What bearings are in the washing machine?

What bearings are in the washing machine? The design of the washing machine is thought out to the smallest detail, and a malfunction of even a small-sized bearing assembly will immediately affect the functioning of the machine. The washing machine will begin to knock, make noise and rattle until it makes a loud noise. If you do not replace parts, you can completely break the unit and pay a lot of money for major repairs. Therefore, we react to knocking and vibration in a timely manner, and first of all, we find out which bearings are on the drum. Our article will help you not to make a mistake with the size and appearance.

Where are the bearings installed?

Without theory, it’s impossible to replace it, so let’s delve into the structure of any washing machine. Let's pay attention to the place between the drum and the pulley - this is where the bearing assembly is located, installed in a special cross. The latter is easy to find: it is attached to the back or side of the tank and has 3-4 branches. Together with the bearings, the crosspiece ensures smooth and trouble-free rotation. The unit assembly consists of two bearings:

the internal one, which is located closer to the drum and “takes on” the entire load, which is why it is thicker and larger in diameter;
external, which is installed at the other end of the shaft, and it is an order of magnitude smaller than its “colleague” and performs an auxiliary function.

Important! In modern machines, sometimes there are stronger and more durable mono-bearings, which are a single ring with two rows.

Where are the bearings installed?

There is a rubber seal between the shaft and the assembly unit, and a pair of seals protect the bearings from friction and water. All parts of the bearing system are thoroughly lubricated with a special compound to ensure constant sliding.

What types of bearing elements are there?

Bearings installed in washing machines can be metal or plastic. You can recognize the type by the markings applied to the outer surface: 2RS means plastic, and ZZ means metal. And, no matter how strange it may sound, plastic products are considered more reliable and durable. The whole “secret” is that both types have a metal base, but in the second case the design is complemented by a top plastic coating. Thanks to this protection, the part is easier to withstand oil seal leaks and is less subject to friction.

But plastic bearings are rare, since their high cost forces manufacturers to use cheaper equipment. But with proper operation and timely repairs, the difference between the parts is not too noticeable. Therefore, you should not replace the original type with an improved one in an already equipped washing machine - it is better to install a factory analogue.

Why do they have to be changed?

Bearings, like other elements of a washing machine, are subject to natural wear and tear. Even in expensive machines of the brands Indesit, Ariston, Bosch, Samsung and LG, which are distinguished by their quality and durability, there is a standard limit of 6-7 years. This is with proper operation without manufacturing defects. In fact, the period is much shorter due to many violations when using the machine:

frequent overload of the machine exceeding the maximum permissible weight;
using a machine to store heavy objects;
body tilt;
untimely repair or replacement.

Most often, the reason for rapid wear lies in the last point. Especially when it comes to oil seals. It is this element, which is a rubber gasket, that protects the bearings from water getting inside and lubricant being washed away.If you do not notice a leaking oil seal and washed out lubricant in time, a minor breakdown will lead to serious problems.

What bearings are installed in different machines?

Almost anyone can replace damaged bearings. It will be more difficult to determine on your own which part is ideal for your existing machine. It is worth understanding that even within the same brand, the size range of components varies greatly, so you will not be able to buy a universal spare part.

It is best to find out the type of bearing in the instructions supplied with the specific unit. If you don’t have a technical manual at hand, you can go the other way and “punch” the machine’s serial number on the Internet. The easiest option is to remove the old unit and find a similar one among the assortment offered by the store. True, there is no guarantee that the previous owner did not improve the design of the washer with a bearing that was inappropriate in diameter and thickness.

You can also choose the bearing size for a washing machine based on the company that produces the equipment. Each manufacturer gives preference to certain diameters:

Attention! The list of bearings is for informational purposes only, as brands can change the configuration at their discretion.

The most commonly used bearings are 203-204, less often 205-206. Only the WF-R105AV has non-standard markings, for which 305-306 are suitable.
LG. The bearing system is similar to Samsung washing machines: 6203-6204, 6205-6206 and extremely rarely - 6305-6306.
Bosch. There are parts of the ZZ type and the size range from 6203 to 6206 and from 6305-6306.
Ariston. Most washing machines are equipped with a double-row mono-bearing brand SKF BA2B 306037. In other cases, for example, from the Ariston ALS 1048 CTX machine we purchase numbers from 203 to 206 ZZ.
Ardo.The highest frequency option in models WD, A, FLZ and S is 6204 and 6305. For TL and FLS only 6202 and 6203 are needed.
Indesit. It is better to focus on specific sizes. So, with an internal diameter of 2 cm, an external diameter of 4.7 cm and a height of 1.4 cm, we choose 6204-2RSR, and with values of 2.5 cm, 5.2 cm and 1.5 cm, respectively - ZVL 6205-2RSR. If the measurements do not match, then we settle on bearings of type 203-204.
Beko. Only metal bearings are suitable, the number of which varies from 6203 to 6205 depending on the model.
Standard bearing systems of type 203-205 and 204-205 are provided.
Atlant. Suitable markings are the fewest - 6204 and 6205.

Knowing the standard sizes used by a particular manufacturer, you can check the recommendations of the sales consultant and confirm the selected option. But don’t forget that a lot depends on the specific model. Therefore, we do not neglect the opportunity to remove the old bearing and use it as a sample.

The main thing is, in addition to the size, to think through the other nuances of the upcoming repair. For example, give preference to original spare parts or Korean-made products. And remember that you cannot replace just one bearing. The entire assembly is dismantled and reinstalled, or it is better to immediately install new seals.