A worn Maytag front load washer bearing is the one failure that most often decides whether to repair or replace the washer, because the repair is large and the washer’s age and condition decide whether it pays off. Our repair-or-replace washer guide says the decision usually comes down to the drum bearings. A washer that is in good shape otherwise is often worth the repair, and an older washer with other worn parts is the case where replacing deserves a hard look. A technician’s diagnosis is the only reliable way to confirm that the bearing is the problem.
What does a front load washer bearing do?
A front-load washer’s drum spins on a shaft that rides on bearings at the back of the tub. The bearings let the heavy, wet drum turn smoothly at high spin speed. Over time, water, soap and wear can get past the tub seal and damage the bearings, and then the drum stops turning smoothly. On Maytag front-loaders such as the MHW8630HC and the MHW8200FW, the bearing is the part behind the loud rumble that some owners describe after years of use.
A bearing does not fail all at once. It usually starts as a faint noise in the spin that grows over weeks or months, which gives you time to plan.
How can you tell if the bearing is the problem?
Our repair or replace washer guide gives a simple check: with the washer off and empty, take hold of the drum through the door opening and try to rock it up and down. A drum that moves noticeably, with play that you can feel, points to worn bearings, and a rumbling or grinding noise during the spin confirms it. A healthy drum feels firm. Do not push hard, and keep your hands clear of the door seal and any sharp edges.
Other things can make noise in the spin, including an unlevel washer, a heavy unbalanced load, a coin in the drum or worn shock absorbers. Our Maytag washer vibration issues guide explains those, so rule them out first. A technician can tell the bearing from the rest.
When is a bearing repair worth it?
When the rest of the washer is in good shape. The bearing is the main repair, and if the drum, the motor, the door boot and the control are all sound, the repair can extend the washer’s life. The repair guide above also says the tub seal should be replaced at the same time, since a failed seal is often how the bearing got wet in the first place. It is not a small job, so compare the quote with the cost of a new washer. Ask for a quote that covers the bearings and the seal together, and ask whether anything else looks worn.
Think about how you use the washer. A family that does several loads a week gets more value from a repaired washer than a household that washes once a week.
When does replacing make more sense?
When the washer is old and other parts are also tired, when it has been repaired several times in a short period or when the bearing job together with other repairs approaches the cost of a new machine. A bearing repair does not fix a failing control board, worn shock absorbers or a leaking door boot, and any of those on the same washer adds to the bill. If the washer is in that state, add up the likely repairs and compare them with a new washer, rather than looking at the bearing alone. Our Maytag washer repair cost guide helps you put numbers on the options.
If you do decide to buy new, our top-load versus front-load guide can help you choose between types.
How can you make a bearing last longer?
Keep the washer level, avoid overloading, use the right amount of high-efficiency detergent and keep the door seal clean and dry. Leave the door ajar between uses so moisture can leave the drum. Our Maytag washer door boot cleaning guide covers the seal. Fix leaks early, because a leak at the door boot or tub seal lets water reach the bearing. None of this is a guarantee, but it removes the avoidable causes.
What should you not do yourself?
Do not take the washer apart to look at the bearing. It means removing the tub or the drum assembly, and it involves heavy parts, water and mains power. Do not keep running a washer that is making a loud grinding noise, because a failing bearing can do more damage and make the repair bigger. If you smell burning or see smoke, switch off the washer’s breaker at the panel while standing on a dry floor. If water is near an outlet, never pull a plug from a wet outlet.
When should you call a technician?
Call when the washer rumbles or grinds in the spin, when the drum has play, or when you want a repair-or-replace opinion before you spend money. Give the technician the model number, how old the washer is and what repairs it has had. Our Maytag washer repair page explains how a visit works.
