How to Replace W10250667 Tub Counter Balance Spring on Whirlpool Washer — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool washer sounds like it's about to walk across the laundry room during spin cycle, and you've noticed puddles forming underneath. Before you call for expensive service, there's a good chance you're dealing with a worn-out tub counter balance spring. One user fixed this exact issue and joked that his wife said he "should do appliance repair on spare time and make money" — that's how straightforward this repair actually is.

The W10250667 counter balance spring keeps your washer tub centered and stable during operation. When it fails from normal wear and tear, you'll see shaking, spinning problems, and sometimes water leaking from the excessive movement. This part fits Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid washers too — models like 11014112300, 11014202300, and 11014212200 all use this same spring.

What You Need Before Starting

Here's what to grab before you start:

• Pliers (needle-nose work best for hooking the spring)
• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flat-head)
• Socket set (typically 1/4" or 5/16")
• Work gloves (those springs have tension)
• Flashlight or work light

Time commitment: 30-60 minutes depending on your model

Difficulty: Moderate — You'll need to remove the cabinet and work with spring tension

Safety First

Unplug your washer completely before starting. These counter balance springs are under serious tension — they can snap back and cause injury if you're not careful. Wear work gloves and safety glasses. Also, you might want to drain any remaining water from the tub before tilting or moving things around.

Step 1: Remove the Washer Cabinet

Pop off the top panel by removing the screws at the back edge, then slide it toward you and lift. Next, remove the front panel screws (usually hidden under the control panel or behind plugs). On most Whirlpool models, you'll need to disconnect the door lock wiring harness. Take a photo with your phone before disconnecting anything — trust me, you'll thank yourself during reassembly.

Step 2: Locate the Failed Spring

With the cabinet off, you'll see the tub suspended by springs at each corner. Look for the broken or stretched spring — it's usually obvious which one failed. The springs run from the tub frame down to the washer base. If one's broken, consider replacing all four while you're in there. They wear at similar rates, and you don't want to repeat this job in three months.

Step 3: Release the Old Spring

Use your pliers to carefully unhook the failed spring from the top mounting point on the tub. There's still tension even in a stretched spring, so control it as you release. Then unhook the bottom end from the base frame. Some models use a hook design, others thread through an eyelet — yours will be apparent once you see it.

Step 4: Install the New W10250667 Spring

Here's where those pliers earn their keep. Hook the bottom end first — attach it to the base frame mounting point. Then comes the tricky part: stretching the spring up to the tub frame hook. As one DIYer described it, you'll use pliers to "pull the spring to hook into the proper hole." Pull steadily, not in jerks. The spring needs to seat fully in the hook or eyelet. You'll feel it click or snap into place when it's right.

Step 5: Check Your Work and Reassemble

Before you button everything up, manually rotate the tub and check that it moves smoothly and sits level. All four springs should have similar tension. Reconnect any wiring harnesses you disconnected (see that photo you took?), then reverse the cabinet removal process. Front panel first, then top panel.

Testing After Installation

Plug in your washer and run an empty cycle on the highest spin speed. Watch for the first few minutes — the tub should stay centered without excessive shaking or walking. Listen for any unusual noises. If everything's quiet and stable, you're golden. The leaking should stop too, since the tub's no longer banging around and stressing the door seal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I replace all four springs at once?

It's not required, but highly recommended. When one spring fails after years of use, the others aren't far behind. Replacing all four now prevents you from tearing down the cabinet again in a few months. Plus you'll get more balanced performance with four fresh springs instead of mixing old and new.

Why is my washer shaking even with new springs?

Check the tub wear pads while you're in there. These plastic or felt pads prevent metal-on-metal contact between the tub and frame. If they're worn through, you'll still get noise and movement even with perfect springs. Many folks replace both at the same time.

Can I use this spring on Kenmore models?

Absolutely. The W10250667 is the OEM part used across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid washers. Models like 11014112300, 11010202001, and 11012852100 all use this identical spring. Just verify your model number on the rating plate inside the door.