GE GTWN2800D0WW Tub Bearing Replacement – How to Diagnose and Fix It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
The tub bearing (and its seal) supports the inner wash basket on the tub shaft and keeps water out of the support area. When the bearing or seal wears out the washer will make loud grinding or rumbling noises during spin, wobble heavily, leak at the base, or eventually seize. Below are diagnostic steps and a step-by-step repair procedure you can follow to replace the bearing and seal assembly on a GE GTWN2800D0WW. Note: tub bearing repair is moderately advanced — it involves disassembling the tub and pressing bearings in/out. If you are not comfortable with mechanical work, consider a tech. 1) Confirm the problem (diagnostics): a. Run an empty spin cycle and listen for a grinding/rumbling noise at spin speed. If noise is present only at spin, bearings are likely. b. Manually spin the inner tub; feel for roughness, grinding, or resistance. c. Move the inner tub side-to-side; excessive play (wobble) at the shaft indicates worn bearings. d. Inspect the floor under the washer for fresh water leaks; a failing tub seal often leaks oil/grease or water. e. Remove the cabinet or access panel and inspect the outer tub area for grease, metal shavings, or rusty residue — signs of a failed bearing/seal. 2) Prepare and gather parts/tools: a. Order the tub bearing and seal kit that exactly matches GTWN2800D0WW (OEM recommended). Also have new tub-to-shaft retaining nut if included. b. Tools: socket set, deep sockets, nut driver set, adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, bearing puller or press tool (bearing driver/large socket and hammer if necessary), rubber mallet, pry bar, putty knife, shop towels, penetrating oil, drain bucket, gloves and eye protection. 3) Service steps (high-level): a. Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply. Move the washer away from the wall and turn off the breaker if desired. b. Remove the top console or cabinet: on many GE top-loaders there are clips or screws behind the console. Remove screws securing cabinet and lift cabinet off to expose internal components. c. Disconnect the lid switch/wiring harness as needed, then remove the agitator. On GTWN-series the agitator may have a bolt under a cap; remove cap and bolt, then pull the agitator up (you may need an agitator puller if stuck). d. Remove the fabric softener/dispenser and the inner wash basket (may lift off once agitator and basket retainer are removed). You may need to remove the basket retainer nut (large center nut) — hold the shaft or use a brake/holding method on the motor/gearcase to prevent rotation. e. Remove the outer tub assembly/clips or bolts to access the bearing area. Carefully lift the inner tub out of the cabinet to expose the outer tub and bearing housing. f. Drain any remaining water into a drain pan before removing tubs. g. Once outer tub is accessible, remove the tub ring/clips and separate the outer tub halves as required on this model. You should see the bearing/seal area at the tub shaft. h. Remove the old bearing(s) and seal(s): use a bearing puller or drive them out using a socket and hammer, being careful not to distort the tub opening. Clean the bore thoroughly, removing corrosion and debris. i. Press in the new bearing(s) and install the new seal. Use a bearing driver or a correctly sized socket to press the bearing squarely into the bore; do not hammer the bearing lip or race directly. Make sure the seal is installed with the sealing lip facing the correct direction (usually toward the tub interior). j. Reassemble the tub halves and re-install the inner basket, retainer nut (replace if damaged), agitator, and any removed suspension/shock parts. Torque the tub nut snugly (hand-tight plus firm wrench; check service manual for exact torque if available). k. Reconnect all wiring, replace the cabinet, reconnect water lines and power, and run a test fill and spin cycle to confirm quiet operation and no leaks. Safety note: Always disconnect power and water before servicing. Bearings require force to remove/install — use proper tools to avoid injury or part damage. If at any point you see severe corrosion, cracked tubs, or gearcase damage, stop and consider replacing the entire tub/gearcase assembly or calling a pro.
Common Symptoms
Loud grinding or rumbling during spin, excessive tub wobble, leaks at the base of the washer, grease or metal shavings under the washer, and eventual seizure of the tub.
Common Causes
- Normal wear from age and use causing bearing race degradation
- Water intrusion past a worn seal causing corrosion and bearing failure
- Overloading the washer or frequent unbalanced loads causing excessive side load on the bearing
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Confirm the bearing by lifting the inner tub slightly and spinning it by hand; roughness, grinding, or side-to-side play at the shaft almost always means the tub bearing or seal has failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the seal instead of the bearing?
You can replace only the seal if the bearing is still smooth and has no play. However, seals typically fail because bearings are already contaminated/corroded. For reliability it's recommended to replace the bearing and seal together. If you decide to fit only the seal, carefully inspect the bearing for roughness and axial/radial play first.
How long does a tub bearing replacement take and can I do it at home?
For a competent DIYer with basic tools and a bearing press or driver, plan 3–5 hours. If you don't have a bearing press or are uncomfortable disassembling the tub, it can take longer. The repair is doable at home but requires patience, correct parts for GTWN2800D0WW, and care when pressing bearings to avoid damaging the tub.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.