How to Change Spin Bearing in Kenmore Washer

Disconnect your Kenmore washer from its electrical source while changing the spin bearing to avoid serious injury or death. Find the hot and cold supply taps on the wall behind the washing machine; rotate the taps clockwise several full turns to close them.

Insert a flat-head screwdriver between the top and front washer panels, approximately four inches in from each of the front corners. Press the top panel retaining clips with the tip of the screwdriver to disengage them. Lift the panel up and fold it back to rest against the wall or its hinge stops.

Remove the screws from the top flange of the front panel; the type and number of screws vary by Kenmore washer model. Grab the sides of the panel and lift it up to disengage the retaining clips at the bottom of the washer cabinet.

Apply downward pressure to the plastic ring attached to the top of the inner basket and outer tub assemblies while simultaneously lifting the locking clips around the perimeter with the flat-head screwdriver. Unsnap the ring from the basket and tub assemblies, and set it aside.

Work the tip of a small flat-head screwdriver under the edge of the agitator cap. Lift the screwdriver to pop the agitator cap off of the top of the agitator assembly. Remove the agitator mounting bolt and washer, using an adjustable wrench. Pull the agitator assembly straight up to clear the agitator shaft, then out of the inner basket.

Take out the mounting bolts or screws securing the inner basket to the outer tub assembly. Lift the inner basket up and out of the outer tub.

Pry the O-ring off of the agitator shaft, using the small flat-head screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Use a seal nut tool to remove the seal nut from the agitator shaft; note that this seal nut is not included in all Kenmore washer models. Turn the large hub nut counterclockwise with a spanner wrench and slide it off of the agitator shaft.

Disconnect the drain and pressure switch hoses from the outside of the outer tub; release the appropriate clamps and pull the hoses off of the tub ports. Unhook the springs from the bottom of the outer tub, using a spring tool.

Lift the outer tub and transmission assemblies out of the washer cabinet while still attached. Place the assemblies upside-down on a padded work surface. Remove the bolts or screws securing the support assembly to the bottom of the outer tub. Pull the support assembly away from the outer tub; the spin bearing and seal housing is bolted to the assembly.

Remove the screws on the bottom of the support assembly to separate the spin bearing and seal housing. Pry the seal body out of the housing, using the small flat-head screwdriver. Force the old spin bearing out of housing and scrub any grimy residue from the housing with a piece of fine-grit sandpaper. Press the replacement spin bearing into the housing and replace the seal body.