Washing Machine Tub Bearing Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sunedog · #1 09-23-2009, 03:29 PM

Still having problems with the 9 year old Amana LWA50AW washing machine ya'll helped me limp along in this Sluggish Washing Machine thread.

I replaced the belt and pump in Aug '08. The machine ran, but was scary loud when it went into spin mode (first time I was tempted to yell, "Run for your life..it's gonna' blow!!!") It broke the drive belt again in Oct '08 and I replaced it again.

Last weekend, it totally smoked the belt. I unplugged it, emptied it and took the front cover off. Belt is damaged again. Repair guru at repairclinic.com and another online repair info site both said it needs a new tub bearing.

I've seen a step by step guide to replace a tub bearing on a different Amana top loader. Looks pretty involved.

Parts, manual and the one tool I'm told I can't do without will run about $140. So I'm in the shopping mode for a new washer.

1) Anyone replace a tub bearing? How tough is it?

2) Any recommendations on top loading washers in the under $700 range? I would choose a front loader but the Senior Garment Recleansing Engineer (my wife) has heard too many horror stories.

280EZRider · #2 09-23-2009, 11:06 PM

Your quote sounds about right. I have never worked on Ammana, but I did lots of work on Whirlpool (same as Sears' Kenmore) and GE in an earlier life. Changing the tub on a Whirlpool is a rather long job and requires a couple of special tools; Ammana may be similar.

I would recommend buying a Whirlpool. Even if you buy a used or reconditioned Whirlpool, which would be far less than $700, it's the best washer made. About 10 months ago, I bought a used Whirlpool washer & dryer and we have been very satisfied.

mpolli · #3 09-23-2009, 11:47 PM

What horror stories has she heard? Maytag? Yeah, those stink. But the Whirlpool Duets are the shizzel. These are also sold by Sears and I think Maytag actually sells the same one now too. They are actually all made in Germany, go figure. Obama's about ready to give us our clunker washer rebate so hang on. You can trade it in for a new front loader, or hip replacement, either way.

sunedog · #4 09-24-2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpolli

What horror stories has she heard? Maytag? Yeah, those stink. But the Whirlpool Duets are the shizzel. These are also sold by Sears and I think Maytag actually sells the same one now too. They are actually all made in Germany, go figure. Obama's about ready to give us our clunker washer rebate so hang on. You can trade it in for a new front loader, or hip replacement, either way.

Her brother (who researches every major purchase thoroughly) bought a set a couple of years ago and he and his wife initially hated the washer. It had an odor they couldn't get rid of. I thought there were other issues, but maybe I'm not remembering correctly. She also has heard from other friends who didn't like them for one reason or another. Since we weren't in the market, I didn't pay much attention to the subject.

Got an update last night from her brother: They were able to clean the washer somehow and now they love it. They had to change to a different detergent and they clean it once a month with some kind of pill and the odor issue is managed.

So now front loaders are back in consideration. However, after looking at some last night in person, I realize space may now be the limiting factor. The washer sits in a corner with a deep sink not too far in front of it. I have about 45" depth to play with. I'm checking specs on some front loaders and some are deep enough the door wouldn't open completely.

Interesting observation last night: The high end Whirlpool top loader (Cabrio model WTW6500WW) and the comparable Maytag (MVWB750WQ) sure look like they're made by the same company. They share a lot of obvious components. The area where you add fabric softener and bleach and the agitator look identical to me. I'm pretty sure the same company makes both. I'd love to see who makes what these days. I know in the past Kenmore was Whirlpool and my Amana is a Maytag.

sunedog · #5 09-24-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

Your quote sounds about right. I have never worked on Ammana, but I did lots of work on Whirlpool (same as Sears' Kenmore) and GE in an earlier life. Changing the tub on a Whirlpool is a rather long job and requires a couple of special tools; Ammana may be similar.

I would recommend buying a Whirlpool. Even if you buy a used or reconditioned Whirlpool, which would be far less than $700, it's the best washer made. About 10 months ago, I bought a used Whirlpool washer & dryer and we have been very satisfied.

Yeah, my research is telling me tub bearing replacement is a bear (no pun intended).

More than one person has recommended Whirlpool and I'm leaning towards it. Thanks.

raymr · #6 09-24-2009, 08:42 AM

Fisher & Paykel has a eco-friendly machine with a direct drive system (no belts). I don't have one but they look like an interesting alternative.

rs899 · #7 09-24-2009, 11:45 AM

9 year old? I say kick it to the curb. I replaced the transmission on a crappy GE a few years back and unless your time is worth less than $2/hr forget about that idea. We replaced the GE with a Whirlpool ( Estate stripped down model ) about 3 years ago and it hasn't missed a beat- it does our business.

Rick

ah-kay · #8 09-24-2009, 12:05 PM

If you are not mechanical minded then I would suggest to replace it with a front loader. They use less water, electricity and cleans better.

I have replaced the bearing of a front loader. It was a Philip make shipped from Europe, running on 240v 60Hz. Europe is years ahead on appliances. I plugged it into the 2 phases 110v 50Hz and it worked like a charm. It is even more of a pain to replace the bearing as the whole tub, containment enclosure, needed to come out and the bearings ( 2 of them ) are in METRIC. I measured the shaft diameter and had them replaced using the closest match. It is still working as a spare ( 24 years old ) as we have bought another front loader. If it were mine, I would replace the bearing and run it to the ground. But it was me as I do not like to throw repairable things away. My labor is cheap, very cheap.

Mr.Kenny · #9 09-24-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

Fisher & Paykel has a eco-friendly machine with a direct drive system (no belts). I don't have one but they look like an interesting alternative.

Yeah; try to find parts for these funky Kiwi machines. (made in NZ.)
I considered a used set locally; until I read consumers reviews.
They work great when they work. Electronic boards go out and you have to send away to NZ for a new one. 'Sending away' to New Zealand is not the same as 'sending away' to Battle Creek.

kerry · #10 09-24-2009, 12:43 PM

I've always liked the gasoline engine powered washing machines you see at antique engine shows.

rs899 · #11 09-24-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

I've always liked the gasoline engine powered washing machines you see at antique engine shows.

Was there ever a diesel?

Mike D · #12 09-24-2009, 12:58 PM

No, but there were steam powered models!

About 400 pounds of machinery to run a single washer.

I agree with the earlier poster. Get a new front loader. I fought with an old Crosley for years, first the belt went, then the balancer, the timer was next, then the belt again, the agitator, the bearings, then the belt. I replaced it with an LG and have never looked back. The only complaint with the LG is that I used the gray water to water my trees and now I have to actually run a hose to them upon occaision because the front loader doesn't use enough water!

lorainfurniture · #13 09-24-2009, 01:03 PM

duet front loads are nice.. A product called "affresh" will get rid of the funk... Go to a used appliance store and buy a late model top load whirlpool, kenmore, roper, estate, even new maytag. (They are ALL made by whirlpool now.) I sell used washers here in cleveland for about 150. Save yourself a ton of money by buying used.

Amana bearings are a pain. I usually junk them when I get them like that.