End washing machine woes: how to replace speed queen washer bearing in minutes

If your Speed Queen washer is making a loud, grinding noise, it’s likely that the bearing has failed. Replacing the bearing is a relatively simple repair that can be done in a few hours with the right tools and materials. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to replace a Speed Queen washer bearing.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• New washer bearing
• Socket wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Washer tub wrench (optional)
• Hammer
• Punch
• Grease

Safety Precautions

Before you begin any repairs, it’s important to take the following safety precautions:

• Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
• Turn off the water supply to the washer.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the Washer Cabinet

• Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the washer cabinet.
• Carefully lift the cabinet off the washer base.

2. Remove the Washer Tub

• Use a washer tub wrench or a socket wrench to loosen the bolts that secure the washer tub to the base.
• Carefully lift the washer tub out of the base.

3. Remove the Agitator Assembly

• Use a socket wrench to loosen the bolt that secures the agitator assembly to the washer tub.
• Pull the agitator assembly up and off the washer tub.

4. Remove the Bearing Retainer

• Use a socket wrench to loosen the bolt that secures the bearing retainer to the washer tub.
• Use a punch or a screwdriver to pry the bearing retainer off the washer tub.

5. Remove the Old Bearing

• Use a hammer to gently tap the old bearing out of the washer tub.
• Be careful not to damage the washer tub.

6. Install the New Bearing

• Apply a thin layer of grease to the new bearing.
• Carefully insert the new bearing into the washer tub.
• Use a hammer to gently tap the bearing into place.

7. Reinstall the Bearing Retainer

• Place the bearing retainer over the new bearing.
• Use a socket wrench to tighten the bolt that secures the bearing retainer to the washer tub.

8. Reinstall the Agitator Assembly

• Place the agitator assembly on the washer tub.
• Use a socket wrench to tighten the bolt that secures the agitator assembly to the washer tub.

9. Reinstall the Washer Tub

• Carefully lift the washer tub into the washer base.
• Use a washer tub wrench or a socket wrench to tighten the bolts that secure the washer tub to the base.

10. Reinstall the Washer Cabinet

• Carefully place the washer cabinet on the washer base.
• Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that secure the washer cabinet.

11. Reconnect the Washer

• Plug the washer into the power outlet.
• Turn on the water supply to the washer.

Tips for Replacing Speed Queen Washer Bearings

• If you’re not comfortable replacing the bearing yourself, you can hire a qualified appliance repair technician to do it for you.
• Be sure to use a new bearing that is the same size and type as the old bearing.
• Apply a thin layer of grease to the new bearing before installing it.
• Be careful not to damage the washer tub when removing or installing the bearing.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble replacing the bearing, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure that you’re using the correct size and type of bearing.
• Check to make sure that the bearing is properly seated in the washer tub.
• If the bearing is still making noise, it may be damaged and need to be replaced again.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: How often should I replace the bearing in my Speed Queen washer?
A: The bearing in a Speed Queen washer should be replaced every 5-7 years, or sooner if it starts to make noise.

Q: Can I replace the bearing myself if I’m not a handyman?
A: Yes, you can replace the bearing yourself if you have some basic tools and follow the instructions in this guide carefully.

Q: What are the signs that my washer bearing needs to be replaced?
A: The most common sign that your washer bearing needs to be replaced is a loud, grinding noise. Other signs include water leaking from the washer, the washer vibrating excessively, or the washer not spinning properly.