Proper Operation
Learn how your appliance is supposed to operate so you can determine if it is malfunctioning.


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GE Water Pump

Normal Operation

GE Water Pump

The water pump is accessable from the rear of the washer. It is mounted to the left under the tub. The motor drives the pump via aflexible coupling because the motor is mounted on a suspension thatcan move with respect to the pump. The pump moves water out to thedrain at the end of and during spin cycles and recirculates it duringthe agitate and rinse cycles. The pump has two chambers; one for pumpout and the other for recirculation. Each chamber has its own impeller. When the motor is turning in the clockwise direction, theupper chamber's impeller is recirculating water in the tub foragitate and rinse. Rotating the pump in the counterclockwise movesthe water out of the tub into the sewer drain. The following photo shows the motor, coupler and pump stack:

Problem Discussion

The most common failure point in the water pump is the seal around the shaft. If water is seaping out around the pump shaft and isthrown around by the coupler whenever the motor runs, you will need to replace the pump.

Procedures for Replacing the Water Pump

  1. Run the washer in the drain cycle to get as much water out of the tub as possible.
  2. MAKE SURE THE WASHER IS UNPLUGGED.
  3. You will be working behind the machine. Depending on how much room you want to work in, you can leave the hoses on and crawl back behind the washer or remove the hoses and move the washer out where you have more room.
  4. Remove the rear access cover.
  5. Use a 1/4" nut driver to loosen the screw on the top clamp on the pump coupler and then pull the coupler off the pump.
  6. Note the routing of the hoses to each of the four pump ports. Get ready for some water to come out when you disconnect the hoses, especially the drain hose. Slide the hose clamps back on the hoses using a Claburn clamp pliers and remove the four hoses.
  7. There are three screws that hold the pump on the underside of the outer tub. Use a socket wrench to remove the screws. The back two are a tight fit so get ready to stand on your head to get to them. This will free the pump.
  8. Position the new pump where the old one was and replace the three screws.
  9. Replace the four hoses and the pump coupling clamp.
  10. Replace the rear access panel and the hoses if you disconnected them. Check for proper operation.