How to replace the drum bearings in your washing machine

Slide the washer forward so you can reach the rear panel comfortably.

Undo the screws holding the top panel, lift it straight up and set it aside.

Remove all screws securing the rear service panel and lift the panel off the cabinet.

Rotate the drum by hand while easing the belt off the large pulley.

Hold the pulley and loosen its 15 mm centre bolt with a socket wrench.

Strike the wrench lightly with a hammer if the bolt is tight.

Slide the pulley off the shaft; warm or wiggle it gently if it sticks.

Lever the taper bush off the shaft with a flat screwdriver and set both parts aside.

Identify three bolts around the axle and one on each spider arm.

Remove the bolts with a 13 mm wrench, keeping each spring washer for reassembly.

Support the drum and withdraw all six bolts completely.

Lift the spider straight off the axle; if small parts drop, retrieve and keep them.

Retain the three carriage bolts that anchor the spider to the tub for later use.

Wipe detergent residue and rust from the axle with solvent-soaked paper towel.

Polish the brass sleeve area until the surface feels smooth and bright.

Lay the spider on a solid surface with the small bearing facing up.

Use a drift punch and heavy hammer to strike alternately around the bearing rim until it drops out.

Flip the spider and repeat to knock out the large bearing and old oil seal together.

Match the bearing codes; typical sizes are 6205 for the outer and 6206 for the inner position.

Scrub metal chips and old grease from both bearing seats with solvent and a wire brush.

Clear the small drain hole between the seal and bearing so moisture can escape.

Place the small bearing squarely in its seat from the rear side of the spider.

Position the matching old bearing over it and tap evenly until the bearing seats fully.

Repeat the process with the large bearing from the opposite side using the old large bearing as a driver.

Pack high-temperature grease into the seal’s rear and inner lip.

Smear grease inside the seal groove where the brass sleeve rides.

Press the seal squarely into the housing by hand, then seat it flush with light taps on the outer rim only.

Wipe away any excess grease pushed out during seating.

Orient the spider so the cleaned drain hole sits at the bottom of the tub.

Insert the three carriage bolts and draw the spider onto the drum axle.

Refit the three arm bolts with their spring washers and start all bolts by hand.

Tighten the six bolts evenly in stages to secure the spider firmly.

Push the drum fully back so the axle protrudes from the rear of the tub.

Slide the taper bush onto the axle and tap it home.

Mount the pulley, fit the centre bolt and tighten it firmly while holding the drum steady.

Degrease the pulley rim and motor pulley with solvent to prevent belt slippage.

Loop the belt over the drum pulley, rotate the drum and guide the belt onto the motor pulley.

Reattach any suspension spring or spacer removed during disassembly.

Refit the rear service panel and top cover, tightening all screws securely.