How to remove a stuck bearing from a washing machine drum?

Knocking out a stuck bearing is a difficult task, even for a professional. For a novice, it may seem downright impossible, but it's not. Removing half-broken bearing rings from a washing machine drum is possible; it just takes a little patience and skill. To achieve your goal and avoid making the situation worse, it's best to strictly follow the recommendations of experts who have dealt with this problem many times.

Let's start with regular tapping

To press out a broken bearing, don't immediately grab an angle grinder. It's best to use simpler and safer methods first. Try to knock out the stuck bearing using a chisel and hammer. Perhaps the ring will give in and you won't have to resort to more severe methods.

To remove a partially damaged bearing by hand, place a chisel on its outer race. Gently tap the tool with a hammer, trying to knock the part loose.

Universal aerosol lubricant WD-40 will help remove a stuck bearing.

So, if the ring won't come out of its socket, spray it with an aerosol and wait a few minutes. Then try tapping the part again. To remove the inner bearing rim of a washing machine, use a similar method, only the chisel is placed on the inner race of the element.

Knocking out a bearing usually removes either the entire bearing or most of it from the washing machine drum. Rarely, the outer race remains, which can be quite difficult to pry out. Let's figure out how to remove a ring stuck in its socket if a chisel isn't up to the job.

Removing the inner and outer races

When a bearing part remains in the drum, removing it can be very difficult. However, removing the loose bearing race from its socket is essential; otherwise, repairing the washing machine will be impossible. To complete the job, prepare the following tools:

• hammer;
• a long thin punch (approximately 12 mm thick in diameter);
• slotted screwdriver;
• gas wrench;
• grinder.

So, if the bearing race is stuck, you need to:

• treat the seat and the stuck part of the part with WD-40 liquid;
• Use a screwdriver to remove all the rust from the rim and spray the unit with aerosol again;
• wait 10-15 minutes;
• Turn the tank cap over and look into the "nest" from the outside. You'll see the protruding edge of the stuck-on clip;
• insert the punch inside until it rests against the protruding edge of the stuck part;
• Use a hammer to tap the inner rim, moving the punch crosswise.

If you're lucky, the stuck bearing support will fall out after a couple of blows. In most cases, you'll have to tap the race 10-20 times. If you still can't get the part out, spray the bearing seat and the partially damaged race with WD-40 again. Wait 15 minutes for the part to soak, then continue tapping the rim.

Sometimes, a portion of the bearing becomes stuck to the drum shaft. This element must also be removed. To do this:

• treat the part of the bearing that is stuck to the shaft with WD-40 aerosol and leave the structure to soak for 10-15 minutes;
• try to unscrew the clip using a gas wrench;
• If the key slips, use a grinder to make notches on the right and left sides of the stuck rim. Be careful not to damage the shaft sleeve.

When using a grinder, be sure to follow safety precautions and wear special protective glasses.

• Spray the joint again with WD-40 and wait for the spray to take effect;
• Use a wrench to loosen the stuck part of the bearing. The marks you make yourself will help remove the bearing race.

This is how you can press out a broken bearing. The job can take anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours. It is important to be patient and act carefully so as not to damage the tank and the drum shaft. After removing the broken ring, all that remains is to clean the seat of any wear, rust, or metal shavings. Then, you can begin installing the new components.

   

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