Useful tips on how to repair Whirlpool washing machine bearings

It is not difficult to detect a breakdown due to a bearing problem in a Whirlpool washing machine. In this case, the machine knocks, “jumps,” constantly vibrates, and sometimes freezes. It is impossible to operate it in this condition.

If repairs are not carried out in time, more serious damage will occur - the drum, shaft, and cross are deformed. Replacing the bearings will help restore the machine and prevent further development of faults. It is important to take your time and follow the instructions.

We will tell you further how to repair and replace the bearing of a Whirlpool washing machine.

How to determine that a Whirlpool washing machine part needs to be replaced?

The bearing regularly experiences heavy loads, which is why it has a certain service life, usually 6-10 years. First, the oil seal is deformed: the rubber does not provide a seal. Water from the tank, falling on the bearing, washes out the lubricant, and therefore full rotation of the shaft does not occur.

Visible signs of damage include:

1. Knocking, strumming, vibration of the machine.
2. Puddles under the car.
3. The device does not cope well or does not cope with the spin cycle.
4. Oil stains remain on the laundry after washing.
5. The drum rotates unevenly, with a hum and squeak.

How to repair?

Replacing bearings in a Whirlpool washing machine is much easier than in machines of other brands.It is enough to disassemble part of the housing, get close to the drum and dismantle the part. The most important thing is to detect the breakdown in time, avoiding further complications that require more problematic and expensive repairs.

To work you will need the following tools:

• selected parts, gaskets;
• wire cutters and pliers;
• slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
• wrenches for nuts and bolts;
• lubricant;
• rubber and regular hammers;
• hacksaw;
• sealing agent.

Dismantling begins with preparatory actions:

1. First of all, you need to unplug Whirlpool.
2. Disconnect the machine from the water supply.
3. Free the machine from anything that may interfere with operation.
4. Place in free space.
5. Drain the remaining water using a filter and hose.
6. Remove the cuvette (powder tray).

After preparation, the actions will be as follows:

1. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the holders and remove the top cover.
2. In the place where the cuvette was located, use a key to unscrew the lock under it.
3. Clear panel.
4. Release the tank by removing the seal and tucking the cuff deep into it.
5. Unfasten the locking device and leave it inside.
6. Remove the bottom panel using the drain filter hole.
7. Dismantle the front panel with the door, remove the clamp, lower counterweight and upper metal part.
8. Using pliers, disconnect the pipe and move the fill hose.
9. Dismantle the upper counterweight.
10. Disconnect the fixing elements of the electric heating device and temperature sensor.
11. Unscrew the drain corrugation holder and remove it from the tank.
12. Remove the shock absorber struts and move the pump.
13. Remove the tank from the housing by lifting it up.
14. Remove the belt, motor, and drum pulley.
15. If the tank is disassembled, unscrew it.If the part is solid, cut strictly along the seams with a hacksaw.
16. Knock out the drum.
17. Using a screwdriver, remove the bearings with seals.
18. Thoroughly clean the nests. Place new parts in them, and carefully lubricate the seals. Drive in the parts until they are completely immersed.
19. Clean the shaft.
20. During assembly, the tank must be secured with sealant. If it is sawn, secure it with bolts for reliability.
21. When assembling the machine, return all parts to their places, observing strict sequence.

Testing of the repaired device is carried out in washing mode. To check, you need to connect Whirlpool to communications and start it. If the technical device does not vibrate, there is no hum, then the repair was carried out efficiently.

The video will show you how to change bearings in a Whirlpool washing machine:

How to replace in a top loading machine?

The difference between models with vertical loading is the fixation of the drum on two axle shafts. Whereas with horizontal, one mount is used. Bearings on both axle shafts must be replaced. It doesn't matter which one is unstable.

Repair includes the following main actions:

1. Disconnect electrical wires and hoses.
2. Remove the outer and rear walls of the device.
3. Remove the linings located on the sides of the drum - under them there are calipers with bearings.
4. First of all, the bearing that does not have a pulley near it must be replaced. Then you need to change the part on the opposite side.
5. The installation sites of the elements must be cleaned and lubricated.
6. Reassemble in reverse order.

Where and at what price can I buy a new one?

Before repairing, you must purchase spare parts. It is not possible to buy a universal part, since the size range of bearings is quite wide. One manufacturer may have more than a dozen species. When choosing, it is recommended to follow the designations of original or similar parts.

The most common bearings for Whirlpool with numbers:

• 202;
• 203;
• 204;
• 205;
• 206;
• 207;
• 305;
• 306.

You can use the following selection methods:

1. Find the information in the instructions for the washing machine.
2. Using the serial number of the machine, obtain information from the Internet.
3. Dismantle the old part and use its markings to accurately decide on the purchase. This is the most reliable way.

You can purchase bearings at many home appliance parts stores. Parts are often offered by workshops that repair cars. A large selection is available in online stores. The price is within 500 rubles, the elements are sold both in a repair kit and separately. Replacement usually requires two bearings: a large one and a small one.

Additional components are also important. Even the most expensive bearing will not last even a year if a low-quality oil seal is installed and the wrong lubricant is used.

Call a specialist

If it is difficult to replace the Whirlpool bearings yourself or you don’t have the time, it would be advisable to seek help from professionals.The master has in his arsenal all the necessary tools and control devices. When called, he is able to quickly identify the problem and determine whether repairs are needed.

A specialist will fix the breakdown much faster than anyone else. Another advantage is that many organizations themselves purchase spare parts and subsequently provide a guarantee for them, as well as for services.

Finding a master will not be difficult; there are many offers. You can contact:

• to the service center;
• to the workshop;
• to a private specialist, through word of mouth;
• by announcement or advertisement;
• leave a request on the official website.

When choosing, you should read reviews and pay attention to work experience. If an organization has been operating for a long time and its specialization is only the repair of washing machines, then these are great advantages.

The cost of the service for replacing bearings in a Whirlpool machine varies. On average it ranges from 2500-3000 rubles.

How to avoid encountering scammers?

Usually, employees of unscrupulous organizations promise to conduct free diagnostics and eliminate the cause of the damage. In this case, the contract is not drawn up, the necessary documents are not drawn up. A few days later, the consumer is notified that the repair has been completed and the washing equipment can be picked up.

When choosing a service provider, in order to avoid negative situations, It is recommended to pay attention to the following points:

1. Fraudsters have a hard time hiding their reputation.Negative reviews about organizations that have violated the rights of service recipients are often published on the Internet.
2. An important element is the company sign. A workshop that does not want to attract undue attention to itself will not post legally significant information about itself.
3. A reliable service organization will not require large upfront payments. Full payment must be made after repairs are completed and upon acceptance of the equipment. An advance payment is charged with the client's consent.
4. The service provider must have a cash register. Advance and full payment must be accompanied by checks.
5. You should not agree to repair if the company’s employees do not offer to conclude an agreement and draw up an acceptance certificate for the faulty device.
6. You should carefully study the contract. It should not contain phrases indicating that the contractor unilaterally has the right to change the type of service and its cost.
7. The warranty period or formalities associated with it must be indicated.
8. Upon receipt of the repaired automatic machine by the customer, the responsible person demonstrates the work done.
9. After the service is provided, it is necessary to sign a bilateral acceptance certificate with a mark in the contract.

Conclusion

Any washing machine can break down sooner or later. Whirlpool is no exception. The most common cause of failure is bearing failure. Their repair is quite expensive.

Restoring the device yourself requires physical effort and some time.. The simplest solution to the problem is to call a specialist to your home or send the machine to a service center.