Introduction
Grinding or whirring from your GE washer usually means trouble beneath the tub. This guide shows you how to safely reach the drive system, inspect common failure points, replace worn parts, and reassemble everything so the machine runs quietly again.
What you need
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Step 1 Power disconnection and machine positioning
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Slide the unit forward and place a sturdy box or block behind it so the cabinet can rest on the support when tilted.
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Gently tip the washer almost onto its back while keeping the drain hose above the cabinet’s bottom edge to prevent water spills.
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Step 2 Remove the plastic belt cover
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Locate the three screws holding the underside plastic cover in place.
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Remove the screws with a 3⁄8-inch socket; note the one that secures a grounding strap for correct reinstallation.
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Lower the cover and set it aside for inspection.
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Step 3 Inspect the belt cover
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Check the cover for cracks, melted spots, or gouges that may contact the belt.
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Step 4 Inspect and remove the drive belt
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Examine the belt for glazing, fraying, missing ribs, or grease contamination.
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Roll the belt off the motor and transmission pulleys while pulling downward to remove it.
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Check both pulleys for side-to-side or fore-aft play; they should feel solid with minimal movement.
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Step 5 Check and remove the transmission pulley
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Hold the black pulley and loosen its center nut with a 9⁄16-inch or 15 mm socket turned counter-clockwise.
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Tap evenly on the pulley’s rear with a hammer or use a puller to slide it off the shaft.
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Inspect both pulleys for cracks, worn splines, or melted areas that indicate clutch failure.
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Step 6 Inspect and replace the clutch
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Slide the white plastic clutch off and check its teeth; rounded or missing teeth cause grinding.
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Lubricate the new clutch splines and base with a light silicone grease before installation.
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Step 7 Test and replace the shift actuator
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Measure resistance across the actuator motor with a multimeter; a healthy unit reads about 5700 Ω ±10 %.
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Step 8 Reassemble clutch and pulley system
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Seat the clutch spring on the shaft first, then slide the lubricated clutch into place so the spring nests in its lip.
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Position the shift actuator over the clutch, align tabs, and tighten its screws; a drill can speed this task.
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Press the black pulley onto the clutch splines and tighten the retaining nut securely with the socket.
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Step 9 Reinstall the belt and cover
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Loop the belt over the motor pulley, position it on the transmission pulley, and rotate the transmission pulley to walk the belt on.
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Refit the plastic cover with its three screws, reinstalling the grounding strap under its original screw.
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Return the washer to an upright position and remove the support block.
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Step 10 Perform operational test and evaluate results
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Plug the washer in and run a short agitation and spin cycle to confirm the grinding noise is gone.
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With the belt, pulleys, clutch, and shift actuator inspected and repaired, your GE washer should operate smoothly again. Keep the underside clean and revisit these steps if future noises develop.
