Is your washing machine causing a racket whenever you turn it on? It’s likely that your bearings have gone. In this article, we’ll answer the question: how much does it cost to replace the bearings on a washing machine?
We’ll also discuss:
- How to know if your washing machine bearings have gone
- What a washing machine with bad bearings sounds like
- How long washing machine bearings last
- Whether you can use a washing machine after the bearings have gone
- Is it worth it to replace washing machine bearings?
- The cost to replace washing machine bearings
Quick answer: if you hire a professional to replace the bearings in your washing machine you can expect to pay around $150 to $300.
You can also replace the bearings yourself for much cheaper. Below are some bearing recommendations for common washing machine brands.
- XiKe Front Load Washer Bearings
These bearings from XIKE are compatible with LG and Kenmore washing machines.
How do I know if my washing machine bearings have gone?
You’ll know that your washing machine bearings have gone if the machine seems louder when you turn it on.
If the inner drum is loose, you’ll hear it banging around inside your washer. Your washer may even begin to “walk” out from the wall with the force. This is another symptom of bad bearings.
To know for certain that bearings are the problem, pull your washer out from the wall and remove the back panel.
If the motor is rusted, this is a sure sign that the bearings have gone.
What does a washing machine sound like when the bearings have gone?
When the bearings are bad, your washing machine will sound louder while on. You may hear a banging sound as the loosened inner drum beats around inside the machine.
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How long should washing machine bearings last?
Typically, washing machine bearings wear down over time. As water leaks through the seals, the bearings begin to rust.
This isn’t a problem you should see with new or seldom-used machines, but rather after continuous use.
Washing machine bearings can last a decade or more, depending on how well looked after they are and how often they are used.
However, you might find your washing machine bearings breaking more quickly in some instances. It truly depends on the durability of the machine.
Other factors, such as how often you use your washer and whether it’s cleaned regularly can also have an impact on your appliance’s lifespan.
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Can I use my washing machine if the bearings have gone?
You can continue to use your washing machine after the bearings have gone, but you should try to limit use until replacement.
This is because, over time, bad bearings will damage the rest of your machine. If you wait to replace the bearings, you’ll likely find yourself with many more parts to replace—or just buying a new washer instead.
If you plan to replace your washer anyway but can’t wait to wash your clothes until the new one arrives, feel free to continue using the old appliance until it’s replaced.
Is it worth replacing bearings on a washing machine?
It’s typically worth it to replace the bearings on your washing machine if you can do so yourself, as this is less expensive than hiring someone to fix it.
The parts will add up to less than the cost of a new washer, but once you add in the cost of labor this may not be the case.
If you do choose to repair the appliance yourself, always take appropriate safety precautions such as emptying and unplugging the washer before use.
Another circumstance in which it’s worthwhile to replace the bearings is when your washing machine is still under warranty.
Before you purchase those new bearings, though, think about the age of your machine. Is it only a few years old, or have you had it for a decade? If it is relatively new, you can purchase replacement bearings at a very reasonable cost.
Here is our recommendation for some of the most popular washing machine models.
These bearings from XIKE are compatible with LG and Kenmore washing machines.
Compatible with:
- Whirlpool
- Cabrio
- Kenmore
- Oasis
- Maytag
- Bravos
No appliance lasts forever. The older your washer is, the more likely something else will break after you’ve replaced the bearings.
Repair costs can add up quickly and make you wish you’d simply purchased a new machine in the first place.
Cost to Replace washing machine bearings
The cost to replace your washing machine bearings could be under $100 or over $600.
The typical cost is between $150-$300.
If you’re replacing them yourself, you’ll likely be at the lower end of this price range. Once you add in labor costs, that’s where things get expensive!
Other variables include the make and model of the machine and where you live. Prices on most items are higher in cities than out in the country, for example.
Top loaders also tend to cost more to repair than front-loading washers.
Lastly, keep in mind the possibility that the bearings aren’t the only thing that needs replacing. There’s a chance you replace them, then find that something else is also in need of repair.
This, of course, will add to your expenses.
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