Two weeks ago I was at my moms house when washer was on spin. I told her the bearings were on the way out and to get someone out. Today she called me and said it was throwing oil on the floor. I went over there tonight to see what was up. Took tub out of washer (top loader HE, Maytag Bravos) and took motor off the bottom. That process was technically easy, but annoying. The bearing in question is pressed into the plastic tub where the shaft for the agitator disc goes through the bottom. So much for that. Washer out in the yard, new one coming on Wednesday. 2007 vintage, I guess no complaints. I feel like 20 years out of an appliance was pretty good even back in the day.
Wash Machine Bearing Took a Dump
- Thread starter MrkofXcellence
- Start date
Bet it won't go even 4 years. the last few i've had have been yugos and have been a waste of time to fix only for something else to break. I'd recommend one of those simpler GE models that has a bunch of knobs up front with no touch buttons that have lots of issues.
It seems thst 20 years should be easy to achieve yet it seems more and more that manufacturers are cheapening their products. I saw a really interesting youtube video of a British home appliance repair person. He said roughly four years ago manufacturers started sealing the washing machine drums so repair of a bearing or motor that was $15-$20 is now $300 to replace the entire drum.
"Many modern British and European washing machines (from brands like Hotpoint, Indesit, Hoover, Candy, Beko, and even budget Bosch models) are built with sealed, plastic-welded tubs. Because these tubs are glued together rather than screwed, manufacturers often declare them unserviceable, meaning a simple failed bearing or seal can result in a massive repair bill or a written-off machine."
I replaced the bearing on our Maytag Bravos washer twice. The bearing is press fit onto the agitator which goes through the tank and sealed with a sealant and grease in the center of the seal. After 16 years, the control board went out and the washer was replaced.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Yeah, I’m the only one using express cycle and clothes still seem clean and fresh - so IMHO the others waste resources/machine life
I have one and it needed a repair at 8 years old. This thread: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...ewd-no-gas-price-pics-etc.356182/post-6802145
I had a pair of toploading samsungs delivered from costco right around $800 for the pair. They replaced my 15 year old GE's.
My advice for Speed Queen is from an appliance repair guy on another forum. I have had so many washers/dryers in the last 35 years, the never last more than a few years.
I can tell you one brand I will never buy and that is LG. I should have learned with the washer/dryer but bought a gas oven and it is just as bad. Trying to get warranty repair when it was only 3 months old and their service guy in incompetent. I bought the extended warranty through LG and that is even harder to get service out of.
Delighted to have a matched pair of early 90's Maytag washer and dryer. In over 30 years of ownership and 10,000+ cycles, the washer needed a timer and carbon seal at the same time, and the drier needed an ignitor and a set of gas solenoids at different times. All were easily DIY diagnosed and repaired. If they get replaced, It'll be simple Speed Queen top load washer and front load drier.
In our last house which we sold three years ago. When we sold the house at 16 years oldEvery major appliance was still working with no repairs except I replaced the component myself of the refrigerator icemaker at some point.
Washer, dryer, side-by-side refrigerator all Kenmore elite
Dishwasher and stove was whirlpool
Also the two HVAC units one for each level original as well those units worked every day of the year. We never opened our windows. The Midlands of South Carolina typically hit 100° during the summer or within 4° of that. Those units were builder grade.Heil
OK, so now with the new house of three years, I’ll be surprised if any of these appliances make it for 10 years before being replaced and I actually don’t expect them to last any longer than that.
Sure they look fantastic but with all those electronics and crap put on the machines there’s no way they’ll be as reliable
Washer, dryer, side-by-side refrigerator all Kenmore elite
Dishwasher and stove was whirlpool
Also the two HVAC units one for each level original as well those units worked every day of the year. We never opened our windows. The Midlands of South Carolina typically hit 100° during the summer or within 4° of that. Those units were builder grade.Heil
OK, so now with the new house of three years, I’ll be surprised if any of these appliances make it for 10 years before being replaced and I actually don’t expect them to last any longer than that.
Sure they look fantastic but with all those electronics and crap put on the machines there’s no way they’ll be as reliable
Really true
What did you use to push it out?
I was looking at Consumer Reports for recommendations. LG was at the top. I told my mom, “dont care, everyone we know with LG has had a problem.”. We just bought the highest rated Whirlpool (which was the highest rated of Whirlpool/Maytag/Amana). I like that parts are so available.
