How to replace the drum bearings in your washing machine

Washing MachineDifficult⏱ 35 - 45 minutes

Инструкция на английском (оригинал iFixit). Непонятные термины — в разделе «Основы → Словарь».

If your washer rumbles like a freight train during spin, the drum bearings are worn and must be replaced before they damage the shaft, heater or stain laundry with rusty water. Replacing the bearings on an older stainless-steel tub machine lets you keep a quality appliance in service and costs far less than a new washer.

🧰 Tools

Phillips Screwdriver
6-in-1 Screwdriver
Socket wrench with 13 mm socket
Socket wrench with 15 mm socket
Extension bar
Hammer
Drift punch
Detailing Brush
Solvent
Grease
Paper Towel
Protective Gloves

⚙️ Parts

Drum bearing 6205
Drum bearing 6206
Drum oil seal

ШагиSteps

Disconnect the washing machine from power

Pull the mains plug from the wall socket before starting any work.
Slide the washer forward so you can reach the rear panel comfortably.

Remove the top and rear covers

Undo the screws holding the top panel, lift it straight up and set it aside.
Remove all screws securing the rear service panel and lift the panel off the cabinet.

Detach the drive belt

Rotate the drum by hand while easing the belt off the large pulley.
Keep your fingers clear of the pulley edge to avoid being pinched.

Remove the pulley and taper bush

Hold the pulley and loosen its 15 mm centre bolt with a socket wrench.
Strike the wrench lightly with a hammer if the bolt is tight.
Slide the pulley off the shaft; warm or wiggle it gently if it sticks.
Lever the taper bush off the shaft with a flat screwdriver and set both parts aside.

Locate and loosen the spider bolts

Identify three bolts around the axle and one on each spider arm.
Remove the bolts with a 13 mm wrench, keeping each spring washer for reassembly.
Work slowly around sharp cabinet edges to avoid cuts.

Remove the drum spider

Support the drum and withdraw all six bolts completely.
Lift the spider straight off the axle; if small parts drop, retrieve and keep them.
Retain the three carriage bolts that anchor the spider to the tub for later use.

Clean the drum axle

Wipe detergent residue and rust from the axle with solvent-soaked paper towel.
Polish the brass sleeve area until the surface feels smooth and bright.
Avoid scratching the axle; damage shortens new bearing life.
Clear debris around the heater so it is not bent or broken while the drum is loose.

Drive out the old bearings

Lay the spider on a solid surface with the small bearing facing up.
Use a drift punch and heavy hammer to strike alternately around the bearing rim until it drops out.
Flip the spider and repeat to knock out the large bearing and old oil seal together.
Always hit the outer race, never the bearing centre, to protect the housing.

Select quality replacement bearings

Match the bearing codes; typical sizes are 6205 for the outer and 6206 for the inner position.
Choose double-sealed bearings for longer life if they are available from the supplier.

Clean the bearing housings and drain hole

Scrub metal chips and old grease from both bearing seats with solvent and a wire brush.
Clear the small drain hole between the seal and bearing so moisture can escape.
Confirm the marked spider arm that faces upward when refitting to maintain orientation.

Install the new bearings

Place the small bearing squarely in its seat from the rear side of the spider.
Position the matching old bearing over it and tap evenly until the bearing seats fully.
Repeat the process with the large bearing from the opposite side using the old large bearing as a driver.
Check both bearings are flush against their shoulders before proceeding.

Grease and fit the new oil seal

Pack high-temperature grease into the seal’s rear and inner lip.
Smear grease inside the seal groove where the brass sleeve rides.
Press the seal squarely into the housing by hand, then seat it flush with light taps on the outer rim only.
Wipe away any excess grease pushed out during seating.

Reinstall the spider

Orient the spider so the cleaned drain hole sits at the bottom of the tub.
Insert the three carriage bolts and draw the spider onto the drum axle.
Refit the three arm bolts with their spring washers and start all bolts by hand.
Tighten the six bolts evenly in stages to secure the spider firmly.

Refit the taper bush, pulley and clean drive surfaces

Push the drum fully back so the axle protrudes from the rear of the tub.
Slide the taper bush onto the axle and tap it home.
Mount the pulley, fit the centre bolt and tighten it firmly while holding the drum steady.
Degrease the pulley rim and motor pulley with solvent to prevent belt slippage.

Install the drive belt and close the machine

Loop the belt over the drum pulley, rotate the drum and guide the belt onto the motor pulley.
Reattach any suspension spring or spacer removed during disassembly.
Refit the rear service panel and top cover, tightening all screws securely.
Reconnect the washer to power and run a spin cycle to verify quiet operation.

Your washer should now spin smoothly and quietly with fresh bearings, extending its service life and keeping clothes safe from rust stains. Remember to repeat the clean-and-grease routine if the seal ever fails again.

«How to replace the drum bearings in your washing machine» — автор Ula Gantar, iFixit, лицензия CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Показано без изменений. Открыть оригинал и комментарии →