How to Install a Spin Bearing on a Maytag Washer

Unplug the washer from its power source to avoid electric shock. Turn off the water supply valves behind the machine and remove the hoses from the back panel. The hoses are secured with hand-screw or pinch-style clamps, depending on the model.

Slide a putty knife under the front of the top panel and push the wire retaining clips to the side. Raise the panel and fold it back to access the tub components. Remove the screws on the inside top edge of the front panel; the type and number of screws varies by model. Tilt the top of the front panel toward you, then lift the panel up and away from the machine. Take out the screws securing the rear access panel to the washer cabinet.

Lift the positioning clips around the outer edge of the plastic tub cover, using a flat-head screwdriver. Take the cover off of the tub and set it aside. Remove the plastic cap or fabric softener dispenser from the top of the agitator assembly. Hold the base of the assembly and take out the retaining screw and washer. Pull out the agitator assembly to reveal the mounting bolts in the bottom of the spin tub. Remove the bolts, using a socket wrench. Pull the spin tub out of the outer washer tub.

Remove the mounting screws inside the outer tub. Detach the pump inlet hose from the port on the lower left side of the outer tub assembly. Take out the screws securing the outer tub to the tub support. Lift the outer tub assembly up and out of the washer cabinet.

Pry the "O" ring from the agitator shaft, using needle-nose pliers, and remove the plastic center post. Remove the seal nut from the tub hub assembly, using a seal nut tool. Use a spanner wrench to turn the hub nut counterclockwise until it comes free of the assembly.

Unhook the suspension springs from the tub support, using a spring tool. Remove the bolts securing the braces to the tub support. Lift the bearing and seal housing out the washer cabinet with the tub support still attached. Remove the screws on the underside of the support to separate it from the bearing and seal housing.

Turn the bearing and seal housing over and pry off the seal body, using the flat-head screwdriver. Force the spin bearing out through the other side of the housing; drive the old bearing from the housing with a brass drift punch and rubber mallet, if necessary.

Press the new spin bearing into the cavity on the bearing and seal housing; tap the component in with the drift punch and mallet. Replace the seal body and gently pound it into place.

Reverse the process to replace the removed internal components and reassemble the washer cabinet. Plug the machine into a grounded outlet and turn on the hot and cold water supply.