Should I replace the bearings in my washing machine or buy a new one?

Replacing washing machine bearings is a fairly expensive procedure. This is especially true for older washing machines, as it's unclear whether replacing the bearings is worth it or whether it's better to buy a new one. Is the expensive maintenance worth it, or would it be a waste of money? The decision is based on several factors, which we've outlined below.

Repair or throw away?

When your budget is limited, it's important to first weigh the benefits of both options. Sometimes, renovating is a completely foolish idea, and it's easier to throw out the washing machine and buy a new one instead. Much depends on the following factors.

• Consider the age of the appliance and its value. For example, if you've had an Indesit washing machine for 6-7 years, which you bought for $100, it's likely past its prime and is headed for the landfill. On the other hand, expensive brands (Bosh, Electrolux, Siemens, etc.) costing over $200 can easily be repaired and will last for several more years.

Important! There's no point in investing 3-4 thousand rubles in repairing a cheap washing machine, as it won't last very long afterward.

• The drum type—whether it's detachable or not. If your washing machine has a one-piece drum, repairs will be much more expensive. There's also no guarantee that the drum won't leak during use. It's best to forego repairs and buy a new washing machine.
• Can you replace the bearings yourself? If a home repairman can repair your washing machine using detailed instructions, this will reduce the repair cost by 85%.
• The cost of genuine parts. There's no point in buying aftermarket parts, and genuine bearings can be quite expensive. Find out in advance how much the replacement will cost, including the cost of spare parts. If the cost of parts starts at $15, replacing them will cost a pretty penny.

By analyzing the above factors, you can make the right choice. If in doubt, consult a technician who will provide an estimated repair cost. Compare the prices of spare parts with washing machine prices in stores and then decide whether repairs are worthwhile.

The quality of spare parts is declining

Professional washing machine repair technicians say the quality of washing machine parts is constantly declining. This is especially true for bearings, which are the most common failure point. So, is it worth replacing them, or is it better to buy a new washing machine?

Manufacturers often install low-quality parts in their washing machines, which reduces their lifespan. On the one hand, it seems reasonable to replace the bearings in this case. However, the fact that most parts are of poor quality makes repairs pointless. After replacement, such parts will last at most another couple of years, after which the same procedure will be required again.

It's worth noting that replacing bearings yourself is not an easy task for a beginner. You can do it yourself if you have experience. However, if you're unsure of your abilities, it's best to seek professional help.

After analyzing all the pros and cons of repair, we conclude that it's better to buy a new washing machine. After purchasing, you'll have a warranty period, and if necessary, parts will be replaced free of charge. Furthermore, many washing machines are quite high-quality, so you can use them for at least 5 years without any repairs.

   

Readers' comments