Washer Bearing Replacement: Costs, Causes and Solutions

When your washing machine starts making strange noises or shaking excessively, it's possible that the bearings have gone bad. Bearings are essential components that allow the washer drum to spin smoothly. Replacing them can be a costly repair, but it's necessary to keep your machine running properly.

Causes of Washing Machine Bearing Failure

Several factors can contribute to the failure of washer bearings, including:

• Overloading: Putting too much laundry in the washer can put excessive stress on the bearings.
• Imbalance: An unbalanced load can cause the washer to vibrate excessively, which can damage the bearings.
• Age: Over time, bearings can wear out simply due to age and use.
• Rust: Exposure to moisture can cause bearings to rust, which can lead to failure.
• Improper installation: Bearings that are not properly installed can be damaged and fail prematurely.

Symptoms of Washer Bearing Failure

The following symptoms may indicate that your washer bearings need to be replaced:

• Loud noises: A loud grinding or screeching noise during the spin cycle is a common sign of bearing failure.
• Excessive vibration: The washer may shake excessively, especially during the spin cycle.
• Leaking water: A leaking washer may indicate that the bearings have been damaged and are allowing water to escape.
• Drum wobbles: The washer drum may wobble or move excessively when you open the door.
• Burning smell: A burning smell coming from the washer may indicate that the bearings are overheating.

Cost of Washer Bearing Replacement

The cost of replacing washer bearings can vary depending on the make and model of your washer. In general, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for parts and labor.

Factors Affecting Washer Bearing Replacement Cost:

• Type of washer: Front-load washers typically have more expensive bearings than top-load washers.
• Age of washer: Older washers may have more worn bearings that are more difficult to replace.
• Location: The cost of labor may vary depending on your location.
• Availability of parts: If the bearings for your washer are not readily available, the cost of replacement may be higher.

How to Save Money on Washer Bearing Replacement

If you're on a tight budget, there are a few things you can do to save money on washer bearing replacement:

• DIY: If you're handy, you may be able to replace the bearings yourself. This will save you the cost of labor.
• Shop around: Get quotes from several different repair shops before making a decision.
• Look for discounts: Some repair shops offer discounts for seniors, military members, or other groups.
• Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate the price of the repair with the repair shop.

Tips for Preventing Washer Bearing Failure

The following tips can help prevent your washer bearings from failing prematurely:

• Don't overload the washer: Only put the amount of laundry in the washer that it's rated for.
• Balance the load: Make sure the laundry is evenly distributed in the washer.
• Use the right detergent: Use a detergent that is specifically designed for high-efficiency washers.
• Clean the washer regularly: Regularly clean the lint trap and run a maintenance cycle to remove any buildup that could damage the bearings.
• Dry the washer after each use: Leave the washer door open after each use to allow it to air out.

Effective Strategies for Replacing Washer Bearings

• Safety first: Before you start working on your washer, unplug it and turn off the water supply.
• Gather your tools: You will need a few basic tools to replace the bearings, including a wrench, screwdriver, and hammer.
• Remove the washer cabinet: The first step is to remove the washer cabinet. This will give you access to the bearings.
• Remove the drum: Once the cabinet is removed, you will need to remove the drum. This can be a heavy task, so be sure to have help if needed.
• Remove the old bearings: The old bearings are usually held in place by a retaining ring. Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining ring and then use a hammer to tap the old bearings out of place.
• Install the new bearings: Install the new bearings by tapping them into place with a hammer. Be sure to use a new retaining ring to hold the bearings in place.
• Reassemble the washer: Reassemble the washer in the reverse order that you disassembled it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Washer Bearings

• Using the wrong size bearings: Be sure to use bearings that are the correct size for your washer. Using the wrong size bearings can damage the washer.
• Overtightening the retaining ring: Do not overtighten the retaining ring that holds the bearings in place. This can damage the retaining ring or the bearings.
• Not lubricating the bearings: Be sure to lubricate the bearings before you install them. This will help to keep them running smoothly and extend their lifespan.
• Installing the bearings backward: The bearings must be installed in the correct direction. If they are installed backward, they will not function properly.
• Not reassembling the washer correctly: Be sure to reassemble the washer correctly. If it is not assembled correctly, it may not work properly or it could be dangerous.

Troubleshooting Tips for Washer Bearing Replacement

• The washer is still making noise after replacing the bearings: If the washer is still making noise after you have replaced the bearings, it is possible that the new bearings are not installed correctly. Check that the bearings are seated properly and that the retaining ring is tight.
• The washer is leaking water after replacing the bearings: If the washer is leaking water after you have replaced the bearings, it is possible that the seal between the bearings and the tub has been damaged. You will need to replace the seal.
• The washer is not spinning properly after replacing the bearings: If the washer is not spinning properly after you have replaced the bearings, it is possible that the motor is not getting enough power. Check the electrical connections to the motor and make sure that the motor is working properly.

Humorous Stories About Washer Bearing Replacement

• A woman called a repairman to fix her washer. When the repairman arrived, he asked her what was wrong. She said, "It's making a terrible noise." The repairman listened to the noise and said, "That's not a noise, that's a song." The woman said, "A song? What song is it singing?" The repairman said, "It's singing, 'Your bearings are shot.'"
• A man was trying to replace the bearings on his washer when he accidentally dropped one of the bearings down the drain. He called a plumber to come and get the bearing out of the drain. When the plumber arrived, the man explained what had happened. The plumber said, "That's no problem. I'll just get my magnet." The man said, "A magnet? How is a magnet going to help?" The plumber said, "I'll put the magnet on the end of a stick and then I'll put the stick down the drain. The magnet will attract the bearing and I'll be able to pull it out." The man said, "That's a great idea. But what if the magnet doesn't attract the bearing?" The plumber said, "Then I'll use my other magnet."
• A woman was trying to replace the bearings on her washer when she got stuck. She called her husband to come and help her. When her husband arrived, he saw that she had the washer disassembled and the bearings were all over the floor. He said, "What are you doing?" The woman said, "I'm trying to replace the bearings." The husband said, "Well, you're doing it wrong." The woman said, "How am I doing it wrong?" The husband said, "You're supposed to put the bearings in the washer, not on the floor."

Conclusion

Replacing washer bearings can be a costly repair, but it's necessary to keep your machine running properly. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can save money and troubleshoot any problems that you encounter.