Washing machine drum bearings are important components that allow the inner drum to spin smoothly during the wash cycle. Over time, these bearings can become worn out or damaged, causing unpleasant noises, vibration, and other performance issues. Replacing faulty bearings is crucial to restore proper functioning and prolong the life of your washing machine.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to successfully replace washing machine drum bearings.
Understanding Washing Machine Drum Bearings
Before learning how to replace washing machine drum bearings, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work.
What are Drum Bearings?
Drum bearings are devices that allow free movement and rotation of the inner wash drum in a washing machine. They are positioned between the shaft of the drum and the frame of the outer tub.
Here are the key functions of drum bearings in a washer:
- Allow smooth, quiet rotation of the drum during the wash cycle
- Absorb weight and load as clothes tumble in the drum
- Enable drum positioning and alignment within the outer tub
- Reduce friction between rotating and stationary parts
Types of Washing Machine Drum Bearings
There are two main types of drum bearings used in most modern washers:
Ball Bearings
- Consist of inner and outer raceways with metal balls between them
- Allow low-friction spin of the inner drum
- Tend to be more durable
- Require occasional lubrication
Roller Bearings
- Utilize rollers between inner and outer races
- Provide quiet performance
- Need frequent lubrication
- Less durable compared to ball bearings
Signs of Worn-Out Drum Bearings
Faulty or failing drum bearings can cause a number of operational problems and unpleasant noises in your washer. Here are some telltale signs to look out for:
Noises
- Loud rattling or rumbling sound when the drum spins
- Squeaking noise that gets louder over time
- Grinding or growling noise coming from the drum
Reduced Spin Performance
- Drum slows down quickly after the spin cycle starts
- Clothes take longer time to dry
- Vibration felt as the drum rotates
Leaks
- Small puddles of water around the washing machine
- Leaking lubricant around bearing seals
If your machine shows any of the above symptoms, it likely indicates worn-out drum bearings that require replacement.
Read More: Washing Machine Making Loud Noise: Top 10 Reasons and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers
Tools and Materials Needed
Replacing washing machine drum bearings requires some essential tools and materials. Having the right equipment will make the bearing replacement job much easier and safer.
Tools Needed
Here are the basic tools you’ll need:
- Socket wrench set
- Adjustable wrench set
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Bearing puller
- Rubber mallet
- Flashlight
Optional Specialty Tools
- Multimeter
- Continuity tester
- Appliance dolly or hand truck
Materials Needed
Along with tools, gather these supplies before you start:
- Replacement washing machine bearings
- Bearing grease/lubricant
- Clean rags
- Plastic or wooden blocks for propping machine
- Bucket to set small parts and fasteners
Make sure you source the exact right bearings for your specific washing machine make and model. Refer to the owner’s manual if unsure.
Step-by-Step Bearing Replacement Guide
Now comes the key part – how to actually replace faulty bearings in your washer drum:
1. Prepare the Washing Machine
Begin by preparing your unit to be worked on:
- Disconnect the power supply – Unplug the machine or switch off the circuit breaker to a power source.
- Shut off water lines – Close both hot and cold supply valves. Place a bucket underneath to catch any residual water.
- Clear space – Pull the machine away from the wall for complete access. Remove any hoses, pipes, or cords from behind.
- Place blocks of wood or plastic under the washer base to prop it up a few inches for easier access.
- Remove lint – Carefully vacuum lint and debris buildup near the drum and interior compartments.
- Have a tray ready – Use a cookie sheet or storage container to place small parts and fasteners in order.
2. Access and Remove Drum
With the prep work done, now comes the more complex task of taking apart components to access the drum:
- Remove the control panel – Use a Phillips screwdriver to detach the screws holding the main top panel. Carefully disconnect any delicate wiring before fully detaching the panel.
- Take off the front spring cover – The front panel snaps off, exposing tension springs.
- Release tension springs – Wearing gloves, loosen and remove tension springs from anchoring hooks. Repeat this on the opposing spring to completely detach the drum.
- Slide-out drum – With tension springs detached, the drum can be slid out horizontally. Place the drum aside in an upright position to avoid further damage.
3. Inspect and Remove Old Bearings
With the drum removed, now you can closely inspect the condition of the existing drum bearings:
- Check for signs of wear – Examine bearings for grooving, discoloration, hairline cracks, etc. Spin the bearing with a screwdriver to feel any drag or roughness.
- Test for a smooth spin – Rotate bearings with your fingers. Properly functioning bearings will spin very smoothly and quietly.
- Assess damage – If bearings are excessively worn, cracked, or fail the spin tests, replacement is required. Once confirmation of faulty bearings is made, the next step is removal:
- Detach seals and retainers – Pry out metal and rubber seals using a flathead screwdriver. Remove any bearing locking rings or retainers using pliers.
- Extract old bearings – Attach your bearing puller behind the bearing race. Tighten the puller bolt applying gradual pressure until the bearing releases. Repeat for the opposing bearing. Discard both old bearings.
4. Install New Bearings
With the drum housing now empty, it’s time to install the new replacement bearings:
- Ensure fit – Test fit each new bearing by gently inserting it into the vacant drum shaft holes. Make any size adjustments if needed.
- Apply lubricant – Lightly coat the inner and outer races of both new bearings with white lithium grease or other bearing lubricant.
- Insert bearings – Using a soft mallet or block of wood, gently tap the outer races to install each new bearing into its allocated drum shaft hole.
- Reinstall retaining clips and seals – Replace any metal retaining clips or plastic bearing caps removed earlier. Push in rubber/metal seals until fully seated.
5. Reassemble Washing Machine
The replacement job is almost complete. Now to reassemble!
- Replace drum – Make sure spring anchors are detached, and slide the drum horizontally back into position.
- Reconnect springs – Relatch coiled tension springs onto rear brackets with hooked ends. Ensure springs are equidistant from the tub center line.
- Reattach the front spring cover – Align edge clips and snap the front spring cover back into position. Ensure all internal tub wiring is tucked inside and clear of the drum.
- Replace top panel – Confirm no wiring is trapped underneath and screw back the top control panel. Reconnect all detached wires and components.
- Remove props – Carefully remove wood/plastic props supporting the machine’s base.
- Push back – Slowly push the unit back into position near the wall, reconnecting any discharged water or drain lines.
6. Test and Confirm Operation
With reassembly fully completed, confirm your bearing replacement works:
- Restart the circuit breaker/reconnect power.
- Open water valves. Check underneath for any slow leaks near bearings – tighten fittings if required.
- Power on the machine and start the test cycle. Listen for loud noises or excess vibrations indicating improper seating of any components.
All is going well; your washing machine should now run smoothly and quietly, thanks to its new bearings!
Troubleshooting Drum Bearing Replacement
While following all the steps correctly should ensure smooth drum bearing replacement, here are solutions for various potential issues:
Drum Makes Grinding Noises
- Bearings may be under lubricated – Regrease bearing races generously.
Laundry Loads Are Unbalanced
- Springs may not be anchored correctly – Reattach springs equidistant from the drum canter.
Drum Spin Performance is Reduced
- Improper bearing seating – Rotate bearings and lightly tap them until properly realigned.
Machine is Leaking Near the Bearings
- Seals are not fully inserted – Remove bearing and check seal placement around races.
Loud, Metallic Noises Persist
- Retaining clips are missing or incorrectly fitted – Check and refasten all bearing clips.
Follow the troubleshooting tips above. If issues continue despite corrections, new replacement bearings may be needed.
Caring for Bearings to Increase Lifespan
With fresh new bearings installed, taking proper care of them is key for longevity:
- Lubricate annually – Lubricating bearing races once a year prevents wear and tear. Use only small amounts of grease.
- Run wash cycle empty monthly – Operating machine without laundry removes moisture promoting bearing corrosion.
- Use drum balancing kit – Installing this inexpensive kit helps equalize weight distribution reducing bearing strain.
- Clean lint trap regularly – Keeping the machine interior free of accumulated lint lessens friction and debris passing through the drum.
Following these simple maintenance practices will keep your new drum bearings smoothly lubricated and working like new! Replacement every 4-5 years may be needed for very heavy usage.
Conclusion
We hope this detailed guide gives you the confidence to tackle washing machine drum bearing replacement! While removing drum assemblies can seem intimidating, taking your time with the steps highlighted above will ensure success. Investing in the replacement of worn bearings will restore peak cleaning performance and give your washer years of reliability.
If your bearings show grinding noises, worsening vibrations, or other telling signs, don’t delay repair. Follow the tips outlined, and soon enough, your laundry routine will be humming along smoothly again!