My Kenmore Front Load Washer Has a Bearing Failure

Bearing

• A Kenmore front load washer’s bearing is found at the back of the washtub. On some models, you can see a portion of the bearing from both the inside and outside center of the tub. On other models, you might only see part of the component from the rear. In either case, the bearing should move easily with the tub as it transitions through each cycle.

Failure

• When a bearing fails, it’s usually because the lubricant that surrounds the joint’s ball dries up. The lubricant is what enables the bearing to move effortlessly. If the lubricant dries, friction occurs between the ball and socket where the ball is housed. The absence of grease on the bearing is what ultimately causes your front load washer to squeak and shriek. Additionally, lack of grease can also make the ball flat over time as the ball rubs against the socket when the washer agitates and spins. The bearing could eventually become so misshapen that it won’t be able to spin the tub properly.

Lubrication

• As soon as you hear your washer making high-pitched sounds, inspect the bearing to ensure it has enough grease to function normally. Remove the rear panel of your Kenmore front load washer. Turn the washtub manually and listen to hear if it makes the same noises you heard before. If it does, place one or two drops of high-temperature lubricant directly on the bearing. Wipe off the excess.

Bearing Replacement

• There are occasions when adding more lubricant won’t repair a failing bearing. If after you lubricated the bearing you hear the same noises again, either immediately or in the weeks that follow, the bearing might be permanently damaged. In this case, Kenmore recommends that you replace the failed component. Contact Kenmore to schedule a service appointment.