Spent the weekend fixing the washing machine. Like many things I fix, had to do it twice.
OK, if you are here because you have a Kenmore front loading washing machine and it makes lots of noise during its spin cycles, I’ll share a few thoughts regarding it’s repair. it is likely the dual bearing that supports the inner tub assembly. Ours had been making noise for sometime, but lately it has gotten really loud, and (drumroll…) began to leak. Just the incentive I needed to fix the washer.
You’ll need to purchase the Rear Outer Tub Assembly for about $164. It contains the two bearings that need to be replaced. You cannot buy this separately. I got my part at AppliancePartsPros.com and they got it to me by the next day from N. California for only $6.95. Here is the parts link for the Kenmore 417.29052990 built by Frigidaire. The part is $180 at Sears. Diagrams can be found at their website by clicking on the image below.
Disassembly is pretty straightforward. To do this job, I can see no other way than removing the whole tub assembly from the cabinet. I borrowed two neighbors to help lift the tub out of the cabinet. It’s really heavy. (Tip: remove the motor, and unpin the shock absorbers at the tub assembly, remove top back support member so you can lift back and up.)
VERY IMPORTANT: The reason I had to do it twice is because after I got everything assembled, and went to reattach the rubber boot from the door opening to the tub… I couldn’t. So, while the tub is still out of the cabinet, remove the concrete counterweights on the front, reattach the boot to the front of the tub, reinstall the concrete weights, then slide the whole bit in. It is the only way.
It runs great now.
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