Kenmore 110.46742700 Washer Door Boot Front Clamp — What It Does & How to Replace It
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Understanding the Problem
Brief explanation: The door boot front clamp (aka bellow clamp or retaining band) secures the rubber door boot (bellow) to the front tub/housing around the door opening. If the clamp fails, the boot can pull away and allow leaks, cause a bad seal, or let small items get stuck between the boot and tub. Replacement is usually quick and inexpensive. Step-by-step diagnosis and repair: 1) Confirm the symptom — look for water on the floor after a cycle, wet floor at the washer front after spinning/rinsing, visible gap between the boot lip and tub, or a loose/corroded clamp. Also check the boot for tears or deformation. 2) Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply. For safety, move the washer away from the wall if needed to access the rear disconnects. 3) Open the washer door and inspect the boot circumference. Use a flashlight to look for a missing or broken clamp, or a gap between the boot and the metal flange of the front tub. 4) Identify clamp type — most machines use either a spring (wire) clamp, a flat metal C-clip, or a screw-type hose clamp. Note the orientation so you can reinstall the new clamp in the same position. 5) Remove the old clamp: - For a spring/wire clamp: use needle-nose pliers to compress the clamp ears and rotate/pull it off the groove. - For a C-clip or snap clamp: use a thin flat screwdriver to pry the clip out of its groove, working a little at a time. - For a screw hose clamp: loosen the screw with a screwdriver until the clamp can be slipped off. 6) If the boot is damaged, remove it entirely (pull the boot lip off the tub flange and then off the door ring) and replace the boot at this time. If the boot is good, clean the tub flange and boot lip — remove soap scum, lint, and rust so the new clamp seats properly. 7) Install the new clamp: seat the boot lip fully into the tub groove, position the clamp evenly over the groove, then fasten - For spring clamps: compress the clamp and slide it into the groove; release so it snaps into place. - For C-clips: press the clip back into the groove until it seats fully around the circumference. - For screw clamps: position and tighten the screw until snug (do not over-tighten and cut the boot). 8) Check the seal by gently pulling the boot near the clamp to confirm it is secure. Reconnect power and water, run a short drain/spin or quick rinse with towels in the drum to test for leaks. 9) If leaks persist, recheck clamp seating and boot condition; replace the boot if it is torn or hardened. Safety note: Always unplug the washer and turn off water before working on the boot. Wear gloves when handling clamps (they can spring or have sharp edges). If you must tilt or move the washer, get help — these units are heavy.
Common Symptoms
Water leaking from the front during wash/spin, visible gap between boot and tub, boot slipping or sagging, wet floor after cycles.
Common Causes
- Corroded, broken or stretched clamp that no longer holds the boot tightly
- Improper or loose installation of the clamp or boot after a previous repair
- Torn, hardened, or deformed door boot (bellow) that allows the clamp to slip
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
To confirm the clamp is faulty, gently pull on the boot lip where it meets the tub; if the boot lifts away or you see a gap or a broken clamp segment, the clamp needs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which clamp type I need for my Kenmore 110.46742700?
Open the door and inspect the clamp at the edge of the boot — the clamp will be either a spring/wire clamp with two ears, a flat C‑style retaining clip seated in a groove, or a screw-type hose clamp. If unsure, note the washer model (110.46742700) and order the boot clamp listed for that model or bring a photo to your parts supplier. Measure the tub flange diameter if using a universal clamp.
Can I replace the clamp without replacing the whole boot?
Yes — if the boot is intact and flexible and there are no tears, you can replace just the clamp. Clean the mating surfaces before installing the new clamp to ensure a proper seal. Replace the boot if it shows signs of damage, hardening, or permanent deformation.
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