Whirlpool Washer HUB Error Code Troubleshooting

Quick Answer

The HUB error on a Whirlpool washer indicates the basket is not engaging with the drive hub. The most common fix is replacing the plastic drive hub kit located under the wash plate.

When the HUB code shows up, your machine figured out the basket isn't moving when the motor's turning. Don't ignore it, your clothes are just soaking in soapy water and going nowhere. The good news is this is almost always a $20 plastic part, not a motor or board issue. I fix these probably once a week on Whirlpool top-loaders and most homeowners can handle it themselves.

WhirlpoolWasher

About These Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

The HUB error is one of my favorite calls to get because the fix is cheap and surprisingly accessible. That plastic drive hub under your wash plate runs about $20-25 and takes maybe 45 minutes to swap. Whirlpool's VMW top-loaders go through these pretty regularly, especially around the 5-7 year mark. I've replaced probably 50 of these and it almost never turns out to be anything more serious than the hub itself.

Most Common Error Codes

Clogged drain pump filter causing F21 or LD40%

Closed or low-pressure water supply causing LF or F2024%

Lid lock not engaging causing F5 E314%

Non-HE detergent causing 5D suds fault12%

Overloaded tub triggering F7 E1 motor fault10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Clothes come out completely unwashed and soaking wet after a full cycle. The wash plate just sat there the whole time.
You can grab the agitator or wash plate and spin it freely by hand with zero resistance, even with the machine unplugged.
Machine fills and drains just fine, but stops during the agitation phase and throws the HUB code.
A grinding or rattling noise from inside the cabinet right before the error appears.
The basket has a noticeable wobble when you push it side to side by hand.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Flat-head screwdriver (wrapped in masking tape for cap removal)7/16" nut driver or socket wrenchTorx T20 screwdriverMultimeterNeedle-nose pliers

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Turn the dial to the 6 o'clock position, then rotate clockwise 3 clicks, counterclockwise 1 click, clockwise 1 click. All indicator lights will flash to confirm entry into diagnostic mode.

How to Identify Your Error Code

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Drain PumpWP280187 · $28–$45	WP280187	$28 – $45
Water Inlet ValveWPW10346771 · $30–$55	WPW10346771	$30 – $55
Lid Lock AssemblyWPW10619033 · $20–$38	WPW10619033	$20 – $38
Lid SwitchWPW10082853 · $15–$25	WPW10082853	$15 – $25
NTC ThermistorWPW10467289 · $15–$28	WPW10467289	$15 – $28
Drive MotorWPW10661632 · $150–$250	WPW10661632	$150 – $250

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix the HUB error?

Parts are cheap. The drive hub kit runs $15-25 online. Look for part number W10528947 or WPW10528947 for newer machines, or 8573069 for older ones. Do it yourself and that's your whole cost. Call a tech and expect $150-200 for parts and labor since it's about an hour of work. I've seen shops charge $250 for this repair, which is honestly too much when the part costs twenty bucks. This is a solid DIY repair if you've got a basic tool set and about an hour to spare.

Can I keep using the washer with the HUB code showing?

Not really, no. When the code is active, the wash plate or agitator isn't moving, so your clothes are just soaking. You might be able to drain and spin, but the wash cycle is basically useless until it's fixed. Running it that way also isn't doing the motor any favors because it's trying to turn something and meeting either zero resistance or a locked basket. Neither of those is good long term. Just fix the hub. It's a cheap easy repair and you've probably got it solved in an afternoon.

What's the exact part number for the Whirlpool drive hub?

For most Whirlpool VMW top-loaders made after 2010, the part you want is W10528947 or WPW10528947. That's the updated hub kit Whirlpool revised after the original plastic formulation kept failing. Older machines from the early 2000s might need 8573069 instead. When you order, get the full kit and not just the hub itself. The retainer clip and new bolt are usually included and you want fresh hardware on reassembly. This same part fits Maytag, Amana, and Roper machines on the same VMW platform too.

How long does the hub replacement actually take?

First time doing it, give yourself an hour. Once you know the layout it's honestly a 20-25 minute job. The steps are simple: pop the center cap, remove the bolt, lift out the wash plate, swap the hub, put everything back. No water lines to disconnect, no side panels to remove. The only thing that trips people up is getting the wash plate cap off without cracking it. Wrap your flat-head in masking tape so you don't gouge the plastic. Seriously, this is one of the most beginner-friendly washer repairs you'll come across.

Could the HUB error mean my motor or control board is bad?

Possible but pretty unlikely. A bad motor would usually throw an F7 E1 motor fault or an overcurrent code, not a HUB code specifically. The HUB code points to the mechanical connection between the drive shaft and the basket, not motor electronics. That said, if you replace the hub and the code comes back within a few loads, that's when I'd start looking at the motor control board or motor windings. But do the cheap fix first. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people spend $200 on a new motor when a $20 hub was the whole problem.

Do I need to replace the wash plate when I replace the hub?

Usually not. The wash plate just sits on top of the hub and if it's not cracked where it mounts, it'll be fine with a new hub underneath. While you have it out, flip it over and look at the center mounting area. Check for cracks radiating out from the mounting hole. If it looks clean, put it back. If the plastic around the hole is chewed up or you see cracks, grab a replacement while you're ordering the hub anyway. Wash plates run about $30-40 and it makes sense to do both at once since you're already in there.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: F9 E1Whirlpool Washer F9 E1 Error Code: Long Drain Fault Code: 5DWhirlpool Washer 5D Error Code: Excessive Suds Code: F5 E3Whirlpool Washer F5 E3 Error Code: Lid Lock Fault Code: F5 E2Whirlpool Washer F5 E2 Error Code: Door Lock Fault Code: LFWhirlpool Washer LF Error Code: Long Fill Code: F7 E1Whirlpool Washer F7 E1 Error Code: Drive Motor Fault Code: F20What Does F20 Mean on a Whirlpool Washer?Code: F22Whirlpool Washer F22 Error Code: Lid Switch Fault Code: F0 E7Whirlpool Washer F0 E7 Error Code: No Water Detected Code: F3 E1Whirlpool Washer F3 E1 Error Code: Temperature Sensor Fault Code: F8 E6How to Fix Whirlpool Washer F8 E6: Reversed Supply Hoses Code: F6 E3Whirlpool Washer F6 E3 Error Code: Motor Communication Fault Code: RESETHow to Reset a Whirlpool Washer Code: LO FLWhirlpool Washer LO FL Error Code: Low Flow Fault Code: F4 E1Whirlpool Washer F4 E1 Error Code: Heating Fault Code: F27F27 on Whirlpool Washer: Overflow Fault Code: F8 E1Whirlpool Washer F8 E1 Error Code: Low Water Level Code: F4 E4Whirlpool Washer F4 E4 Error Code: Out of Balance Code: RLWhirlpool Washer RL Error Code: Remove Load Code: LOCWhirlpool Washer LOC Error Code: Control Lock Code: LDWhirlpool Washer LD Error Code: Long Drain

Same Fix on Other Brands

Maytag washer5D: Maytag Washer 5D Error Code

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure Maytag washerMaytag F03 E01: Pressure Switch or Water Level Fault Maytag washerMaytag F0 E3 Error: Pressure Switch Malfunction

Models Known to Experience HUB Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WTW4816FW, WTW5000DW, WTW7000DW, WTW8000DW, WTW4850HW, WTW6120HW, WTW5810SW, WTW7300DW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026