Washing Machines are one of the most overused devices around the house, and because of how often we use them, they develop faults over time.
Some of these faults could replace the whole machine, while others may require replacing some parts.
Worn-out bearings are some of the common issues that require the bearings to be replaced instead of purchasing a new washing machine and to do this, you have to spend some money.
While the replacement of the faulty parts of the washing machine can sometimes be cheap, it could cost more than the price of a new washing machine sometimes.
It costs about $150 to $200 or more to replace worn-out bearings in a washing machine; this includes the cost of items and labor. Keep an open mind on the replacement cost since not all professionals will charge you the same. Regarding the cost of labor, people charge differently.
Hotpoint Washing Machine Bearing Replacement Cost
The least price for Hotpoint Washing Machine bearings is about £12.95, but it could be more if you buy other items that go with it; this is how much you’d be spending if you do the replacement yourself.
But if you hire a professional for the job, your estimation would be from $200 and above.
It is always more cost-effective to do some domestic repairs by yourself than hire an expert. Because you’re not just paying for the knowledge but their time.
Consequently, many manufacturers include the manual for their model of washing machines to guide anyone who would like to carry out minor repairs on it.
However, it is risky to dismantle any machine you have little knowledge about because in trying to fix one problem, you may be creating another.
Several components with different working principles make up a washing machine. And each component must be in sync with another for it to work correctly.
It is why there are manuals to guide you on how to fix them; there’s also a piece of contact information provided.
In every manual, there’s a number that you can contact an expert in case of any confusion.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Bearing Replacement Cost
A Whirlpool washing machine’s bearing kit costs an average of $50, and the kit, it means that it contains other accessories like the tub bearing, the seals, the shaft, and oil seals.
Sometimes you can be lucky to have a spanner and extra adhesive in the kit. And this looks like a worthy cause considering the cost of the entire kit when you compare it with other brands.
A Whirlpool washing machine is one of the most reliable brands on the market based on customer feedback.
It has been around for quite some time, and due to the competition on the market amongst top brands like Samsung and LG, it may not be a global brand.
But it is surely a significant investment to those who use it. Although it is reliable and cost-effective, its parts may need regular checks and, if possible, replacement of worn-out parts.
Considering how often we use washing machines, it is understandable why the bearings will wear out, not necessarily because the brand is terrible.
Washing machine bearings work against friction to keep the drum spinning; wherever there’s friction, there’s a need for frequent lubrication; this is why greasing is very important to the washing machine bearings.
Bosch Washing Machine Bearing Replacement Cost
There are different prices for the various Bosch washing machine bearings available, with the least being the Ball Race Bearing which costs about $11.02, and the highest costing $22.31.
You can purchase these bearings individually, but it also comes in sets alongside other items, and the sets cost differently from single items.
Some of the Bearing Set or Kits available for purchase include Bosch Drum Bearing Set ($136.15) and Bosch Drum Bearing Kit ($23.75).
But other parts work together with the bearings, are prone to get damaged, and may require replacement.
They are sold as single items or combined with a Set/Kit, but if sold as single items, their prices differ from the bearings’ prices.
Some companies sell some of the parts alongside the bearings, including;
- Bosch Front Bearing Wheel and Shaft ($52.57)
- Bosch Drum Bearing Wheel ($49.69)
- Bosch Lower Basket Bearings ($25.18)
These are the available bearings, among others which aren’t parts of the washing machine but are essential when replacing worn-out bearings in the washing machine—for instance, oil seal, spanners, and adhesive.
Samsung Washing Machine Bearing Replacement Cost
Replace the bearings on your Samsung washing machine, it’ll cost you a minimum of $150 to $600, but it costs more depending on who you contact.
This process includes the cost of the bearings and their accessories and also the cost of labor.
It means that to cut down on the cost, you can decide to replace the bearings yourself if you know how.
Considering that Samsung is a global brand, it is understandable why it will cost more to replace its bearings than it will cost you to replace the bearings on other brands.
And one thing about the Samsung brand is that you’ll get value for your money because of their competent team of experts.
However, the Samsung washing machine is very user-friendly, so you don’t necessarily need to hire an expert for common repairs.
Therefore, you can afford to replace the bearings on your Samsung washing machine for as low as $50 or less, which is the cost of the bearings alone.
Others cost more or less, depending on what is in the Set or Kits but generally, replacing worn-out bearings by yourself will reduce the cost to a more affordable price.
Is It Worth Replacing Bearings On a Washing Machine?
Replacing bearings on your washing machine whenever they’re damaged is worth it.
But this is only if the damage on the bearings hasn’t caused considerable damage to other parts of the machine because rusty bearings do not change only the sound of the washing machine but also the movement of the drums.
Ideally, the inner drum is supposed to spin in the same direction as the fixed drum.
But the drums are displaced whenever there’s an issue with the bearings. This displacement can damage the drums, which is an even bigger issue.
So, in this case, replacing the bearings alone may not be the best thing to do but rather a thorough servicing on the washing machine, if possible, replacing the washing machine.
Some people ignore failed bearings because the washing machine continues to function even after the bearings have failed.
But this is the beginning of more extensive issues for them because, while the machine with failed bearings will not stop spinning, continuously using it will damage other parts of the machine.
In addition, this process will cost more than the actual cost of replacing the bearings.
Also, due to how expensive replacing bearings can sometimes be, some people prefer replacing the washing machine since new bearings don’t guarantee that there will be no more issues in the other parts.
In addition, a new machine is more efficient than an old one with new bearings. So, instead of replacing the bearings, which will cost so much if they’re hiring a professional, they’d purchase a new washing machine instead.
Not everyone can afford to replace the washing machine for trivial reasons like rusty bearings, so for such people, replacing the bearings is worth it.
Here are the pros and cons of replacing bearings instead of buying a new washing machine for those who may want to replace the bearings;
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
It is cost-effective if you do it yourself. | It can be expensive when you’re hiring a professional. |
You take your time to look out for other faults in the machine. | It doesn’t guarantee that the machine will last longer. |
Here are some steps to follow up with when you want to eliminate the cost of labor by replacing the bearings by yourself;
#1. Turn Off the Machine
The first step in carrying out any repairs on the devices at home is to ensure that there’s no power supply to the device.
Unfortunately, some cables on the machine may have leakages which will cause electric shock if still connected to a power supply and not just that but the inconveniences also.
You may have to move the machine a certain distance, especially if you keep it in a tight corner that doesn’t permit you to turn it 360° conveniently.
Also, you will need extra light and air when replacing the bearings, and you can only get it if you turn off the machine and unplug it from the source.
#2. Disassemble the Machine
This part is where you have to pay extra attention to what you remove in order not to misplace them when reassembling them.
Know how to remove the front cover, the back panel, and other parts you must take out like the detergent dispenser, the control panel, and the inner drum.
Taking out the parts will give a clearer view of what to remove next, like the washing machine pump, which serves as the inlet valves and the small cables within the machine.
#3. Locate the Bearings
Before you decide to do the replacement yourself, you must understand where the bearings are so that you can easily change them without damaging other things.
So, first, go through the manual booklet provided with the machine to understand where they are because all booklets come with a graphical outline of all the parts that make up the washing machine.
After you’ve located them, carefully remove them and clean the space for any rust or debris left behind.
#4. Replace the Bearings
Have the bearings ready by your side while taking out the parts. You don’t have to unscrew the screws if the bearings aren’t available yet, or you may lose some of the screws needed to hold the machine together.
However, be careful not to mix the new bearings with the ones you’re replacing so that it’ll be easy for you to identify the old ones from the new ones.
Carefully place the new ones and screw them in correctly to avoid any loose fitting that may lead to another failure.
Likewise, the bearings, seals, and other parts essential to the repair of a washing machine should be because frequently, the cause of failed bearings is from the seals.
#5. Reassemble the Machine
Gradually reassemble the machine part by part until it is whole again. This part may seem easy, but any mistake made at this stage can affect the machine’s function.
Know where to fix the washing machine pump, the back panel, and other parts that were initially unscrewed and replace them.
Try putting on the machine to see how it functions and if you did the replacement well because, for most home repairs, there are high chances of mistakes.
The mistakes could sometimes cause worse damage to the entire machine if not checked.
Conclusion
Having your washing machine in good condition is priceless, especially for people who do not have the luxury of time and energy to do their laundry by hand.
While only an expert can fix some issues, issues like failed bearings are elementary to replace even without the help of a professional.