change door boot on maytag neptune?

Maytag Neptune MAH5500B.
Remove the washer door by unscrewing the 2 screws at the hinges. Remove the other 2 screws on the opposite side of the door opening as well. Set aside the door and remove the front panel by pulling at the sides. Set aside the front panel and using a 5/16 hex driver, remove the 2 screws underneath on the left and right sides to detach the top panel. Remove the 4 screws fastening the dispenser bezel to the top of the washer cover. Remove the dispenser Bezel and set aside. Carefully lift the front of the top cover vertically, until the top cover leans back and it will remain vertical on its own. You may have to pull the washer forward to allow sufficient room to lean the top cover back.
To remove the front shroud, unscrew the 2 hex screws at the door latch and remove the door latch assembly by lifting it up and out. With all wires still attached, set it on top of the dispenser area to keep it out of the way. Pull on the lip of the boot around the opening until it "snaps" off, the rest of it will come off easily. Remove the shroud and set it aside.
The Spring and cable that hold the back of the boot to the drum can be seen from the top of the machine. You must hold the cable in place while stretching the spring to remove the assembly. I used the latch part of a dog leash to pull on the hook of the spring. Make sure you don't kink or bend the cable or loops.
Remove the boot and put the new one on. Make sure to remove the plug in the drain first. Make sure all of the notches are lined up and run the cable around the outside of the boot. Place the spring on one end of the cable and hold down the other end of the cable while you stretch the spring hook to meet the loop. Make sure you keep the spring as close to the boot as possible when you do this, if you lift it just a little, the boot will slip back off. I used the dog leash again here.
Put the front shroud back on and pop the boot into place lining up the notches starting at 12 and going clockwise and counterclockwise to the bottom from there. Use a little windex on the between the boot and shroud to help it slide into place. You'll have to push pretty good to get it in. Hook up the drain at the bottom of the boot.
Reinstall the door latch, top panel, front panel.

It helps to take pictures or write notes so you know what you did.

Rosie
July 2007