How to Replace Bearings in Maytag Bravos Washer

Planning to replace the bearings on your Maytag Bravos Washer, then you will need to first assemble the right tools to use for the process to be successful. Your kit should include the bearings, a spacer tube, an axle shaft, a bottom nut, a washer, a seal, adhesive, and the installation tool.

STEP 1 – Dismantle your washer

Once you have assembled all the tools, you will have to dismantle your washer, you will, therefore, turn off the water supply and unplug the cold and hot water pipes. Tape the top part of the washer so that it doesn’t slam when you lift the top. Once secured, flip the top up and have it lean against the wall, you will then remove the plastic cover that has been positioned between the washer walls and the drum.

The circumference of the cover has about 16 clasps which you will have to unclip, this you can easily do with a flatbed screwdriver. You will then move on to disconnect the water fill hose from the plastic cover, use a pair of pliers to connect to squeeze the clamp, and slide it backward. Don’t remove the clamp on the hose instead move it further onto the hose so that you don’t lose it.

Now you can completely remove the plastic cover and set it aside. Now that you have access to the washer you will remove the plastic cover with a small flat-bladed screwdriver, and you will immediately be exposed to the top axle bolt. Get a 1mm socket and get rid of the top axle bolt. Now the agitator can be freed, you might have to use some little force rock it a bit, and pull it out, and you will be presented with the top of the main axle.

You will then notice that there are about 6 screws at the circumference of the hub, and which you will need some Philips screwdriver to help reove them. Once the screws are out, proceed to pull the hub off, from where you will find a smaller one underneath with a silver washer on its base.

STEP 2 – Tip the washing machine and remove the coil

Now that you have finished dismantling the top part, we will now move over to the bottom part under the washer. You will then tip the washing machine backward but be sure to put something under it that it can rest against. Remember that as you proceed, you might have to completely tip backward your washing machine and at the same time flip the top open so that you can get to the axle from both the top and the bottom.

If the machine is on the floor, you might experience difficulties opening the flip top and while you can still do it, you might need an extra hand to help you lift the machine as you get in it. And now that you have the bottom of your machine exposed, you will begin by removing the bottom axle bolt and put it aside. The bottom magnetic cover will then come off and expose the coils positioned underneath the unit. You will then remove the 4 bolts around the central hub so that you can remove the coils, for this operation you could use the 10mm socket.

You will then find the metal plate, put it aside. The housing that is holding the coils will pull off the axle and you can remove it, next remove the plastic wiring harness and pull it away from the axis of the coil unit to unplug the connector. And now that the coil has been removed, the bottom of the axle is exposed and you can now remove the retaining nut.

STEP 3 –  Remove and replace the bearings

The third step is to replace the bearings, but first, you must remove the drum, this will require a special tool, once you remove the drum, you will find a trap used to prevent larger items from clogging the drain. You could remove it and clean the place, you will then remove the axle, using a hammer, but if you plan to use it again then you will have to use something softer like a piece of wood.

Once you get it out, compare it with your new axle to ensure they are identical, the next step is to remove the bearings, and using a screwdriver or chisel, you will tap from the top with a hammer. Important to note is that the pocket that the bearing is sitting in is made of plastic thus you should be gentle as you tap around the edges not to deform it.

Now that you have gotten the bottom bearing out, repeat the process and get the top bearing. When the bearings have been removed, you will find a metal plate and a washer that you must remove. You will then clean the tube hole and then proceed to install the bearing and axle.

How to replace the bearings

Begin with the top bearing, use the grease that comes in the kit and apply it on the outer edges of the bearing. Replace it on the seat and use the bearing pusher tool to put it into position, you will then put the smallest ring on the nested area of the top bearing and place the threaded rod into the hole.

You will now replace the bottom bearing, grease it, and put a metal spacing tube and the large washer around the rod and position the bearing in the hole then put the two large washers on the rod and then put the bottom nut. And as you do this ensure that the spacer tube and the washer have been correctly positioned. This should be done before the installation of the bottom bearing. And then with two socket wrenches tighten the nuts on the bearing pusher tool.

Grease the inner part of the two bearings and then put the axle from the top, you will then glue the bearings seal into place, you will put adhesive on the outer part and grease on the inner side of the seal. Put the seal with the spring part facing down, you will put it on the axle and press it down to the bottom until it contacts the tub, and then press it in place. Lastly, you will re-assemble the machine.