How to Replace 285790 Washer Clutch Band & Lining Kit on Whirlpool Washers — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool washer finished the wash cycle, but when you open the lid, your clothes are soaking wet and barely spun. Or maybe the tub won't agitate at all — it just fills with water and sits there. If you hear the motor running but nothing's happening in the drum, you're looking at a worn clutch band and lining assembly. The 285790 kit fixes both problems, and replacing it yourself beats a $300 service call.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair takes about an hour once you've got the washer tipped back. Here's what you'll need:

• 1/4" nut driver or socket set
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Work gloves (the clutch gets greasy)
• Old towels to protect your floor
• Someone to help tip the washer (it's heavy)

Time Required: 45-60 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate — You'll need to access the bottom of the washer, but the actual replacement is straightforward.

Safety First

Unplug the washer completely before you start. Don't just turn off the dial — pull the plug from the wall. You'll be working around the motor and clutch assembly, and you don't want anything unexpected to happen. Also, get help tipping the washer. These machines weigh 150-200 pounds, and doing it solo is asking for a back injury or a dropped washer.

Step 1: Access the Bottom of the Washer

You need to tip the washer backward to reach the clutch assembly underneath. Lay old towels on the floor behind the washer to protect both the floor and the machine. With help, carefully tip the washer back so it's resting at about a 45-degree angle against the wall. The clutch assembly sits directly under the basket, connected to the motor and transmission. You'll see a metal band wrapped around a drum — that's your clutch.

Step 2: Remove the Old Clutch Band

The clutch band is held in place by a spring that creates tension. Look for the spring attachment point on the band. Use needle-nose pliers to unhook the spring — it'll be under tension, so it might snap back when released. Once the spring is off, the old band will come loose from around the clutch drum. Pull it away and inspect the lining. If it's worn smooth or has chunks missing, that's why your washer won't spin properly.

Step 3: Clean the Clutch Drum Surface

Before installing the new band, wipe down the clutch drum with a clean rag. Remove any old lining material, grease, or debris. The new lining needs clean metal to grip properly. Don't use any lubricants or cleaners — just a dry or slightly damp cloth. Check that the drum spins freely without binding.

Step 4: Install the New Clutch Band and Lining

Wrap the new 285790 clutch band around the drum with the lining material facing inward toward the metal surface. Position it so the spring attachment points line up with the mounting holes. Hook one end of the spring into place first, then use the needle-nose pliers to stretch and hook the other end. You'll need some force here — the spring tension is what makes the clutch engage during the spin cycle. Make sure the band sits evenly all the way around with no twists or gaps.

Step 5: Test the Clutch Operation

Before you lower the washer back down, manually rotate the clutch drum to make sure the band engages and releases smoothly. It should tighten when rotated one direction and loosen slightly when rotated the other way. That's the clutch doing its job. If it binds or feels loose all the way around, recheck your spring installation.

Step 6: Return Washer to Upright Position and Test

Carefully lower the washer back to its normal upright position. Plug it back in and run a spin-only cycle with no clothes. Listen for unusual noises — you should hear the motor engage smoothly and the drum should spin up to full speed within a few seconds. Then run a complete wash cycle with a small load to verify both agitation and spin are working correctly.

Testing After Installation

Run a full cycle with towels or old clothes. The washer should agitate normally during wash, then transition smoothly into a fast spin that leaves clothes damp but not dripping. If the spin is still weak, double-check that the clutch spring is properly tensioned. A loose spring won't create enough friction for the clutch to engage fully. Also verify the motor coupling hasn't failed — that's a separate part that can cause similar symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my clutch band is worn out?

The two main signs are slow spinning (clothes stay soaking wet) or no agitation during the wash cycle. You might also hear the motor running but see no movement in the tub. Pull the old band off and look at the lining material — if it's worn smooth like a bald tire or has pieces missing, it's done. Normal lining should have some texture and even wear across the surface.

Will this work on my Kenmore 110 series washer?

Yes, if your model number matches the compatibility list. The 285790 kit fits dozens of Whirlpool-built washers sold under Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid brands. Check your model number against the list on the product page — models like 11010852990, 11013212200, and 11015942400 are confirmed fits. If your washer is from the early 2000s to mid-2010s and is a top-load with a direct-drive motor, this is likely your part.

Can I replace just the lining without replacing the whole band?

Technically yes, but it's not worth the hassle. The 285790 kit includes both the band and pre-attached lining for about $42. Trying to source and glue new lining material onto your old band will cost nearly as much and won't last as long. Plus, if the lining wore out, the metal band itself has probably weakened from heat and stress. Replace the whole assembly and know it's done right.