How to Replace W10247710 Suspension Rod Kit on Whirlpool Maytag Washer — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool WTW7800XW is making a horrific banging sound during spin cycle, and the entire machine is practically walking across your laundry room floor. You've checked — nothing's stuck in the drum, the load is balanced, but the washer keeps slamming around like it's trying to escape. Nine times out of ten, you're looking at failed suspension rods. These four rods are what keep your washer drum stable during the violent spinning motion, and when they wear out or break, your washer turns into a percussion instrument.

The W10247710 kit includes all four suspension rods you need to restore stability. This repair works on dozens of Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore top-load washers including the WTW7800XW series, WTW7600XW models, and many others. If you're mechanically inclined and have basic tools, you can knock this out in under two hours and save yourself a $300+ service call.

What You Need Before Starting

• 7/16" socket or nut driver
• 1/2" socket or nut driver
• Ratchet with extension
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Work gloves (those springs bite)
• Helper (makes reassembly much easier)

Estimated Time: 90-120 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate — requires some strength and patience with spring tension

Safety First

Unplug the washer completely before starting — no exceptions. These machines have heavy components that can cause serious injury if they shift unexpectedly. The suspension rods are under spring tension, so keep your hands clear when disconnecting them. Wear work gloves because the spring ends are sharp and will catch your skin. If you have a bad back, get help lifting the cabinet — it's awkward and heavier than it looks.

Step 1: Remove the Washer Cabinet

Pop off the three caps along the top back edge of the washer. Behind each cap is a 7/16" hex screw — remove all three. Now grab the cabinet at the top corners and pull it straight up and toward you. It'll resist at first, then release from the clips at the bottom. Set it aside carefully. You'll now see the washer's guts — the metal frame, tub, and those four suspension rods running from the corners of the frame down to the base.

Step 2: Disconnect the Upper Rod Connections

Each rod connects at the top to the frame with a ball socket arrangement. You'll see a spring holding tension between the rod and frame bracket. Using needle-nose pliers, carefully unhook the spring from the frame bracket. The rod will want to drop suddenly, so control it. Once the spring is off, wiggle the ball end of the rod out of the socket. Do this for all four rods. Mark or remember which rod came from which corner — they're often the same, but it keeps things organized.

Step 3: Release the Lower Rod Attachments

The bottom of each rod bolts to the base frame. You'll need a 1/2" socket with a decent extension to reach these bolts — they're recessed and tight. Remove the bolt from each rod's lower bracket. The old rods will now be completely free. Pull them out and inspect them. You'll likely see cracked rubber bushings, worn ball sockets, or completely broken rod ends. That's what was causing your washer to go nuts.

Step 4: Install New Suspension Rods

Start with the lower brackets first. Position each new rod's lower bracket and thread in the 1/2" bolt. Don't fully tighten yet — leave them slightly loose so you have adjustment room when connecting the tops. Now comes the fun part. Lift the tub slightly (this is where a helper is gold) to reduce tension, then fit the ball end of the rod into the upper socket. Hook the spring between the rod and frame bracket. You'll need to compress or stretch the spring to get it in place — use pliers and watch your fingers. Repeat for all four corners.

Step 5: Tighten and Test Movement

Once all four rods are connected top and bottom, go back and fully tighten those lower bracket bolts. Make sure they're snug but don't strip the threads. Now manually rock the wash tub side to side and front to back. It should move smoothly with resistance from the new rods, not clunk or bang. If everything feels stable and the tub returns to center, you're good. Slide the cabinet back over the frame, making sure it engages the lower clips. Replace the three top screws and snap the caps back on.

Testing After Installation

Plug the washer back in and run a test cycle with a balanced load of towels. Listen during agitation and especially during spin. You shouldn't hear any banging or excessive vibration. The washer should stay put instead of walking across the floor. If you still get noise, double-check that all four springs are properly hooked and all bolts are tight. Sometimes a spring can slip off during installation if it wasn't fully seated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace all four rods even if only one is broken?

Yes, absolutely. The W10247710 kit includes all four rods for a reason. If one has failed, the others are the same age and under the same stress — they're all on borrowed time. Replacing just one leaves you with mismatched suspension that won't balance properly, and you'll be taking the cabinet off again in six months when another one breaks. Do them all now while you're in there.

Will this kit work on my Kenmore washer model 110.28002?

Check the compatibility list on the product page, but this kit fits most Whirlpool-manufactured washers sold under Kenmore, Whirlpool, and Maytag brands. The model numbers starting with 110 are typically Kenmore-branded Whirlpool machines. The best confirmation is to pull your cabinet and look at the existing rods — if they have the ball-socket style connection at the top, this kit will work.

Can I do this repair without a helper?

You can, but it's miserable. The hardest part is connecting those upper springs while the tub is under tension. A helper can lift the tub slightly to give you slack, making spring installation way easier. If you're solo, you can use a ratchet strap around the tub to lift it, but honestly, just bribe a friend with beer and pizza. It'll save you an hour of frustration and some colorful language.