How to Replace 8540024 Washer Drain Pump on Whirlpool Front-Load Washers — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool washer just finished the wash cycle, but there's still a tub full of soapy water. The drain pump makes a humming noise, or maybe it's completely silent. Either way, nothing's draining. On front-load models like the WFW8300SW or WFW9150WW, a failed drain pump is one of the most common reasons for standing water. The 8540024 pump assembly is what moves that water out through the drain hose, and when it fails, your laundry day stops cold.

What You Need Before Starting

This is a straightforward replacement once you get access to the pump. Here's what you'll need:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver or panel tool
• Towels (you'll be dealing with trapped water)
• Small bucket or shallow pan
• Pliers (for hose clamps)
• Work gloves

Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate — Requires removing the lower panel and working with hose clamps

Safety First

Unplug the washer completely before starting any repair work. There's still electrical current running to the pump motor even when the washer is off. You'll also want to turn off the water supply valves behind the machine. Expect residual water in the pump housing and drain hoses — that's why the towels are essential. If your washer's been sitting with standing water, be prepared for some unpleasant smells when you open the pump area.

Step 1: Access the Lower Front Panel

On Whirlpool front-loaders, the drain pump sits behind the lower front panel. Open the small access door at the bottom front of the washer (if your model has one). You'll see the drain pump filter. Remove this filter first — water will drain out, so have your pan ready. Now remove the screws securing the entire lower panel (usually 3-4 Phillips screws along the bottom edge). Some models use clips instead of screws on the sides. Gently pull the panel forward and lift it away.

Step 2: Drain Remaining Water and Disconnect Hoses

You'll see the drain pump with two or three hoses connected to it. Place your bucket underneath. Use pliers to squeeze the wire clamps on each hose and slide them back. Pull the hoses off the pump — more water will come out, so go slow. The main inlet hose (from the tub) typically has the most residual water. Check inside these hoses while they're off. I've found socks, coins, and all kinds of debris blocking the pump inlet.

Step 3: Disconnect the Electrical Connector

The pump motor has a wire harness connector plugged into it. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off. Don't yank on the wires themselves. On some WFW models, you might need to release a secondary bracket that holds the wire harness in place. Take a quick photo with your phone before disconnecting anything — it helps during reassembly.

Step 4: Remove the Old Pump Assembly

The pump is held in place by a mounting bracket with 2-3 screws. Remove these screws and the pump will come free. Twist it slightly to clear any mounting tabs. Pull the old pump out. Before you toss it, check the impeller area by looking through the inlet port. A seized impeller or one jammed with debris confirms this was your problem. The 8540024 replacement comes as a complete assembly, so you don't need to transfer anything from the old pump.

Step 5: Install the New 8540024 Pump

Position the new pump into the mounting bracket. Make sure any alignment tabs line up with the bracket slots. Secure it with the mounting screws — don't overtighten or you'll crack the plastic housing. Reconnect the wire harness until it clicks. Now reattach the hoses, working from the pump outlet back to the inlet. Slide those wire clamps back into position over each connection point. Give each hose a firm tug to make sure it's seated properly.

Testing After Installation

Reinstall the lower panel and pump filter. Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply. Run a drain and spin cycle (no clothes). Watch through the panel area for any leaks at the hose connections. Listen for the pump — you should hear a smooth, steady motor sound, not grinding or humming. Let it run for a full minute. Once water starts draining out the drain hose consistently, you're good. Run one more quick cycle with a small load to confirm everything's working under normal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this 8540024 pump work on my Kenmore washer?

Yes, this pump replaces W10130913, W10117829, and several other part numbers used across Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Maytag front-load washers. Check your model number against the compatibility list. Models like the Kenmore 796 series that are manufactured by Whirlpool use this same pump design.

How do I know if my pump is bad or if it's just clogged?

Remove the drain pump filter and look for debris. If it's clogged with lint or small objects, clean it out and test the washer. If the pump makes a humming noise but doesn't drain, or if it's completely silent when it should be running, the motor itself has likely failed. You can also manually spin the impeller (with the washer unplugged) — it should rotate freely. If it's seized or rough, the pump needs replacement.

Can I test the pump motor before buying a replacement?

Yes. Disconnect the hoses and pull the pump out. Use a multimeter to check continuity across the motor terminals — you should see 5-15 ohms of resistance. Infinite resistance means the motor winding is open. You can also connect the pump directly to 120V AC (with extreme caution) to see if the motor runs, but honestly, if you're already that far into the repair, just replace it. These pumps typically last 5-8 years before the motor bearings wear out.