The tub seal is meant to stop water from leaking out of the tub and onto the main tub bearings. Replacing the seal requires you disassemble most of your washer, which is why we recommend you only perform this replacement if you are experienced with the ins and outs of appliance repair.

How to Replace the Tub Seal in Your GE Washing Machine

Never start a repair before unplugging your washer and turning off the hot and cold water supply valves. Wearing work gloves and safety goggles to protect your hand and eyes is highly recommended.Repair Notes: To complete this repair you will need to purchase a special tool called a tub nut wrench.

1. Start at the rear of your washer and unthread the water supply hoses from the inlet valves on the back of your appliance. Have a towel nearby to wipe up any water that may drip out. Then remove the screws securing the control panel to your washer. Take the control panel off your appliance by sliding it to the side and lifting it up. Snap a picture of all the wires connected to the panel before disconnecting them, and then set the control panel aside.
2. Insert a putty knife between the top panel and front panel to disengage the right and left spring clips that hold the panels together. Tilt the front panel forward and remove it from your washer. Then, unthread the screws securing the top to the washer frame. Once the screws are loose, pull the top panel towards you and lift it, slightly. Use a pair of pliers to release the small tab securing the lid switch wires to the frame of the washer. Then open the washer lid to remove the lid switch from the top panel. After the switch is free, you can take the top panel off your washer.
3. With the top and front panel removed, you can now unthread the screws that hold the rear panel and the control panel trim to the washing machine. Once you have taken both parts off, loosen the screws securing the control panel bracket to the appliance. Before lifting the bracket off, disconnect the air pressure tube from the pressure switch and then flip the bracket over the side of the washer so it is out of the way.
4. Now reach into your washer tub and pull the agitator off the agitator coupling.
5. Unthread the screws securing the shock dampening straps to the appliance tub. Then separate the straps from the washer tub. Next, release the locking tabs on the sides of the tub cover, and pull the cover off the tub.
6. Using a wrench and socket equipped with a long extension, remove the bolt securing the agitator coupler to the inside of your washer tub. Once the bolt is loose, lift the coupler out of your washer.
7. Grab your tub nut wrench and a hammer to take the tub nut out of your washer. Place the wrench around the nut and carefully hit the wrench clockwise to loosen the large nut. After you have removed the nut, you can lift the inner tub out of the outer tub. The tub is a bit heavy, so you may need a second person to help get it up and out of the appliance.
8. With the inner tub out of the way, you can remove the tub bearing split ring. Insert a flat head screwdriver into the slot on the ring, and loosen the ring by prying the slot open with your screwdriver. Then, slide the split ring and the washer underneath it off the drive shaft.
9. You have finally gained access to the washer tub seal. To get it off the shaft, shimmy a flat head screwdriver between the seal and the tub and pry the two components apart. Once the seal is free, slide it off the drive shaft, and get rid of it.
10. Before installing the new tub seal, rub a small amount of liquid detergent around the outside of the seal. This will allow the part to slide into place with ease. After the seal is lubricated, slip it on the drive shaft and push it into the indent in the tub. Make sure the seal is properly installed; otherwise, your washer will continue to leak.
11. Now that your washer is equipped with a brand new tub seal, you can start the reassembly process. Start by putting the agitator back together. First, slide the washer and split ring onto the drive shaft. Then, retrieve the inner tub and insert it on the shaft. Secure the tub by replacing the tub nut. To ensure the nut is tight, use your tub nut wrench and a hammer to install it. Next, place the agitator coupler over the drive shaft, and reattach its bolt to secure it. Finally, grab the agitator and line it up with the drive coupler before pushing it all the way down and snapping it in place.
12. Replace the tub cover by simply aligning the slots on the cover with the tabs on the side of the tub. Once the cover is installed, reattach the shock dampening straps with the screws you removed earlier.
13. Reinstall the control panel bracket, and reconnect the air pressure tube to the pressure switch. Then, reattach the control panel trim and the washer’s rear panel.
14. Retrieve the main top panel, and rest it on the washer while you pull the lid switch through the small hole in the panel. Then, snap the lid switch wire retainer back into the opening in the washer frame. Next, push the main top back towards the control panel, and add the screws to secure the panel to the washer frame. Close up the front of the washer by snapping the main front panel onto the washer.
15. Grab the washer control panel, and take a look at the photo you took earlier of the wire connections. Then, reconnect the wires to the proper control board terminals. Reinstall the control panel on the front of the washer and secure it by reattaching the screws on the appliance’s rear panel.
16. To finish your repair, reinstall the water supply hoses to the washer inlet valves, and turn the water running to the washing machine back on. Then, plug-in your appliance and test out the new tub seal by washing a load of laundry.

Replacing the tub seal should resolve your washer’s leak, however, if the repair did not stop the leak, please contact us today, and we’ll be happy to diagnose and fix the malfunction for you.