[flagxj]

I was receiving the OL code on this Whirlpool Cabrio (Model WTW6400SW3) top load washer and I read that there is probably gunk and buildup on the shaft. I was able to get everything apart down to where the inner basket is supposed to lift out. I was able to get the hub assembly out but the inner basket still will not come out. It looks like there may be a plastic lock nut keeping the basket from coming out but in all of the parts diagrams and videos I have found there is no such part. It looks like it should just pull right off. I have been soaking it with vinegar and other things to try to get it to release but nothing is working.

Does anybody know if this plastic piece that looks like it may be a lock nut is actually a lock nut or should it just pull out? Any other tricks or things to try would be much appreciated.

[tshrader]

flagxj,

We don't have the exact same model, but I just disassembled mine tonight. There was a white "nut" with gear teeth that slips onto the drive shaft. I wasn't sure if mine would come off either, so I did the following repeatedly until it came off:
1) Keep putting WD-40 on it
2) Using vice-grips, I held the drive shaft in place and rotated the basket. If it's stuck, you'll have to apply more force.
3) Using vice-grips, I tried to wiggle the white plastic piece so the WD-40 would soak in and I could loosen the grime. Make sure to try to pull it up with your hands, too.
4) Yank up on the inner basket. For mine, I had to yank up on the inner basket so the outer basket would catch the lip of outer metal of the dryer; otherwise, you're just pulling both the outer and inner baskets up. No point in doing that.

So, I kept doing this for about an hour or so, and little-by-little, the white nut would come up. Sometimes I would hit it back down to further loosen the grime and apply more WD-40. Finally, you should be able to pull off the white nut. Once that's off, your next mission is getting the inner basket up off the drive shaft. I would move the basket to the left and right until I get it to come off. You'll get there. My issue turned out to be rust and gunk on the drive shaft.

The photo I have attached shows the white nut I'm referring to, and hopefully, the nut you're referring to. It's the little white one in the middle.


Hope this helps.