Maytag Washer Drum Bearing Failure – What Bearing/Model Fixes This Problem?
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
What this is: Many Maytag front‑load and some high‑end top‑load washers use a dedicated tub/drum bearing (or bearing/hub assembly) to support the inner tub. When this bearing wears out the drum will be noisy, wobble, and often leak oil or water. Below are straightforward diagnostic steps and a practical repair procedure you can follow. Diagnostic and repair steps: 1) Confirm the appliance: locate the washer model and serial number on the tag (usually on the door frame, behind the dispenser or rear panel). Bearing kits are model-specific — record the exact model before ordering parts. 2) Observe symptoms: run an empty spin cycle and listen. Grinding/grating, loud rumbling that changes with spin speed, drum wobble, or oil/water at the front seam point to bearing failure. 3) Manual test: open the door and rotate the inner drum by hand. Feel for roughness, binding, or slop (rock the drum inward/outward and side-to-side). Use a mechanic’s stethoscope or a long screwdriver placed against the bearing housing to amplify noise. 4) Check for leaks: inspect the front seam and rear tub area for oil/grease. A leaking seal typically accompanies bearing wear. 5) Accessing the tub: disconnect power and water, drain the washer, remove the top/front panels or rear panel per your model to get to the drive pulley, motor, and tub fasteners. 6) Remove drive items: remove the drive belt (if present), motor or motor mount, pulley/clutch and the outer tub fasteners. Keep track of bolt locations and take photos while disassembling. 7) Separate the tub halves: unbolt the front and rear tub halves and carefully separate them to expose the bearing housing and inner hub (some models require removing the drum from the outer tub first). 8) Remove the old bearing and seal: use a bearing puller or press to extract the old bearing and remove the old seal(s). If the bearing is part of a hub assembly, unbolt the hub per the model’s procedure. 9) Clean and inspect: thoroughly clean the bearing bore and hub mating surfaces. Inspect the tub bore for corrosion or ovaling — if the bore is damaged you may need a replacement outer tub or professional repair. 10) Install new bearing and seal: use a bearing driver or press to install the new bearing squarely. Install the tub seal with the lip oriented correctly (seal lip toward water). Many technicians recommend replacing both bearings and seals as a kit. 11) Reassemble: reinstall the inner tub/hub, torque fasteners to the manufacturer spec, reattach pulley/motor/clutch and belts, reconnect hoses and wiring. 12) Test: before fully reassembling cosmetic panels, run a short wash and spin to verify quiet operation, no wobble and no leaks. Practical how-to notes: - Use a press or appropriate drivers — tapping bearings in with a hammer on the race will damage them. Pressing on the inner ring when installing is correct; pressing on the outer ring when removing is required to avoid hub damage. - Replace seals at the same time; old seals leak and contaminate new bearings. - Order parts by exact model number. Aftermarket kits from SKF/Timken are common and typically more economical; OEM hub assemblies are an option if the hub is damaged. Safety note: disconnect power and water, drain the washer, secure the tub to prevent it from tipping, and use eye/hand protection. Bearings and tub halves are heavy — get assistance when lifting. If you are not comfortable with heavy disassembly or using a press, hire a technician.
Common Symptoms
Loud grinding or rumbling during spin, drum wobble or slop, water or oil leaking at the door/tub seam, and increasing noise with spin speed.
Common Causes
- Wear of the ball/roller races from age and high spin cycles
- Failed tub seal allowing water to enter and corrode the bearing
- Corrosion or contamination (sand, detergent residue) damaging the bearing surfaces
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 a bad bearing by spinning the inner tub while the washer is off: rough grinding, scraping, or pronounced side‑to‑side play indicates the bearing; also look for oily residue at the front seam or behind the tub which signals a failed seal alongside the bearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell if the noise is the bearing and not the motor or suspension?
Spin the drum by hand and listen/feel: a bad bearing will feel rough or have scraping/grinding inside the tub and the drum will have side‑to‑side play. Motor or pulley noise often changes when you run the washer empty vs. loaded; suspension issues produce thumping and violent movement rather than a steady grinding. A mechanic’s stethoscope or a long screwdriver placed against the bearing housing amplifies bearing noise.
Can I replace Maytag tub bearings myself and how difficult is it?
Yes, but difficulty is moderate to high. The job requires major disassembly (removing the tub halves), heavy lifting, and a bearing press or puller. You must also install seals correctly to prevent leaks. If you have mechanical skills, the right tools, and follow a model‑specific guide, it’s doable; otherwise, hire a pro to avoid damaging the tub or hub.
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.