Clothing in a washing machine

WASHING MACHINE PARTS

The inner workings of your washing machine aren’t typically top of mind, but getting to know your machine’s parts and how they operate can help you solve potential problems that may arise. Despite slight variations, most machines have similar components that handle tasks like washing, rinsing, spinning and draining. Read on to learn more about each part and how they contribute to helping ensure your laundry comes out fresh.

Common washing machine parts

While you might easily recognize some parts of your washing machine, others may be unfamiliar, and their role in the cleaning process unclear. Keep reading to get to know each part and its job.

Washing machine parts diagram Washing machine parts diagram
Water pump

Water pump

The water pump concealed inside the washer both circulates and drains water throughout the cycle. Certain models are equipped with two distinct pumps dedicated to these functions.

Control panel

Control panel

Located either on top or at the front of the washing machine, the control panel serves as the central hub for adjusting all your wash cycle settings.

Drain pipe

Drain pipe

Typically positioned near the drain pump, the function of the drain pipe is to remove the dirty water from the tub following a laundry cycle.

Motor

Motor

The washing machine's motor drives the movement that rotates the agitator, impeller or drum as it advances through a cycle.

Heating element

Heating element

Your washing machine’s heating element heats the water to the right temperature for your chosen cycle.

Water inlet valve

Water inlet valve

Water inlet valves regulate the flow based on the specific water requirements of the cycle and load. They are positioned near the water inlet.

Circuit board

Circuit board

The circuit board, acting as the brain of the washing machine, oversees water levels, detergent dispensation and other functions, while also controlling the wash cycles, electronic parts and control panel necessary for the machine's operation.

Wash basket or tub

Wash basket or tub

Your washing machine comprises two distinct wash baskets or tubs: an inner, perforated one designed to house your laundry and facilitate water flow during the cycle, and an outer one that provides support and retains water throughout the wash.

Timer

Timer

Washing machine timers, which determine the duration of your laundry cycles, can be adjusted either manually or automatically. However, keep in mind that this feature may not be present on all washer models.

Washing machine drain pump

Washing machine drain pump

The drain pump in a washing machine, typically situated at the bottom, propels water from the washer and directs it into the drain hose for disposal.

Washer drain hose

Washer drain hose

Positioned at the lower part of your washing machine, the drain hose routes up to a nearby sink or standpipe to expel water from the washer. Usually made from corrugated plastic, drain hoses are mostly universal and range between 1 and 1.25 inches in diameter.

Water-level pressure switch

Water-level pressure switch

During a wash cycle, the water level switch channels power from the timer control to both the water inlet valve and the temperature switch whenever the tub requires filling. As the water level rises in the tub, the switch halts the water inflow once it aligns with the preset load size. The switch also prompts the motor to initiate agitation.

Water supply hoses

Water supply hoses

The water supply hoses in your washing machine do just what their name suggests. Water enters the washing machine from your supply through the hoses and water inlet valves.

Drive pulley

Drive pulley

In belt-driven washing machines, the motor pulley supports the drive and sometimes the pump belt, working in harmony with corresponding pulleys on the transmission and pump. It works along with a tension-providing idler pulley present in some top-load models, all contributing to the smooth spinning of the washer drum.

Drive belt

Drive belt

On a washing machine, the drive belt connects the motor to the transmission in some top-load washers or the motor to the wash basket in most front-load washers. The drive belt helps the basket to spin.

Shock absorbers

Shock absorbers

A washing machine’s shock absorbers help to prevent the washer from vibrating. They absorb the movement of the washer drum.

Leveling feet

Leveling feet

The leveling feet and legs on a washing machine help to minimize motion when it is not in use and during wash cycles. Adjust the leveling feet, ensuring the washer is level from left to right and front to back.

Water flowing into a washing machine Water flowing into a washing machine

What are the parts of a top load washer?

Washing machines have many common parts, but some parts are primarily on top load washing machines.

Agitator/paddles

Agitator/paddles

Whether your washer has an agitator or impeller, both are in the inner tub. They move to rub clothes together, helping to lift dirt and stains. Agitators are mainly in top load models.

Agitator dogs

Agitator dogs

Agitator directional cogs, often called 'dogs', are small rubber parts in washers that facilitate the agitator's rotation for clothes cleaning. However, these cogs can degrade over time, potentially hindering the agitator's rotation.

Lid switch

Lid switch

The lid switch in top-load washing machines is a safety mechanism that halts the agitation or spinning when the lid is open, while still allowing the machine to fill and drain.

Lid lock assembly

Lid lock assembly

The lid lock assembly includes a switch that senses if the washer lid is open and prevents the machine from starting if it is. It also has a lock that securely fastens the lid during the washing cycle.

Gearcase

Gearcase

The washing machine gear case, or gearbox, drives the impeller for effective cleaning, rotates the spin basket to remove excess water, and shifts between agitation and spin modes for seamless operation.

Shifter assembly

Shifter assembly

The shifter assembly, positioned at the gear case's base, toggles the drive system between agitating and spinning, and a malfunction triggers the control board to halt the washer and display an error code.

Direct drive washer clutch

Direct drive washer clutch

The clutch assembly in a washer, responsible for releasing the drive system's brake for the spin cycle, may be faulty if the basket spins when empty but not when full, with the clutch band also potentially at fault.

Clutch band

Clutch band

The clutch band, a component of the clutch assembly, enables the drive system's brake to release, allowing the basket to spin during the washer's spin cycle.

Basket drive

Basket drive

In the washer drive system, the basket drive—which contains the brake mechanism for the spin basket and the spin tube shaft that rotates the basket during the spin cycle—is positioned above the transmission and clutch assembly.

Drive block

Drive block

The drive block, located atop the spin tube, facilitates the rotation of the spin basket during the spin cycle.

Motor coupler

Motor coupler

The motor coupler in a washing machine is a flexible link between the motor shaft and the direct-drive transmission. It breaks if the drive system jams, safeguarding the drive motor.

Person making a selection on a front load washing machine Person making a selection on a front load washing machine

What are the parts of a front load washer?

Much like top load washing machines, front load washers have parts that are exclusive to their functionality.

Door lock assembly

Door lock assembly

The door lock securely seals the washer and prevents it from opening during use. It typically engages at the start of the washing cycle.

Door strike

Door strike

The door strike is a small plastic component affixed to the front-load washer door. It fits into a slot in the washer and triggers the door latch, informing the washer that the door is properly closed and the cycle can start.

Door boot

Door boot

The rubber door boot seal in a washing machine creates a barrier between the front of the machine and the tub.

Motor control board

Motor control board

The motor control board dictates the spin speed of the washer.                       

FAQs

How can I tell if a part is broken inside a washing machine?

To help monitor your washing machine's condition, look for these key signs of malfunction: loud banging noises, improper drainage, water leaks, error codes, unusually wet or dry loads and if applicable, a non-spinning drum or a door that won't unlock on front-load models. Consult your owner's manual for troubleshooting tips.

Can I repair my own washing machine or should I call a professional?

If you're inexperienced with washing machine repairs, it's wise to refer to a professional instead of relying solely on the owner's manual. Customers with Amana® washing machines can schedule service conveniently online.

Are Amana® washing machine components interchangeable with other brands?

If you're an Amana® washing machine owner experiencing issues with some components, Amana-specific parts are best for your washer. Using non-Amana brand parts could potentially harm your machine or invalidate your warranty.

For replacement parts for your Amana® washing machine, you can find everything you need on Amana® replacement parts page.

Shop Amana® washing machines

If it’s time for a replacement, Amana has the washing machine functions you need at a price you can afford. Explore select models with large capacity and a dual action agitator.


Learn more with Amana brand