How to Replace Whirlpool Washer Bearings: A Comprehensive Guide

Replacing Whirlpool washer bearings is a common repair task that can extend the life of your appliance and save you money. The bearings are located in the washer's drum and support the weight of the clothes as they spin. Over time, the bearings can wear out and cause the drum to wobble or make noises.

If you're experiencing these problems, it's important to replace the bearings as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the washer.

This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to replace Whirlpool washer bearings. We'll also cover the tools and materials you'll need, as well as some tips and tricks to make the job easier.

Tools and Materials

Before you start, you'll need to gather the following tools and materials:

• New Whirlpool washer bearings (2)
• Socket wrench
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Grease

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.

2. Remove the back panel of the washer.

3. Locate the drum and remove the drive belt.

4. Remove the drum pulley.

5. Remove the drum bearing retainer.

6. Pry the old bearings out of the drum housing.

7. Clean the drum housing and lubricate the new bearings with grease.

8. Insert the new bearings into the drum housing.

9. Install the drum bearing retainer.

10. Install the drum pulley.

11. Install the drive belt.

12. Reinstall the back panel of the washer.

13. Plug in the washer and turn on the water supply.

14. Test the washer to make sure it's working properly.

Tips and Tricks

• Replacing Whirlpool washer bearings can be a challenging task, but it's definitely possible to do it yourself with a little patience and the right tools.
• If you're not comfortable replacing the bearings yourself, you can always call a qualified appliance repair technician to do it for you.
• Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and don't skip any steps.
• If you're having trouble removing the old bearings, you can use a pry bar to help you.
• Be careful not to damage the drum housing when you're removing the old bearings.
• Lubricate the new bearings with grease before you install them.
• Test the washer to make sure it's working properly before you put it back into service.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't try to replace the bearings without unplugging the washer and turning off the water supply.
• Don't skip any steps in the instructions.
• Don't use too much force when you're removing the old bearings.
• Don't damage the drum housing when you're removing the old bearings.
• Don't forget to lubricate the new bearings with grease before you install them.
• Don't put the washer back into service until you've tested it to make sure it's working properly.

Why It Matters

Replacing Whirlpool washer bearings is an important maintenance task that can extend the life of your appliance and save you money. Worn-out bearings can cause the drum to wobble or make noises, which can damage the washer and lead to costly repairs.

By replacing the bearings yourself, you can save the cost of hiring a qualified appliance repair technician. You can also avoid the inconvenience of having your washer out of service for an extended period of time.

Benefits of Replacing Whirlpool Washer Bearings

• Extends the life of your washer
• Saves you money on repairs
• Keeps your washer running smoothly and quietly
• Prevents damage to the washer

Call to Action

If you're experiencing problems with your Whirlpool washer, don't hesitate to replace the bearings. It's a relatively easy task that can save you money and extend the life of your appliance.