How To Replace Bearings, Shaft, and Seal in Whirlpool Cabrio Washers: A Complete Guide

One of the indications your washing machine's bearings have failed is when there is a roaring noise during the spin cycle. Another indication is that when your clothes are evenly distributed in the basket, your washer gives you an unbalanced load error (UL). Your appliance may also be leaking water from underneath, and the rotor might have a dirty water stain on it.
In this video, I take you through the step needed to replace the bearings, shaft, and seal for a Whirlpool Cabrio washer. You can use the same steps to repair Maytag and Kenmore machines or other models using the same drive system.
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Harper & Knowles
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Thanks for watching!

[@aaronc2497]

Thank you so much! I’ve been fighting an 5d error and those plastic agitator splines were stripped and now the uL error. Gonna be fun trying this in an upstairs laundry room 😂 But it’s looking like it will fix my issue. Great instruction!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Good luck with your repair and thank you for watching!

[@BackMarker760]

I would add to lay a towel inside the plastic liner before hammering the shaft out to act as a softner so the falling shaft does'nt cause damage. Otherwise excellent illustration. Thanks.

[@HarperandKnowles]

Great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@kyraandamysdad]

Wow... I have this exact same model, and it had the exact same problem. I bought the kit and followed the steps in this excellent video, and now it's all fixed. Thanks so much for posting this!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Glad it helped, Thanks for watching and your kind feedback too.

[@sammoses3439]

It’s a pleasure watching somebody who knows what he’s doing and also knows how to make a decent video. Toolbox is need and organized. It seems many folks having the same problem including my son who has one of these it’s about 6 to 8 years old, but it may be more trouble and expense to fix it than to replace it just not with another whirlpool. Thank you!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Hey, thanks for the complimentary comment, thanks for watching too!

[@Oakski101]

Washer no longer sounds like a jet engine thank you!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Should be good for awhile. Thanks for commenting!

[@absolvd]

Man, this is exactly what I was looking for. Every time the washer hits the spin cycle it sounds like a fighter jet is taking off in my garage. It finally started giving me the UL error. Part is ordered and with your video I am in good hands!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Hey, I’m glad I could help. Good luck with your repair and thanks for watching.

[@pl747]

Sure better than what is on tv. I do wish I could replace the bearings in a regular Whirlpool like that instead of that sealed unit they have.

[@HarperandKnowles]

I do too. I think about half the machines on my boneyard are because of that design. Thanks for watching another one my friend!

[@schuholzjohn3625]

excellent video - would suggest when tightening or loosening bolts you could say on video if they are regular or reverse thread. Whats the point of putting the grease on the inside of the seal ? that grease won't get on anything or help the bearings

[@HarperandKnowles]

Great suggestion! And as for the grease, It enhances the seal and that's what they tell you to do in the directions! Thanks for watching!

[@rocketboy73]

Thank you!!! fixed my washer!!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@VallieTheriot]

where did you find bearing? Can't seem to locate one.

[@rocketboy73]

@@VallieTheriot Amazon got a complete kit with all the tools needed

[@netsullivan7650]

My ex some how got the bearing shaft stuck veryvwell in the agitater basket

[@HarperandKnowles]

That’s very common. The video shows a solution. Thanks for watching!

[@alcon04]

My Whirlpool Cabrio uL at the end of the cycle and now is leaking dark oil at front. Will this fix apply to my problem? Tks

[@HarperandKnowles]

Tip your washer up and look under it. If you see a large white wheel this is the model shown here. This model has no oil in it to leak. Thanks for watching!

[@lyndasilk2910]

Thank you for this video. It was perfect for what we needed. Thank you also for the quick response to my question.

[@HarperandKnowles]

I’m glad I could help. Thanks for watching AND for your kind comment too!

[@MattB-vq7qr]

Could this potentially cause a leak? I have the Cabrio HE and noticed a small leak after the last cycle. It has recently gotten very loud near the end of the cycle as well. After some investigating near hoses and the top, I don’t see water anywhere except near the bottom of the stator cover.

[@HarperandKnowles]

Absolutely. In fact that is a classic symptom of failed bearings and seals. Thanks for watching!

[@Monotarian]

What would you had done if that wash plate was more stubborn to take off? Great video!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Good question! I have actually had wash plates that were impossible to remove and had to break them with a hammer and chisel and use another wash plate from a scrapped machine . But that was after I tried everything else first. “Ben’s Appliances and Junk” made a video about this once with the methods he used. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqDEqa2lmLKbgtE . I bought some of that citric acid and used it but it didn’t work as well for me.

[@netsullivan7650]

How do I remove the shaft if its stuck in the agitated basket

[@HarperandKnowles]

Watch the video. About the 6:57 mark I show how to remove the basket. Thanks for watching!

[@NexisReaver]

Great video! Definitely my favorite that I've found. Any idea what would cause water to be leaking into the stator from the bolts?

[@HarperandKnowles]

Hmmm, that shouldn’t happen. Are you sure water is coming from the bolts? The shaft seals are usually the problem. I’d bet the water is just finding a way over to the bolts. The bolts shouldn’t be long enough to pierce the tub. Change the bearings, shaft and seals. That should fix it. Thanks for watching!

[@NexisReaver]

@@HarperandKnowles turns out the lower bearing seems to be wearing out the plastic seat it is in causing an uneven load. Any idea how to reinforce it to keep the bearing level?

[@HarperandKnowles]

@@NexisReaver I'm sorry to hear that the lower bearing on your Whirlpool Cabrio washer is causing issues. Reinforcing the plastic seat can be challenging since it's molded into the tub itself, but there are a few options you can consider: The first option isn't one I'd recommend because I doubt it will last. 1- Epoxy Repair: You can try using epoxy to reinforce the plastic seat and make it stronger. Apply a small amount of epoxy around the circumference of the seat between the bearing and tub and let it cure completely. This should help to distribute the load more evenly and reduce wear on the seat. 2 - Replacing the Outer Tub: This is the most comprehensive repair option. This would involve removing the old tub and installing a new one, which can be time-consuming and expensive even if you can find a replacement tub. 3 - Frankly at this point I'd scrap the machine for parts and buy a Speed Queen! Carry on my friend!

[@therobs1484]

I love this so much because we have a similar setup

[@HarperandKnowles]

Oh, yeah? Things can get a bit cluttered at times but we make it work, don’t we? Thanks for watching my friend.

[@jk-qr4pr]

Thank you for making this video!!!

[@HarperandKnowles]

I'm so glad you found my video helpful. Thank you for watching my channel!

[@jk-qr4pr]

@@HarperandKnowles My son and I completely fixed our washing machine doing this. Took longer than you, but it's whisper(ish) quiet and no leaks : )

[@joeglowaski3494]

Hey thanks for the great video. This is the second time I have replaced my washer bearings. I noticed when reassembling the tub, the six screws and plate that attach the tub did not sit flush with the tub until I tightened the screws and it pulled the tub slightly up the shaft. I don’t remember that on the last bearing replacement, do you think my shaft was a different length? Also, when tightening the magnet cover on the stator, the Alan bolt is all the way tight, but I feel a little slop in the cover, is that normal? The impeller inside the tub has a little slip with back and forth movement, is that normal? Thanks for your help.

[@HarperandKnowles]

It is normal for the screws on the tub hub to pull that floating tub upward. Slop in the rotar and wash plate isn’t normal. It indicates worn splines on the rotar and wash plate. I wouldn’t worry unless your rotar drags the magnets on the stator. As long as you ordered the shaft that fits your model number I would think the spline shaft was made to the correct specifications. Thanks for using my video for your repair!

[@michaeltaylor3559]

After pressing in new bearings, is it normal for that spacer to be loose in there? I see the spacer fits tight around the shaft so I'm guessing its fine

[@HarperandKnowles]

Yes, it is a loose fit. Thanks for watching!

[@michaeltaylor3559]

Thanks for the fast reply! I just got my washer back together now, and testing C5 is showing OL again. I'm gonna try to clear codes and see if that does anything. Next step would be trying an RPS sensor I guess.

[@HarperandKnowles]

That would be my next step too.

[@michaeltaylor3559]

Hey I figured it out. I was testing it wrong. I would go to diag/test mode and then skip to C5 to test agitate. By skipping I was not filling the outer tub with the water needed to lift and decouple the inner tub. C5 is only supposed to be spinning the agitator/wash plate. User error! My bearings might have been fine before. If I tested properly after cleaning the rust on the original shaft I might not have needed to do all this work in the first place. Oh well. Learn something every day! Now just have to setup the drain properly and I'll be in business. Thanks

[@HarperandKnowles]

Well, you probably extended the life of your machine too! Look at the silver lining!

[@lyndasilk2910]

Help! About 6 months ago, we watched your video, ordered the bearings kit and replaced them. All was good until about a .onth ago, I am having the same issues, ul code even if the washer is empty, did we do something wrong?

[@HarperandKnowles]

I recently discovered that the silver ring that is sweated onto the shaft and fits on the top bearing and through the seal will allow water to leak between it and the shaft and past the seal and compromise the new bearings. I now spread a bead of sealant around the top edge of this metal ring when I do this job. I would bet that if you do another repair you will find that your bearings are rusted out again. Always try to find OEM (original equipment manufacturers) parts when replacing the worn out ones. Thanks for watching!

[@wolverinepyro2233]

Excellent video, love your channel!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Well, thank you for watching my videos. It makes me feel good knowing that folks like you are getting some entertainment from my efforts. Thanks again my new friend. Carry on!

[@lyndasilk2910]

Do you have to reset the computer after this? We have replaced the bearings and the springs, but when running the rinse, drain spin mode it had the ul code. It did seem to fix itself but I haven't put clothes in yet either.

[@HarperandKnowles]

You shouldn’t have to but I suppose it couldn’t hurt. upgradedhome.com/how-to-reset-a-whirlpool-cabrio-washer/. Thanks for watching!

[@joeglowaski3494]

Great video, you make it look easy! Do you have a specific bearing replacement kit that you would recommend? I have a whirlpool cabrio wtw8800yc1. It’s super loud during spin cycle, no error codes or leaks yet.

[@HarperandKnowles]

Hey Joe, no, I don't have a specific brand to recommend. The truth is most of the stuff now days comes from China. I try to use only OEM parts when I order. If you plan on doing the job yourself you will need a bearing press specific to this task. There are a few kits on Amazon that sell everything you need including the bearing press for around $50.00. This isn't a hard job except for when the tub is stuck. Then you will need to use a jack to extract it. A small hydraulic jack will work too. Good luck with your repair, and thanks for watching!

[@veritasetviolentiam4514]

Can these steps be used on a Whirlpool WTW4616FW2? I've got the whole "jet engine" thing happening.

[@HarperandKnowles]

No. These are two entirely different types of machinery. Your gearbox is failing and it’s more economical to replace the unit. Thanks for watching!

[@veritasetviolentiam4514]

@@HarperandKnowles not the answer I was hoping for, but I appreciate the quick response... at least this will save time and headaches... ..

[@marygallagher8298]

Mine seems to be leaking from this spot is that normal ? Would love your advise

[@HarperandKnowles]

If it is leaking then your bearings have probably already been compromised and the seal has definitely failed and needs to be replaced. I’d replace the bearings shaft and seal. Thanks for watching!

[@rtholbrook1]

Another great video! We’ll done.

[@HarperandKnowles]

Thanks Rick, I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@rodneysimmons9680]

Well done video

[@HarperandKnowles]

Thanks for watching!

[@loveitliveit3]

Great video! Do you happen to have a link or part number for bearing kit you used? Thanks!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Thank you for the kind words! You can find the bearing kit I used right here: amzn.to/3OBGOIR. This kit also includes the bearing press tool which will make the job a lot easier. Please let me know if you need any further help. Thanks for watching!

[@loveitliveit3]

@@HarperandKnowles thank you! Much appreciated.

[@rickrincon8134]

Why do the have water in the basket wouldn't that cause it to be unbalanced

[@HarperandKnowles]

No, the balance ring at the top of the basket is designed so that salt water (denser than fresh water) will accumulate into baffled compartments as needed to compensate for an unbalanced condition. It’s really quite an ingenious design. Thanks for watching!

[@jonothandoeser]

Nice work, sir!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Thank you for the compliment. Thanks for watching too!

[@masongleave6845]

where can i buy the kit???? this is my exact make and model but i can’t seem to find the kit anywhere… please someone help!

[@HarperandKnowles]

Here's a link for that amzn.to/49QljvE. I'll put it in the description. Thanks for pointing that out! And thanks for watching too!

[@masongleave6845]

@@HarperandKnowlesthank you!

[@freestylfilms]

thank you

[@HarperandKnowles]

You are welcome, thanks for watching.

[@freestylfilms]

@@HarperandKnowles thnak you again because it worked and like a charm saved me hundreds for sure, and the jack to get the tub out was clutch for sure

[@HarperandKnowles]

@@freestylfilms I'm glad your repair went well. Thanks for the follow up.

[@psoa7762]

It's a big job and most of the time people don't want to do it.

[@HarperandKnowles]

That’s job security for technicians like me. Thanks for watching!