How to Replace W10528947 Washer Basket Drive Hub Kit on Whirlpool Top-Load Washers — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool top-load washer's making a grinding noise during the spin cycle, and you're pretty sure something's wrong down below the basket. You're probably right — the basket drive hub kit is one of those parts that fails quietly at first, then loudly announces its complete breakdown. If your WTW4950HW1 or MVWC360AW0 is struggling to spin clothes dry or sounds like it's chewing gravel, this hub kit is likely your culprit.

The basket drive hub connects your washer basket to the drive system. When it wears out or cracks, the basket can't spin properly. You'll end up with soaking wet clothes and a machine that's essentially given up on its primary job.

What You Need Before Starting

This is a moderate repair that'll take about an hour if you're methodical. Here's what you need:

• Socket wrench set (particularly 7/16" socket)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flathead screwdriver
• Spanner wrench or strap wrench
• Towels (there's always residual water)
• Work gloves

Repair Time: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty: MODERATE

Safety First

Unplug the washer completely before you start. Not just turning it off — actually pull the plug from the wall. You're going to be working deep inside the machine, and you don't want the motor deciding to kick on while your hands are in there. Also, turn off the water supply valves behind the machine. You won't be touching the water lines, but it's better to be safe when you're tilting the washer around.

Step 1: Remove the Agitator and Fabric Softener Dispenser

Open the lid and pull straight up on the fabric softener dispenser if your model has one — it usually just pops out. Then grab the agitator cap (the decorative top piece) and unscrew it counterclockwise. Some models have a bolt underneath, so check before you yank. Once the cap's off, you'll see either a bolt or a retaining nut holding the agitator barrel. Remove it with your socket wrench, then pull the agitator straight up. It might resist — wiggle it side to side while pulling up.

Step 2: Access the Basket Drive Hub

Now you're staring down into the tub. You'll see a large nut holding the wash basket in place — this is what your spanner wrench is for. The trick here is that you need to hold the basket still while unscrewing this nut. Wedge a block of wood or a thick towel between the basket and the tub wall to keep it from spinning. Turn the nut counterclockwise (might take some force — these get tight from years of vibration).

Step 3: Lift Out the Wash Basket

With the retaining nut removed, the entire wash basket should lift straight up and out. It's not super heavy, but it's awkward — get a good grip on the sides. Set it somewhere safe where it won't roll away. Now you can see the drive hub sitting on the shaft below. This is what you're replacing.

Step 4: Remove the Old Drive Hub Kit

The old hub might pull right off, or it might be stuck from corrosion and detergent buildup. If it's stuck, use your flathead screwdriver carefully to pry it up evenly from different sides. Check the shaft for any damage or debris — wipe it clean with a towel before installing the new part. The W10528947 kit includes the hub, the cam assembly, and usually the retaining ring.

Step 5: Install the New W10528947 Hub Kit

Slide the new drive hub onto the shaft, making sure it seats completely. The cam piece should fit snugly into the hub. Install the retaining ring by working it into the groove on the shaft — this keeps everything locked in place. Make sure it's fully seated in the groove all the way around (use your needle-nose pliers to adjust if needed). Now reverse your disassembly: lower the basket back onto the hub, thread on the basket nut, reinstall the agitator, and pop the cap back on.

Testing After Installation

Plug the washer back in and run a spin cycle without any clothes. Listen for grinding or unusual noises — you should hear smooth operation. The basket should spin freely and come to a gradual stop when the cycle ends. Run a small test load to make sure everything's working properly. Your clothes should come out much drier than they have been.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my basket drive hub is bad?

The most common signs are grinding noises during spin, clothes staying soaking wet after the cycle, or the basket wobbling excessively. Sometimes you'll hear a loud bang as the hub completely breaks. If you remove the agitator and see cracks in the hub or the basket moves independently from the shaft below it, the hub's done.

Will this W10528947 kit fit my Kenmore washer?

Yes, if your Kenmore is actually manufactured by Whirlpool (most are). Check your model number against the compatibility list — models like WTW4950HW0, WTW4850HW0, and the Maytag MVWC360AW0 are confirmed fits. The part also replaces AP5665171, W10396887, and PS6012095, so if you find any of those numbers referenced in your manual, you're good to go.

Do I need to replace anything else while I'm in there?

Smart thinking. While you've got the basket out, inspect the drive block (the plastic piece that sits under the agitator) and the tub seal. If the drive block is worn or cracked, replace it now — you're already 90% of the way there. If you see water or rust around the tub seal, that's another repair for another day, but good to know about before it floods your laundry room.