Introduction
If your top-load washer bounces, walks across the floor, or makes a thumping noise during spin, the suspension rods have likely lost their spring tension. Replacing them restores stability and prevents damage to the cabinet, hoses, and floor. These instructions cover Roper models built on the common Whirlpool platform and apply equally to Amana, Whirlpool, and Maytag Bravos/Cabrio machines that share the same rod kit W10189077 / W10820048.
What you need
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Step 1 Diagnose worn suspension rods
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Open the lid and press straight down on the agitator or wash plate with firm force, then release it.
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Watch whether the tub recenters immediately without bouncing up or down.
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Rock the tub side to side and note any excessive play or repeated movement.
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Step 2 Gather tools and the replacement kit
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Set out a complete suspension rod kit matching part numbers W10189077 or W10820048.
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Choose OEM or a branded aftermarket such as Supco to avoid weak off-brand rods.
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Have a six-in-one screwdriver ready and use the ¼-inch nut driver end.
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Put on one rubber-palmed glove to grip the slippery suspension rods.
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Keep masking tape nearby to secure the lid once the top is raised.
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Step 3 Remove the rear screws that hold the top
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Remove the two screws located beside the hinge brackets on the back panel.
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Remove the single screw that secures the power-cord cover plate.
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Step 4 Pivot and lift the washer top
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From the front, pull the washer top toward you roughly two inches.
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Lift the top straight up and push it back to disengage it from the rear bracket.
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Step 5 Secure the lid to prevent damage
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Tape the lid to the raised top so it cannot flop while the panel leans against a wall.
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Add a strip of tape under the panel edge for extra hold and to avoid sticky residue on finished surfaces.
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Step 6 Release the upper end of a suspension rod
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Reach inside the cabinet with the gloved hand and pull the rod upward to free the spring from its cup.
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Rotate the plastic cup about ninety degrees until it slides out of the housing.
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Gently lower the loose rod back toward the tub opening.
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Step 7 Tilt the washer and remove the rod from the chassis
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Tilt the washer onto its side far enough to reach the base without crushing hoses.
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Pull the rod down through the two chassis holes, wiggling the shepherd’s hook clear.
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Step 8 Install the new rod through the base
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Feed the new rod up through the same two chassis holes used by the old rod.
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Rest the lower spring seat on the chassis lip before returning the washer to an upright position.
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Step 9 Attach the hook into the new cup at the top
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Swap the original plastic cup and bushing with the new ones supplied in the kit.
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Lift the tub and seat the rod hook into the cup, aligning it at the required one-hundred-eighty-degree angle.
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Step 10 Replace the remaining three suspension rods
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Repeat the unhook, tilt, remove, and install process for each of the other corners.
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Limited space inside a laundry closet usually restricts you to one rod at a time.
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Step 11 Verify level and performance
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Confirm every rod uses matching plastic bushings from the same kit before closing the top.
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Check that the tub sits perfectly level inside the cabinet.
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Press down on the agitator again; the tub should return to center without bounce.
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With the new suspension rods installed, your washer should no longer rattle, shake, or travel across the floor. Run a test load to confirm quiet operation and smooth spin. Enjoy the stability that comes with a fresh set of rods.
