How to Replace the Turntable Motor Spacer in Your Whirlpool Microwave

The turntable motor spacer protects the motor from moisture that can build up in your appliance. If it’s missing or broken, the motor may short out or malfunction. Order replacement part #8184109 for the right turntable motor spacer for your Whirlpool microwave. Then follow these steps to install it.

1. Unplug your microwave.

During this repair, you will be disconnecting wires. Make sure the appliance is completely unplugged from any power source before you get started.

2. Access the turntable motor.

Remove the glass cooking tray and the support ring so they don’t break during the repair. Then tilt the appliance onto its back.

Loosen and remove the screws holding the bottom cover in place. Tilt the top of the cover forward so you can access the wires underneath it. Disconnect the wire harnesses in the middle by prying them apart with a flathead screwdriver. Also, disconnect the power plug’s wire harness on the right side. Then you can set the bottom cover aside.

3. Replace the motor spacer.

Remove the screws holding the turntable motor in place and remove the part. Set it on a flat work surface and locate the spacer on the shaft. Pull it free by hand. Slide the new spacer onto the motor shaft. The hole in the spacer has been cut out but not fully removed, so the excess material will pop free when you push it down the shaft.

Once the new part is in place. Put the turntable motor back in position on the bottom of the microwave and secure it with the two screws.

4. Reassemble the microwave.

Hold the bottom cover near the bottom of the microwave. Slide the bottom edge into the groove. Then reattach the power wire harness on the right, as well as the two harnesses in the center. The wires are interchangeable on most models, so it doesn’t matter which motor terminals you attach them to. After that, tilt the cover until it’s flush against the bottom and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.

Tilt the microwave back upright. Then open the door and insert the support ring and cooking tray.

If you have more repairs you want to make on your microwave or other major appliances, go to Central Valley Appliance here.