Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Bearing Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide for DIYers
Replacing the bearings in your Whirlpool Cabrio washer can be a challenging task, but it's one that can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs. If you're up for the challenge, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done right.
Tools and Materials You'll Need:
- New bearing and seal kit
- Socket wrench set
- Screwdriver set
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Bucket
1. Gather Your Tools and Materials
The first step is to gather all of the tools and materials you'll need for the job. This includes a new bearing and seal kit, a socket wrench set, a screwdriver set, pliers, a hammer, a pry bar, and a bucket.
| Tool |
Purpose |
| Socket wrench set |
For removing the bolts that hold the tub in place |
| Screwdriver set |
For removing the screws that hold the pump in place |
| Pliers |
For removing the hoses that are connected to the pump |
| Hammer |
For knocking the old bearings out of the tub |
| Pry bar |
For prying the old bearing seal out of the tub |
| Bucket |
For catching the water that will drain from the tub when you remove the pump |
2. Disconnect the Water Supply and Power to the Washer
Before you begin working on the washer, it's important to disconnect the water supply and power. To disconnect the water supply, turn off the water valves that are located behind the washer. To disconnect the power, unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
| Safety Precaution |
Purpose |
| Disconnect the water supply |
To prevent flooding |
| Disconnect the power |
To prevent electrical shock |
3. Remove the Back Panel of the Washer
The next step is to remove the back panel of the washer. To do this, remove the screws that are located around the perimeter of the panel. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the panel off of the washer.
| Step |
Purpose |
| Remove the screws |
To detach the back panel |
| Pull the panel off |
To access the internal components |
4. Remove the Drive Belt
The drive belt is located around the pulley of the motor. To remove the drive belt, use a pair of pliers to loosen the tensioner pulley. Once the tensioner pulley is loose, you can slip the drive belt off of the pulley.
| Step |
Purpose |
| Loosen the tensioner pulley |
To release the tension on the belt |
| Slip the belt off the pulley |
To remove the belt |
5. Remove the Motor
The motor is located at the bottom of the washer. To remove the motor, remove the bolts that are holding it in place. Once the bolts are removed, you can lift the motor out of the washer.
| Step |
Purpose |
| Remove the bolts |
To detach the motor |
| Lift the motor out |
To remove the motor |
6. Remove the Tub
The tub is located inside the washer. To remove the tub, remove the bolts that are holding it in place. Once the bolts are removed, you can lift the tub out of the washer.
| Step |
Purpose |
| Remove the bolts |
To detach the tub |
| Lift the tub out |
To remove the tub |
7. Remove the Old Bearings and Seals
The old bearings and seals are located inside the tub. To remove them, use a hammer and a pry bar to knock them out of the tub.
| Step |
Purpose |
| Use a hammer and pry bar |
To remove the old bearings and seals |
8. Install the New Bearings and Seals
The new bearings and seals are located in the bearing and seal kit. To install them, use a hammer to tap them into place.
| Step |
Purpose |
| Use a hammer |
To install the new bearings and seals |
9. Reassemble the Washer
Once the new bearings and seals are installed, you can reassemble the washer. To do this, follow the steps in reverse order.
| Step |
Purpose |
| Reinstall the tub |
To place the tub back into the washer |
| Reinstall the motor |
To install the motor back into its place |
| Reinstall the drive belt |
To put the drive belt back onto the pulley |
| Reinstall the back panel |
To secure the back panel |
10. Test the Washer
Once the washer is reassembled, test it to make sure that it's working properly. To do this, plug the washer into the electrical outlet and turn on the water supply. Then, run a test cycle to make sure that the washer is filling, draining, and spinning properly.
| Step |
Purpose |
| Plug in the washer |
To restore power |
| Turn on the water supply |
To allow water flow |
| Run a test cycle |
To verify functionality |
