Replacing the bearing in the washing machine with your own hands

The bearing is an important element of the device of the washing machine. It is a metal washer, which serves as a support for the drum rotation shaft. The bearing helps to evenly distribute the load on the drum, so its good condition is very important for the stable operation of the appliance. Bearing wear affects the quality of washing, so it is very important to notice the signs of failure in time, and replace the part.

On how to do this without causing damage to the washing machine, read our article today.

To get to the bearing, the washing machine needs to be almost completely disassembled.

To do this, you may need the following working tools:

• a set of screwdrivers;
• chisel;
• hammer:
• hacksaw;
• pliers and wire cutters;
• wrench set;
• set of hexes;
• silicone sealant.

Don't forget the new parts as well - the bearing and the oil seals.

• Disconnect the washing machine from the electrical outlet, disconnect the hoses from the water and sewer pipes.
• Move the unit away from the walls, so that it was freely accessible from all sides.
• At the back of the washing machine find the top of the two screws and unscrew them. Remove the cover.
• Disconnect the detergent feeder.
• Unscrew the bolt that is under the feeder.
• Remove the front panel which is at the bottom of the appliance.
• Find the two bolts under the panel, unscrew them.
• One by one remove the two clamps that fix the rubber sleeve on the hatch.
• Pull from the edge of the hatch cuff itself.
• Unclamp the device that locks the hatch.
• Remove the front panel of the washing machine.
• Remove the back panel of the washing machine.
• Remove the strap from the pulley.
• Disconnect the wires leading to the heating element, having previously photographed their location.
• Disconnect the pipe connecting the pump with the tank.
• Unscrew the two bolts fixing the motor.
• Remove shock absorbers and springs, which hold the tank.
• Carefully pull the tank out.

Pulling out the tank, determine its type. Washing machine tanks can be detachable and not detachable. Split tank consists of two halves connected by brackets or bolts. In this case, you just need to remove the fasteners. If the tank is one piece, we saw it along the weld with a hacksaw for metal.

Then proceed in this order:

• Detach the pulley (wheel) of the drum. We do this with a wrench of proper size or work with a hammer and chisel.
• Loosen the pulley and carefully remove it from the screw.
• Using the same tools, being careful not to damage the shaft, knock the drum out of the hatch.
• Find the bearings on the inside and outside of the drum. Move in a circular motion, knock the worn bearing out of the seat.
• Clean the socket of dirt, treat it with sealant or special grease.
• Insert the new bearing into the seat and replace the seals.

Evidently, you can watch the whole process of bearing replacement in the following video instructions for some brands of washing machines.

• If you have decided not to apply for help to a professional, and to change the bearing itself, we recommend you to free up for this the whole day, and better - all weekend. Disassembly and assembly of the washing machine is a rather labor-intensive business, especially for novice masters, so you can't avoid mistakes.
• Together with the bearing, be sure to change the glands as well, because these parts wear out quite quickly. Before attaching the new part, clean the place of installation well.
• It is advisable to first remove the old bearing and then buy a new, similar bearing. When buying pay attention to the marking: it must match, otherwise the part will not fit, and the money will be wasted.