How to Replace Washing Machine Bearings

Replacing the bearings is one of the most complex repairs you can undertake on a washing machine. This is because a large portion of the machine needs to be taken apart to reach the bearings.

Typically, replacing washing machine bearings is a task best left to professionals. However, if you have the necessary space, tools, and skills, and are ready for the challenge, doing it yourself can save you a considerable amount of money.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to replacing the bearings in both front-load and top-load washers. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, as the specific process can vary significantly depending on the brand and model of your washing machine.

Signs Your Washing Machine Bearings Need Replacing

Before we dive into the replacement process, here are some signs to look out for that indicate the bearings are faulty:

• Loud noises during the spin cycle including grinding, rumbling, or knocking.
• Excessive vibrations or shaking during a cycle.
• Movement or play between the inner drum and outer tub when manually wiggling the drum.
• A burning smell due to overheating from friction.

How to Replace Bearings on a Washing Machine

Washing machine bearings are located at the back of the drum in front-load washers and beneath the drum in top-load models. They allow the drum to spin smoothly. Here’s how to replace them.

Step 1: Unplug and Move the Washing Machine

The first step is to unplug the dishwasher, turn off the water supply, and disconnect the water supply hoses.

You will need sufficient space around the machine to disassemble it and lay out tools and parts. That may mean it’s best to move the washer to a more spacious area, such as a shed, workshop, or garage.

Step 2: Remove External Panels

You will need to remove the necessary external panels to access the tub. The specific panels to remove and the order in which to remove them can vary greatly, but they often include:

• Top, front, rear, and side panels
• Control panel
• Detergent drawer
• Kick plate

Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the screws securing the panels. Store and label the screws, and make a note of the order in which the panels were removed for future reference.

Step 3: Disconnect the Tub Assembly

The tub assembly will have various hoses, wires, belts, and other components attached to it that will need disconnecting in order to remove the tub or access the bearings.

For front-load washing machines, you may need to detach the following from the tub assembly:

• Counterbalance weights
• Drive belt and drum pulley
• Heating element
• Drain hose and water inlet hose
• Sump hose
• Drive motor
• Pressure chamber
• Shock absorbers
• Suspension springs

For top-load washers, you may need to detach:

• Agitator
• Drain hose, recirculation hose, and water inlet hose
• Suspension rods or springs
• Inner tub
• Drain pump
• Motor

Again, since it’s such a complex job, it’s essential to keep track of all screws and wire connections, and to document the order and placement of each component by taking photos and marking with tape.

After detaching everything necessary, you can remove the entire tub assembly from a front-load model, or for top-load washers, the inner tub. But be cautious, as it may be heavy.

Step 4: Remove the Old Bearings

For front-load washing machines, you will need to separate the two halves of the tub assembly, which are usually screwed together, and then remove the inner drum. Then you will find the bearings located at the rear of the back half of the tub assembly.

Whereas for top-load washers, you will find the bearings on the drive shaft in the outer tub assembly, beneath the inner tub you removed.

A complete washing machine bearing set typically includes several components, including an inner bearing (smaller), outer bearing (larger), tub seal, and shaft seal. When replacing the bearings, it’s important to replace the entire set, which should come together when you order the replacement.

To remove all parts of the old bearing set, you will need to use a bearing puller or a mallet and drift pin to gently tap them out.

Step 5: Install the New Bearings

Before installing the new bearings, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the tub assembly, drum, bearing housing, and all other nearby areas where the bearings are located to avoid any gunk or debris from reaching the new bearings and causing premature wear.

To install the new bearings and seals, press them into place using a bearing press or by tapping them gently with a rubber mallet and drift pin. Be careful only to tap the outer edge of the bearings when using a drift pin to avoid damaging them.

Follow the bearing manufacturer’s instructions regarding how to install them and which grease or lubrication to apply.

Step 5: Reassemble the Washing Machine

Once the new bearings are installed and securely seated, you can begin reassembling the washing machine. Refit everything in reverse order of how it was disassembled—the components you removed or disconnected last should be reconnected first.

Refer to the photos you took and the tape markings you made earlier to ensure everything is reassembled correctly and in the proper order. Spin the drum manually to check for smooth movement and confirm the bearings are functioning properly.

Keep in mind that for some models, specific parts of the machine may be damaged during the bearing replacement process, such as the drum seal, and will need to be replaced with new ones.

Summary

Replacing the drum bearings is no easy task, but it is possible if you have the right skills, tools, and space to carry out the repair. If you don’t feel confident tackling a job of this magnitude, it’s worth reaching out to a professional appliance technician for a quote.

Keep in mind that, due to the extensive labor involved, this may not be a cheap repair. You should weigh it against the cost of purchasing a new washer, considering the age and value of your current model.