I found an easy and inexpensive way to replace the spring-loaded wire loop that clamps the bellows/seal on front loading washing machines. On my LG machine this worked for both the inner and outer wire loop on the first try without removing the front panel. (I had removed the seal to clear the seal drain tube and clean up the mildew that had accumulated while the tube was clogged. Then, before coming up with this solution, struggled into the wee hours of the morning with various attempts at replacing the loop).

Basically, I made a jig that expanded the 2 inch spring to about 3-1/4 inches and held it there until the wire loop was placed around the seal. Then I removed the jig. In my case the spring expansion probably could have been a little more because I had to use plastic bicycle tire levers to get the last of the loop into the seal groove.

The jig was made using parts I stumbled upon in my shop and which are readily available from the big box home improvement stores. I took a Simpson Strong-Tie HRS6 heavy duty strap and put 2 inch long small diameter bolts in two of the existing holes spaced approximately 3-1/4 inches apart. I held the bolts in place with nuts. Holding the jig steady on the floor with my foot, I stretched the spring between the bolts at a location close to the bolt tips. This way, when the assembly is placed around the seal, the length of the bolts provides clearance from the seal and allows the ring to seat very close to the finish position. Once in place, I pushed first one end of the spring then the other off the jig with a screw driver.

Hope this works as well for you as it did for me!

The wire spring that surrounds the bellows is rusted and must be replaced. Do you have a part number and instructions for installation