Ge Washer Clutch AMERICAN SERVICE DEPT.

Inspecting and replacing single-speed clutch
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The clutch is an important part of your washer’s drive system. Some models have a single speed clutch, and some have a two-speed clutch which allows for a slow speed (See Procedure #28). The clutch transfers power from the motor to the transmission through the drive belt.

The clutch parts are built up separately on the motor shaft so there is no pre-assembled clutch assembly. The clutch operates centrifugally as the two primary shoes inside the drum are forced out against the drum wall, causing the drum to move at motor speed and drive the belt.

If the washer basket is not spinning fast enough, or if there is excessive noise when the washer is operating, the clutch may be faulty, and parts of it may need to be replaced.

Two-speed clutch (exploded view)

Very Difficult

GE/Hotpoint washers with both a normal speed and a slow, or gentle speed have a two-speed clutch. Like the one speed clutch, it transfers power from the motor to the transmission through the drive belt.

When energized, the two-speed clutch shifter, described in Procedure #29, slows the washer’s speed as power is transferred to the agitator and washer basket. Four different sets of shoes work together to control this speed. The outer drum contains a pair of slip shoes, the inner drum contains a pair of primary shoes, and the carrier plate has two sets of lock-in shoes mounted to it. When the motor is running at full speed, the primary shoes and inner drum are also at full speed. The shoes on the carrier plate lock the inner drum to the outer drum through centrifugal force. One set of shoes moves in and one moves out. If the shifter is energized before the motor is started, the primary shoes and the inner drum still operate at the motor speed, but the carrier plate assembly is prevented from rotating when its tab and the shifter catch arm make contact. There is no centrifugal force to engage the inner and the outer lock-in shoes. The slip shoes in the outer drum will start to move away from the inner drum, maintaining just enough contact to control the speed at a slow rate.


Step 1: Be sure all washer controls are turned off . Unplug the washer.	Step 2: Remove rear access panel.	Step 3: Determine whether you have a single or a two-speed clutch.

Step 4: To remove motor and clutch from washer, unplug terminal block at motor. You must remove motor to inspect and replace clutch.	Step 5: Remove lower clamp on pump coupling	Step 6: Using a socket and ratchet, remove three nuts securing motor mounting plate to suspension

Step 7: Remove belt from clutch pulley. Lower motor and clutch to floor	Step 8: Tilt machine forward. Slide motor and clutch out from under washer. As you disassemble clutch, check each part for wear or damage.	Step 9: Replace any defective parts. Using a drive pin tool (which can be purchased from your authorized local appliance parts dealer) and a hammer, remove roll pin holding clutch drive plate to shaft extension. Lift drive plate off.

Step 10: Remove clutch drum. If drum is difficult to remove, use a horseshoe collar tool and puller (both of which can be purchased from your authorized local appliance parts dealer) to pull it off.	Step 1 1: If clutch drum or its bearing is damaged and needs to be replaced, remove retaining ring first by slipping it out with small screwdriver.	Step 12: Drive bearing out top of drum using small block of wood and hammer.

Step 13: Lift off spacer and bow spring which fits over two pins that hold primary shoes.	Step 14: Remove small washers on both pins.	Step 15: Lift off both primary shoes and check for wear or damage. Note: Replace both shoes if either shoe is worn or damaged. Note marking showing which side should face up.

Stepl6: Inspect motor shaft extension for damage such as wear or corrosion. If shaft must be replaced, loosen screws on U-clamp with hex head nutdriver and lift off entire motor shaft extension assembly. If shaft extension is stuck to motor shaft, tap it sharply to help loosen.	Step 17: To reassemble clutch, fit extension assembly over motor shaft, replacing old U-clamp if defective.	Step 18: Inspect bar clamp for wear. If clamp is worn on either side, replace with new part. Also check motor shaft for wear.

Step 19: Reassemble in reverse order and test.

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