How to Replace Whirlpool Washer Suspension Straps

The suspension straps (neck ring straps) carry the outer tub's weight and let it swing to absorb spin forces. When one snaps or stretches, the tub drops and slams the cabinet. Reaching them means opening the top-load cabinet, so the access sequence is most of the job.

Tools & parts#

Safety first#

Unplug the washing machine and turn off water supply valves before beginning any repair. Have towels ready for residual water.

Step-by-step#

Step 1: Confirm the diagnosis#

A dropped or banging tub is the tell-tale, and the code context helps: F7 E1 is the shift actuator (the most common WTW fault), F5 E1 the lid switch, F8 E1 water flow, and F0 E2 oversuds. Enter diagnostics per the tech sheet — a 3-button sequence within 4 seconds — to rule out a control fault before you tear down.

Step 2: Open the cabinet#

Remove the console (2 Phillips screws at the ends) and flip it back. Release the cabinet by inserting a putty knife 2.5 inches from each front corner to pop the 3 spring clips, then lift the top on its rear hinges. For full access, remove the 2 rear lower screws and lift the cabinet straight up off the base. Photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything.

Step 3: Locate the four straps#

With the cabinet off, the outer tub hangs from four suspension straps hooked between the tub's upper ring and brackets at the top corners of the base frame. Note how each strap routes and which way its hooks face — a broken one will be obvious, but replace all four together since they wear evenly. A strap that is merely stretched rather than snapped is easy to miss, so compare all four lengths: a single long strap tilts the tub and causes the same banging as a broken one.

Step 4: Remove the old straps#

Support the tub so it cannot drop, then unhook each strap from its tub bracket and its frame corner with pliers. Work one at a time so the tub stays supported through the swap, taking the weight off each old strap before unhooking it so you are not fighting the tub's swing while the new hooks seat.

Step 5: Install the new straps#

Hook each new strap to the same tub bracket and frame corner in the original orientation, keeping the routing consistent so the tub hangs level. Confirm all four are seated and the tub sits centered and swings freely without contacting the base.

Step 6: Verify before closing#

With the cabinet still off, plug in and run a short diagnostic spin to confirm the tub swings smoothly and does not strike the frame. Then unplug and reassemble.

Step 7: Reassemble and test#

Lower the cabinet over the base, align the rear hooks first, and push forward until the spring clips snap. Refit the console, restore power and water, and run a Normal cycle, watching the spin for banging, walking, leaks, and codes.

When to call a pro#

Call a technician if the tub bearing rumbles (a separate tub-split repair), if multiple parts read failed (a possible board voltage issue), or if the base-frame strap brackets are cracked or bent.

For a repair-versus-replace budget, see our washing machine repair cost guide.