How to Change a Bearing on a LG Washer

Disconnect the power to the washer while changing the bearing. Close the two water supply valves on the wall behind the washing machine. Unscrew or pinch the clamps securing the water supply hoses to the connectors on the back of the washer. Pull the hoses off of the connectors and allow them to drain into a container or floor drain.

Stand behind the washer and remove the screws from the back edge of the top panel; the type and number of screws varies by LG washer model. Pull the panel toward you, then lift it off the top of the washing machine. Lean the top panel against a wall or the side of the appliance.

Unplug the ribbon connector from the back of the control panel. Pull the detergent dispenser drawer from its housing and set it aside. Remove the screws to the left and right of the housing. Lift the left, then right side of the control panel to detach it from the washer cabinet frame. Place the removed panel on a padded surface with the controls side facing up.

Remove the nut holding the detergent dispenser assembly to the inside of the washer cabinet. Leave the hoses and wires attached to the back of the assembly. Fold the dispenser assembly up to rest on the washer frame.

Open the washing machine door and remove the retaining wire securing the front of the rubber gasket to the door opening. Roll the rubber gasket back inside the tub; work carefully to avoiding tearing it. Unfasten the screws mounting the door switch to the front panel. Slide the door switch from its housing and detach the wiring connector.

Lift the pump filter cover located on the bottom left corner of the front panel. Detach the drainage hose retaining clip. Remove the pump filter cover mounting screw. Pry the pump filter cover out of its housing using a small flat-head screwdriver. Remove the mounting screws behind the pump filter cover and at the top of the front panel. Pull the front panel toward you to separate it from the washer.

Loosen the screw clamp holding the rubber gasket to the front of the washing machine tub. Remove the clamp and slowly peel the gasket off of the tub.

Go around to the back of the washer and remove the screws securing the rear service panel; set the removed panel aside. Remove the locking bolt from the end of the drive shaft. Tap the shaft with a rubber mallet to break it free of the old bearings. Go to the front of the washer and pull out the inner tub.

Use internal snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring from the bearing assembly in the center of the outer tub. Force the bearing assembly from the tub with the rubber mallet and a brass drift punch.

Rub the bearing assembly housing with fine-grit sandpaper to remove rust or other build-up. Wipe any remaining debris from the housing with a tissue. Apply a thin coat of general purpose lithium grease to the bearing housing. Use the same process to clean and condition the shaft extending from the back of the inner tub.

Hold the new bearings to the housing and gently tap them into place with the mallet and drift punch. Lightly grease the snap ring before reinstalling it behind the rear bearing.