As with many home repairs, replacing a broken bearing on a top loading washing machine can be a little tricky—and very messy. And, if you’re a first-time DIYer, it can be dangerous too!
What is a top loading washing machine?
Top loading washing machines are the traditional style. The drum of the machine is gravity fed, which means that you load clothes on top of one another and spin them around for cleaning.
As the machine operates, the clothes are tumbled in a circular motion with water and detergent to remove stains and dirt. It is important to have a properly working bearing component to keep your drum spinning without interruption.
How do you know when the bearings are bad?
When washers and dryers wear out, the most common problem is caused by a faulty bearing. If you hear a high-pitched screeching sound when you move your washing machine or spin dryer, then the bearings may be bad.
There are two types of bearings that can be bad: ball bearings and roller bearings.
Ball bearings typically get worn down over time and need to get replaced, but they’re pretty easy to change out. With this type of bearing, just unscrew the old ones and screw in new ones.
Roller bearings (which are more expensive than ball bearings) often go unnoticed until they stop working entirely. They also tend to make much higher noise levels.
In either case, you’ll want to replace these bearings as soon as possible once it’s noticed. You should call an expert repair person if you suspect that there might be something wrong with your washing machine or dryer.
What’s the cost of replacing bearings?
We all know that when a bearing fails, it’s time to replace it. But how does one know when a bearing has failed? And what is the cost of replacing a bearing? The cost of replacing bearings depends on the type of bearing and the manufacturer. For example, a typical automotive bearing costs around $5.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to avoid having to replace a bearing.
First, be sure that you’re running the right type of oil in your bearings – if they’re carrying heavy loads or operating in an extreme temperature environment, you should use special lubrication.
Second, check your washer/dryer lint trap regularly for blockages which could cause excessive friction. Third, don’t overload your machines – especially those that operate on electric motors. Fourth, clean up any debris around your machines – that little bit of dust can really pack a punch.
How long will it take to replace bearings?
Bearing replacement depends on the type and size of the bearing. For example, if a person has a model of bearing, say 5/8 inch deep groove, sealed radial ball bearing, it will take about five hours to replace the bearings according to spec.
If you have a 1.5 inch deep hole, sealed radial ball bearing it would be even longer as that is an extra 3 inches worth of work. Bearings can also fail from being dropped, so store them carefully!
Conclusion
Invest in your washing machine and keep it running smoothly with these helpful tips.
FAQs About How to Replace Bearings on Top Loading Washing Machine
Is it worth replacing bearings in washing machine?
Bearings are typically replaced when they show signs of wear. If the bearings are still in good condition, then it is not necessary to replace them.
It is worth replacing the bearings in your washing machine if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
– Loud noise when the machine is running
– Stiff door on the machine
– Slow spin cycle
How do you replace drum bearings on a top load washer?
You will need to remove the top of the washer so you can access the drum. You will then need to remove the old bearing and replace it with a new one.
How do I know if my washing machine bearings have gone?
If you are hearing a loud noise coming from the washing machine, it could be that the bearings have gone. It is also possible that there is something stuck in the bearings which will make them make a loud noise when they spin.
How much does it cost to replace a washing machine tub bearing?
As mentioned before, the average cost of a bearing replacement is between $100-$300 includes parts and labor.