How do you open up a washing machine to make repairs?

Answer 1

You can either flip it upside down or take the back off, depending on the model. OR

Unplug the machine (preferably after you drain it)

On most 80's - 00's washing machines there are two clips under the control panel. You need to take off the end caps of the control panel (top of the machine where the dials are) if there are any, and then you will see two screws in the lower corners. Remove these screws and flip the control panel up and hold it there. Be careful as the hinges are delicate (i.e. cheap). Using a flat tip screwdriver, insert the tip into the hole you will see both on the right and left and it should catch on the little vee of the roller coaster looking clip. Rock the driver rearward (tip moving forward) and the clips should come right out. Pay attention to how they are situated before you remove them. When you are putting the machine back together, they just push back into the hole. Then make sure any hoses that need be disconnected are. Usually on the left side is sliding pieces of plastic and under there are the soap dispenser type hoses. Unclip them - remembering which goes where and tilt the entire machine cover away from the washer.

While it's all and good to try and help someone with your knowledge of appliances, it is also wise not to give advice to a layperson who it seems to have no or little experience with major appliances and could be getting himself in way over his head. As a person who has had many years experience I would tell the person asking for advice if he is prepared to buy a new appliance, since a factory trained technician would never get involved in this; because a lot of machines have a variety of spacers between transmissions and clutches . I'd fit the machine if it is lying halfway across the basement floor my stock question was "did the burglar vandalize anything else in your home after he did this to you washer". If a technician involves him or herself in the repair of such a common enough setting he could spend a long period of time going on

call-backs.

Washers up until the last few years are fairly easy to service. The Top will flip up . Use a Wonder Bar and pry up the front corners until it unsnaps. Use a cloth or rag under the Wonder Bar so it doesn't damage the porcelain surface. Once you have done that, you can see the water mixing valve and the drum safety switch. If you need to get at the motor and transmission, take the back off. You may have to tip the washer forward to check the transmission, belt and motor. Make sure that the washer is UNPLUGGED at all times and the water supply is turned off.