How to Replace the Bearings of a Front Loading Washing Machine
- 1). Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet. Turn off and disconnect the washer from the water pipes. Pull the machine forward so that you have easy access to the entire machine.
- 2). Unscrew the lid's top two screws and remove the machine's top panel.
- 3). Slide out the machine's back panel.
- 4). Slide off the fan belt and set it aside.
- 5). Unscrew the drive shaft's end bolt. This is the bolt that holds the pulley into position.
- 6). Remove the pulley by placing the screwdriver underneath it and gently leveraging it off.
- 7). Remove the drum's three bolts that hold its spider bracket into place. If the bolts are sticking use, rust remover and degreaser to loosen them. Do not apply too much pressure to the brackets or you will strip them.
- 8). Tap the spider joint gently with a hammer while pulling on it. The entire joint and the bearings should slide off.
- 9). Clean up the spider shaft, removing all rust and debris using cloth diapers and rust remover and degreaser solutions.
- 10
Tap the new bearings into place. - 11
Tap the new drive shaft seal into place. The drive shaft seal should always be replaced with the bearings to ensure water-tight protection for the machinery. - 12
Reassemble to washer.
