How to change bearings in a Whirlpool washing machine?

It is not difficult to notice a breakdown of the bearing assembly - the Whirlpool will knock, “jump”, vibrate strongly and freeze periodically. You cannot operate the machine with such “symptoms”. Untimely repair will result in serious mechanical damage: deformation of the drum, shaft and cross. Replacing the drum bearing can save the machine. The main thing is not to rush and do everything strictly according to the instructions.

Typical symptoms of malfunction

There is great news for Whirlpool washing machine owners - the process of replacing bearings on these machines is easier than on models from many other brands. It is enough to partially disassemble the body of the washing machine, get to the drum and remove the “clips”. The main thing is to notice the breakdown in time, so as not to aggravate the situation and not lead to more troublesome and expensive repairs. If there are problems with the bearing assembly, the behavior of the machine changes for the worse:

• an imbalance often occurs and a corresponding error is displayed;
• when the drum rotates, a hum and creaking is heard;
• when unwinding, the drum “rubs” against the walls of the tank due to significant backlash;
• At high speeds the washing machine vibrates, knocks and jumps a lot.

Increased vibration during spinning indicates problems with the bearings!

If you do not repair worn out bearings for a long time, you can aggravate the problem - causing the crosspiece or shaft to break. In this case, the repair will not be limited to local replacement; you will have to dismantle the entire drum-tank assembly yourself and buy a new one. It is better not to delay, but to immediately respond to the alarming symptoms of Whirlpool.

Getting to the tank-drum assembly

Replacing bearings will require partial disassembly of the machine. But before you start repairing, it’s worth preparing the machine and work area. The machine is disconnected from communications and moved to the center of the room, a screwdriver, screwdrivers and WD-40 are placed nearby. Next, let's start working.

1. Remove the top cover of the case by unscrewing the two retaining screws (on Whirlpool they are located on the back of the lugs).
   
2. We disconnect the detergent tray from the body by pulling the “protrusion-handle”.
   
3. Unhook the dashboard by loosening the screws located around the perimeter.
4. Use a screwdriver to pry up the false panel in the lower right part of the machine and move it to the side.
5. Open the hatch and loosen the outer clamp on the cuff (pry off the clamp carefully with a slotted screwdriver).
   
6. Thread the cuff into the drum.
7. We find the UBL and carefully disconnect the wiring connected to it.
8. We unscrew the bolts securing the Whirlpool front panel.
9. Remove the front panel and move it to the side.
   

Before repairs, the washing machine must be de-energized and disconnected from the water supply.

After removing the front panel, free access to the tank and drum will open. But you cannot immediately remove the containers from the body - first you need to unhook all the pipes and wires connected to them. It is recommended to adhere to the following sequence:

• dismantle the filling pipe;
  
• disconnect the pipes going to the detergent tray;
• remove the metal false panel located behind the body;
• release the counterweights by loosening the central bolts;
• disconnect the thermistor by removing the wires from the chip;
• release the heating element from the wiring and remove it from the housing;
  
• unhook the clamps securing the plastic panel of the tank;
• remove the panel.

All! The hardest work is done - the Whirlpool washing machine is disassembled down to the tub and drum. All that remains is to reset the drive belt and knock the bearings off the shaft. We'll tell you in more detail how to do this.

Drum recess

For further repairs, it is necessary to provide access to the tank from both sides. It is free at the front; all that remains is to loosen the pulley at the back and remove the drive belt. We proceed like this:

• unscrew the five screws holding the back wall;
• remove the drive belt from the pulley;
  
• loosen the nut securing the pulley;
• remove the drum from the housing.
  

The first step is to assess the condition of the cross. If there are no marks, abrasions or chips on the shaft, then there are no problems with the part - you can continue replacing the bearings. Otherwise, you will first have to “get distracted”, repair the blades or buy a new spare part.

If the bearing is strongly stuck to the shaft, it is necessary to generously treat it with WD-40 and wait 15-20 minutes.

Having dealt with the cross, we begin to replace the bearings. The tools you will need are a hammer, WD-40 and a drift. Instead of the latter, you can take a washing machine puller or a blunt chisel. It is necessary to knock out the “clips” from the seat according to the following instructions:

• remove the oil seal, rubber seal, picking it up with a screwdriver;
• place the drift in the center of the outer bearing and, moving in a circle, tap the “ring”;
  
• go around the washer and knock out the second bearing in the same way.

The dismantling doesn't end there. It is recommended that after removing the bearings, thoroughly clean the seat - remove dirt and deposits, wipe with a rag and apply generously with lubricant. The drum shaft also needs cleaning. After “cleaning”, you can change the spare parts by installing new rings and an oil seal.

Installation of new parts

The first step is to purchase replacement components. To find the parts you need, it is important to know your Whirlpool washing machine serial number. Another option is to dismantle the oil seal with bearings and provide them to the consultant as samples. Then the probability of error will be reduced to zero. Having purchased the components, we proceed to replacement.

1. We place a smaller bearing in a seat on the outside of the tank.
   
2. We hammer the cage using a drift and a hammer, resting on the outer part of the ring.

When the bearing is clogged, do not tap the inner race - this will destroy the part!

3. We place a larger bearing on top and fix it in the “socket” with a light blow of a hammer.
   
4. We drive the clip in the previously described way.
5. We cover the parts with a layer of sealant.
6. We “plant” the oil seal on top.
7. Lubricate the oil seal with special lubricant.

The drum bushing and shaft must be treated with a special lubricant. Thanks to this coating, the unit will be protected from water and temperature fluctuations, which will extend the life of the Whirlpool washing machine.

After successful replacement, we begin reassembly. We fix the drum, return the pulley, tighten the drive belt and screw the back wall. Then we go to the end, hook up the previously disconnected elements, the heating element, the dashboard, the powder receptacle, and then down the list. At the “finish”, we connect the equipment to communications and start a test wash. If the vibration and hum disappear, it means everything was done well.

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