VKXR4100T2WW Hotpoint Washer - Instructions

First removed front washer access panel.
Next: removed top panel torx screws and disconnected lid switch wiring connector
Next: removed washer top/lid
Next: removed inoperative lid switch (two phillips head screws)
Next: installed new lid switch and screws
Next: installed washer top and connected lid switch wire connector
Next: installed control panel and screws
Next: tested installation
Next: installed front washer access panel
Easy repair. FYI, Parts Select had best price and part arrived within two days of ordering! Highly recommend them for your parts.

I too the front knob off the timer, took the screws out of the top of the panel, unpluged the timer and plugged the new timer in, removed the old timer one screw and pulled the old one out, reversing the process to get the new timer mounted, replaced the panel, replaced the timer knob and finished the job in about ten min.
It is not rocket science, well I confess, I once worked on rockets and their components, so it was real easy for me.

Remove the timer control knob, remove the top 4 screws of the control panel, pull the control panel forward, unscrew the ground screw, unscrew the screw holding the timer to the control panel and then do the reverse to install the new one. Easy peasy.

The first thought regarding the light rumble during the spin cycle is that the bearing was going bad. Many of the other inputs on replacing the bearing included the problem with removal of the Hub Nut. Only one article noted a set of assembly instruction for the washer is clipped onto the upper rear panel behind the control knobs, but I did not see this comment until later. Not being sure where to start with diassembling the washer, I began by taking off the control panel and to my pleasant surprise I found a neatly folded set of detailed instructions. Following the instructions, I proceeded to quickly disassemble the washer until I got to the HUB NUT. The Hub Nut is an aluminum, 1 -11/16 inch, left hand threaded problem. My tool selection is somewhat limited, so after unsuccessfully attaching it with grippers and vice grips, supported with the liberal aid of a rubber mallet and plenty of WD40, I went looking for something with which I could a better grip on the hub nut. The grippers and vice grips would slide a bit when hit with the mallet. Also since the space is very restricted, a large wrench could not be used. I located a 9-inch pipe wrench, and with the rubber mallet the Hub Nut finally loosened after just a few hits. I replaced the old bearing which appeared to be in fair condition. While replacing the bearing has not solved my noise problem, I thought that my experience with the pipe wrench benefit someone else in their efforts to get the hub nut off without using a chisel.

Take off front. Take off top. Pull off agitator. Pull off agitator coupler, after removing bolt holding in place. Attempt to remove hub nut, no joy. Wound up cutting the nut with a Dremel tool and chiseling the nut off. Closer inspection revealed a bad transmission. Due to the cost of the transmission, we will continue to use the machine until it completely fails.

I work in hvac, I more or less understand the older electro mechanical non electronic machines so I gave diagnosis a stab. I already knew that the water level switch could cause problems. I noted that the hot and cold water fill valve solenoids DID shut off tightly. While testing, I tried blowing and sucking on switch hose port and listened for a clear click; no click. At this point you replace the switch just to be sure. I blew out on outlet side of vinyl tubing going into water in tub. Used model and serial number to locate part on website. I physically removed water level switch (you twist it off by gently prying under a tab and turning 90 degrees) or else remove switch with short mini philips. I very carefully compared the removed switch visually to the very good multiple multi position photos on website. That showed me that the switches looked the same. So when I orderred the part I was 98% sure it was right. The part arrived and was correct. I installed it in 5 minutes, tested it with different levels. Machine repaired! Recorded part number in computer notes.