How To Remove Whirlpool Washer Back

If you need to access the cabinet of your Whirlpool washer to do repairs, you'll have to remove the panel on the back. Although removing the back is fairly simple, you can't just remove the panel without some preparation, including removing the control console on the top of the unit.

Step 1

Unplug the Whirlpool washer and turn off the water lines. You should see a pair of hoses with oval handles near the wall. Turn the handles clockwise to shut off both the cold and hot water lines.

Step 2

Locate the screws on either side of the washer console. The console is the panel with the control dials that sits along the back edge of the top of the washer. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove each screw.

Step 3

Slide the console toward the front of the machine. When the tabs under the console have cleared the slots in the top of the washer cabinet, lift it up and roll it open on its hinges.

Step 4

Unplug the console from the top of the washer. You will see several wires harnessed together that are connected to the washer. Press the tab on the plug and pull it out.

Step 5

Remove the flat, wavy silver metal clips that connect the top of the washer cabinet to the rear panel. There will be one clip located in the slots on each side in the area that is normally covered by the console. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry the ends of the clips out from the top of the cabinet. This will loosen the tension so that the other end slides down and out of the tab on the back panel.

Step 6

Slide the ends of the clips out from the back panel.

Step 7

Open the washer's lid and tilt the washer cabinet toward you, separating it from the back panel.