I have a less than two year old whirlpool WFW9500TW01 washer with a bad main drum bearings. I am told the bearings cannot be replaced and that the solution is to get outer tub and basket replaced for approx. $1k. What other options do I have eg. change bearings myself? Washed runs but is very loud on spin cycle.

Hi Duane, welcome to FixYa.

While the price of $1000.00 sounds about right if hiring a pro, it is expensive. The parts alone you`d require are in the range of $675.00.

The outer rear tub assembly #W10250763 ( outer tub is in two pieces with the rear housing the bearing ) is listed at $315US @searspartsdirect.com.

The basket #W10250573 is listed at $365US also @searspartsdirect.com, and it would need to be replaced because it is supported by the rear bearing, hence the spindle of the basket will likely be scored/worn really bad.

Whether or not you can perform the repair is hard to say, but it is very involved and even an experienced tech like myself will require 60-90minutes to complete, and I know them inside and out.

I certainly feel for you since it is relatively new, but it certainly sounds like a worn bearing. Check out on-line vendors for price matching and places like "youtube" for how to videos.

Hope that answer`s your questiuon at the very least.

Good luck.

macmarkus :)

The above is true, however you can replace the bearings similar to the way you would replace bearings on the front wheels of an American car with rear wheel drive. The trick is coming up with a new seal to protect the bearing from being attacked by leaking water. New bearings from a general bearing supply company cost $10-$15 each. I believe that Whirlpol seal part number 8181829, a 50mm X 100mm X 13.5 with a face seal is what is needed. I found one at Appliance parts. FYI, I did this job a year ago without replacing the seal and the bearings are bad again. At that time, I couldn't find a seal and I tried using the old seal. My new seal is in the mail, and I'm going to try it again. I'm also going to see if there are roller/Timken bearing replacements of the same dimensions instead of the ball bearings. That drum spins pretty fast and there is a lot of stress on the bearings...Not a great design. I think that my problem was originally caused by washing clothes with too much sand or cement on them which caused seal failure then bearing failure. Any other thoughts anyone? [email protected]

I'm trying to find a 50 100 13.5 tub seal.....anyone know whom might have one????