Skip to main content

15% Off Selected iFixit Tools — Limited Time
Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Roper Washing Machine Suspension Rod Replacement

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

What you need

    • Open the lid and press straight down on the agitator or wash plate with firm force, then release it.

    • Watch whether the tub recenters immediately without bouncing up or down.

    • Rock the tub side to side and note any excessive play or repeated movement.

    • A healthy suspension springs back to center with no vertical or lateral bounce.

    • Ignoring this issue can let the washer walk across the floor during spin.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Set out a complete suspension rod kit matching part numbers W10189077 or W10820048.

    • Choose OEM or a branded aftermarket such as Supco to avoid weak off-brand rods.

    • Have a six-in-one screwdriver ready and use the ¼-inch nut driver end.

    • Put on one rubber-palmed glove to grip the slippery suspension rods.

    • Keep masking tape nearby to secure the lid once the top is raised.

    • A basic rubber dish glove works as long as it provides good grip.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Remove the two screws located beside the hinge brackets on the back panel.

    • Remove the single screw that secures the power-cord cover plate.

    • Bravos, Cabrio, and many Samsung models use hidden clips released with a putty knife instead of screws.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • From the front, pull the washer top toward you roughly two inches.

    • Lift the top straight up and push it back to disengage it from the rear bracket.

    • If cabinet metal is bent, the motion may feel tight so keep movements small.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Tape the lid to the raised top so it cannot flop while the panel leans against a wall.

    • Add a strip of tape under the panel edge for extra hold and to avoid sticky residue on finished surfaces.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Reach inside the cabinet with the gloved hand and pull the rod upward to free the spring from its cup.

    • Rotate the plastic cup about ninety degrees until it slides out of the housing.

    • Gently lower the loose rod back toward the tub opening.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Tilt the washer onto its side far enough to reach the base without crushing hoses.

    • Pull the rod down through the two chassis holes, wiggling the shepherd’s hook clear.

    • Laying the washer completely flat may let water spill onto the floor.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Feed the new rod up through the same two chassis holes used by the old rod.

    • Rest the lower spring seat on the chassis lip before returning the washer to an upright position.

    • Confirm the rod still passes through both holes once the washer is level.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Swap the original plastic cup and bushing with the new ones supplied in the kit.

    • Lift the tub and seat the rod hook in the new cup, matching the angle required by the replacement cup design.

    • The factory cup may sit at a different angle than the replacement cup. Follow the new cup orientation from the kit.

    • If the tub tension is too high, lay the washer on its side again to reduce resistance.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Repeat the unhook, tilt, remove, and install process for each of the other corners.

    • Limited space inside a laundry closet usually restricts you to one rod at a time.

    • Once the first corner is complete, the remaining rod swaps usually go much faster.

    • Some GE and Samsung tubs include cut-outs that let the rods drop without tilting the cabinet.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Confirm every rod uses matching plastic bushings from the same kit before closing the top.

    • Check that the tub sits perfectly level inside the cabinet.

    • Press down on the agitator again; the tub should return to center without bounce.

    • A missing or mismatched bushing will magnify vibration during spin and must be corrected.

    • Lower the top panel, remove the tape, and reinstall any screws before returning the washer to service.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

Conclusion

Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

Ben Schlichter

Member since: 01/21/25

6,551 Reputation

224 Guides authored

0 Guide Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 20

Past 30 Days: 83

All Time: 295