Washing machine bearings replacement

I have a 9-year old Maytag top load washing machine. It is getting very noisy lately when it spins. I'm pretty sure the noise is from the bearings. There are quite a few YouTube videos with step-by-step instructions for similar model. Parts cost about $100. I have a laundry "closet" on the second floor outside the bedrooms. I will have to do the repair on the hallway. I consider myself pretty handy but this job is intimidating due to the size and weight of the washing machine and I will have to do all it by myself. I'm debating if it is worth the effort. Any thoughts?

 

From recently replacing a 7 year old crappy Whirlpool washer that lost a seal on the bottom shaft, I took everything apart to sell the pieces. Getting that tub/stator/rotor out was somewhat destructive to the internal agitator. My confidence that it would have all gone back together and stay sealed was pretty low.

Those machines are not built for long live. Hint, next one look into a Speed Queen, pay me now or pay me later but those are some tough durable machines!

 

You don't provide width of the hallway or machine. Since changing the bearings can take days, only you can determine if lack of hallway passage is acceptable. Do you have access to the machine in the hallway on all 4 sides? There is possibility of oil dripping from the gear case. Can the flooring be protected? If you are physically capable, I would purchase/rent a refrigerator dolly and move the washing machine to a work area to repair and then return it to the closet.

 

Hard to help with no model number posted.

 

Im not an appliance repair tech, but have had some experience doing basic repairs on appliances as i had over 50 of them to look after in rental properties.

I dont think I would bother replacing the bearings in your situation. I think you also may need special tools to do that job. And there is no guarantee it wont leak when you are finished.

I agree with the advice to look for a speed queen or huebsch washer.

Are you sure its the bearings that are bad? My maytag performa makes a noise that sounds like the main bearings, but its actually the drain pump (which is easy to replace).

 

Need a model number!!!!!

Also is it stacked or beside a dryer?