Washer Bearing Failure – When Repair Costs More Than Replacement

A Gilbert homeowner contacted us through their home warranty after their GE top-load washer started grinding again—just a month after another company replaced the agitator plate. When we removed the agitator, our technician found the center bearing was rusted and failing. This type of issue is considered a bearing/tub problem, which in many cases requires replacement.

Because repairs of this type can sometimes cost more than replacing the washer, we recommend that East Valley homeowners do some simple at-home checks first. This guide will help you spot the warning signs of bearing or tub separation issues in your top-load washer before scheduling service.

⚠️ Important note: Bearing/tub repairs are among the most expensive washer repairs. In many cases, replacement is more cost-effective. These checks can help you identify symptoms, but a professional diagnosis is recommended to confirm the issue.

Quick Checks for Top-Load Washers

1. Listen for grinding or roaring

• Run your washer on a spin cycle with no clothes inside.
• Normal: A smooth, even whirring sound.
• Warning sign: A low growl, grinding, or roaring noise that gets louder as the spin speed increases.

2. Check basket movement

• With the washer off, lift and press down on the inner basket.
• Normal: A little springy movement but no clunking.
• Warning sign: A loose, clunky movement that feels like the tub is separating.

3. Spin basket by hand

• Rotate the basket slowly with your hand.
• Normal: Smooth and even.
• Warning sign: A gritty, gravel-like feel or scraping noise.

4. Look for signs under the washer

• Shine a flashlight underneath.
• Warning signs:
  Rust streaks on the floor.
  Grease spots or oily residue.
  Metal shavings near the drain area.

5. Vibration & shaking during spin

• Place your hand lightly on the top of the washer during spin.
• Normal: Some vibration, especially with heavy loads.
• Warning sign: Excessive shaking or banging even with a balanced load.

What It Could Mean

If you notice several of these warning signs, your washer may have a bearing or tub separation issue. While other parts (like suspension rods, pulleys, or motor couplers) can cause banging or vibration, bearing noise is usually rough, grinding, and tied directly to spin speed.

In many cases, bearing/tub repairs require replacement of major sealed parts and significant labor, which can sometimes exceed the cost of buying a new washer.

Our East Valley Approach

At Phoenix Appliance Repair, we:

• Encourage quick at-home checks so you can make an informed decision before scheduling service.
• Provide transparent diagnosis when we come out—confirming whether it’s truly bearings/tub or something simpler.
• Support warranty customers by documenting findings to help streamline approval if a replacement is needed.

These checks can help identify symptoms, but a professional diagnosis is recommended to confirm whether repair or replacement is the right choice.

Service Area, Brands & Appliances

We repair top-load and front-load washers along with refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, cooktops, and dryers.

Brands we service include GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Speed Queen, KitchenAid, Maytag, Kenmore, Electrolux, JennAir, and Amana.

Proudly serving the East Valley AKA Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and Ahwatukee, we’re your trusted local team for fast and reliable appliance repairs at competitive rates.Posted on September 29th, 2025

A Gilbert homeowner contacted us through their home warranty when their GE washer began making a grinding sound. Another company had recently replaced the agitator plate, but the same noise returned just one month later.

The Diagnosis

When our technician removed the agitator, the issue was found: the center bearing was rusted and failing. This is considered a bearing/tub issue, which in many cases requires replacement.

💡 Why replacement?
Because the parts + labor to replace bearings or tubs can often exceed the cost of a new washer, we recommend customers consider replacement when this type of failure is confirmed.

How to Check for Bearing Failure at Home

Before scheduling service, you can try these checks:

1. Listen for unusual noises – Grinding or rattling in spin cycles.
2. Check for vibration – Excess movement during spin is a warning sign.
3. Feel the drum – If you feel grinding or resistance when turning by hand.
4. Look for grease leaks – Bearing grease may appear under or around the washer.
5. Check for metal shavings – Often found in the drain filter after a cycle.
6. Watch for overheating – Friction from failing bearings can cause excess heat.

⚠️ These checks can help point to symptoms of bearing problems, but a professional diagnosis is recommended to confirm whether repair or replacement is the best option.

Your East Valley Washer Experts

At Phoenix Appliance Repair, we guide homeowners through tough repair-vs-replace decisions with clear, transparent advice.

We service all major appliances — refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, cooktops, washers, and dryers — and trusted brands like GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Speed Queen, KitchenAid, Maytag, Kenmore, Electrolux, JennAir, and Amana.

Proudly serving Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and Ahwatukee, we’re your trusted local team for fast and reliable appliance repairs at competitive rates.