My Whirlpool Cabrio top loader washer is 4 years old and recently during the spin cycle it roars incredibly loud. The repairman from the dealer where I purchased it said the bearings are worn and that repair would cost over $600. I love my washer, but do Not want to spend that kind of money to repair a washer that is not very old especially when I spent over $900 on it. Please let me know if I have any other options.

Reach into the drum (on a front-loader)and push upward to see if it moves at all, you should feel no play where the drum support shaft passes through the bearings... The bearings will "roar" loudly during spin if the main seal has leaked water into them... Top-load washers will exhibit the same roaring if the seal fails in them also. Whirlpool Tub Seal and Bearing Kit W10435302

sounds like water has got past the seals and into the upper bearing.if this is the case you will hear a loud roaring noise during the spin cycle.not a cheap fix!

Check your bearings. This post will show you most of what you need to know about your bearings:

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-replace-bearings-in-a-whirlpool-cabrio-maytag-bravo-or-kenmore-oasis

Your model has a bearing under the tub which is probably going bad and needs to be replaced. cabrio washer bearing replacement YouTube

If you lift the outer cover you should see 4 supports at ech corner if one fell off it would spin un even and make a lot of noise

Hi,
When my washer did that, I found that the shocks that hold the tub were bad...

Check out this tip I wrote about that...

Washer Problems Washer noise when spinning
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3663122-washer_problems_washer_noise_when

heatman101

Very likely the main bearing and drum shaft-inner tub will need replace. Not worth repairing, easily can cost more than the washer. Buy a new whirlpool front load duet, super capacity or the top load whirlpool with and agitator. Good Luck, Appliance Specialists

Yes, Sears repair just ordered one for mine. Entire tub due to bearings gone. Also just over 3 years old and ext warranty ran out in June. Final inspection before warranty was scheduled in June 2010. July the bearings are gone. Hmm wonder how they missed that? Anyway if you call for service, ask about the maintenence plan. Its way cheaper than labor and tub and u have another year for more issues with this piece of junk washer.

The roaring noise is from the drum bearing and it will only get worse with time until it fails completely. You will need to replace the rear tub assembly which is about $300 for the part. The rear tub assembly part number is 285984. It will take about 2 hours in labor.
Make sure you are using HE (high efficiency) detergent and only about 2 tablespoons per load.

That is a characteristic of bearings gone bad. You should look into replacing the bearings.