Introduction
Use this guide if your Roper top-load washer bounces, walks across the floor, or thumps during spin. Replacing the worn suspension rods restores tub stability and helps protect the cabinet, hoses, and floor. These instructions also apply to many Whirlpool-built Amana, Whirlpool, and Maytag Bravos/Cabrio models that use rod kit W10189077 / W10820048.
What you need
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Step 1 Check the suspension rods
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Open the lid and press straight down on the agitator or wash plate with firm force, then release it.
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Watch whether the tub recenters immediately without bouncing up or down.
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Rock the tub side to side and note any excessive play or repeated movement.
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Step 2 Gather the rod kit and tools
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Set out a complete suspension rod kit matching part numbers W10189077 or W10820048.
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Choose OEM or a branded aftermarket such as Supco to avoid weak off-brand rods.
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Have a six-in-one screwdriver ready and use the ¼-inch nut driver end.
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Put on one rubber-palmed glove to grip the slippery suspension rods.
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Keep masking tape nearby to secure the lid once the top is raised.
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Step 3 Remove the rear top screws
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Remove the two screws located beside the hinge brackets on the back panel.
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Remove the single screw that secures the power-cord cover plate.
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Step 4 Open the top panel
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From the front, pull the washer top toward you roughly two inches.
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Lift the top straight up and push it back to disengage it from the rear bracket.
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Step 5 Tape the lid closed
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Tape the lid to the raised top so it cannot flop while the panel leans against a wall.
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Add a strip of tape under the panel edge for extra hold and to avoid sticky residue on finished surfaces.
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Step 6 Release the first rod
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Reach inside the cabinet with the gloved hand and pull the rod upward to free the spring from its cup.
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Rotate the plastic cup about ninety degrees until it slides out of the housing.
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Gently lower the loose rod back toward the tub opening.
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Step 7 Remove the old rod
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Tilt the washer onto its side far enough to reach the base without crushing hoses.
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Pull the rod down through the two chassis holes, wiggling the shepherd’s hook clear.
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Step 8 Install the new rod
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Feed the new rod up through the same two chassis holes used by the old rod.
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Rest the lower spring seat on the chassis lip before returning the washer to an upright position.
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Step 9 Hook the rod into the new cup
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Swap the original plastic cup and bushing with the new ones supplied in the kit.
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Lift the tub and seat the rod hook in the new cup, matching the angle required by the replacement cup design.
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Step 10 Replace the remaining rods
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Repeat the unhook, tilt, remove, and install process for each of the other corners.
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Limited space inside a laundry closet usually restricts you to one rod at a time.
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Step 11 Check the tub level and test the repair
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Confirm every rod uses matching plastic bushings from the same kit before closing the top.
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Check that the tub sits perfectly level inside the cabinet.
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Press down on the agitator again; the tub should return to center without bounce.
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Lower the top panel, remove the tape, and reinstall any screws before returning the washer to service.
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Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.