Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

[blythy]

I have a very old (>13 years) Whirlpool washer / drier which has done us very well until recently, OK it bounces around the floor but we can live with that.

At Christmas the water intlet to what I assume is a condenser broke off so flooding the floor with water, fixed it with Araldite a couple of times have given up now – unless someone else has a fix!

Anyway the main bearing has gone- at least that is what it sounds like. How much pain and grief would it be for me to replace it myself. I would rather not buy a new maching (can’t afford it – 6 year old diswasher is also falling apart). I would rather stick with this machine than spend £xxx on a new one which if I read these forums correctly won’t last anywhere near as long as this one.

Thanks for any help. 😀

[blythy]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

Any one out there got any experience of a bearing change on these, I don’t mind having a go but I would rather have some idea what I am getting into.

Cheers

[Dave_Conway]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

blythy wrote:Any one out there got any experience of a bearing change on these

Yep plenty, but for legal and safety reasons we can’t give step by step instructions I’m afraid. Pretty straightforward compared to some, all done from the back/top with the power off of course :zap:

The bearing kit for it is here:

http://shop.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/Washing+ … g+Kit.html

If you need pro help the repairs@ link below should provide someone for you 🙂

Dave.

[blythy]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

Dave,
Thanks for that, obviously I understand you can’t go into too much detail, however is there any need to split the drum on this on, from your comment it doesn’t sound like it. My problems I guess will be down to having sufficient ‘grunt’ to separate the shaft from the bearing etc.

Also I could not see a replacement part for this ‘condenser’ what has happened is that the water inlet has snapped off from where it is moulded into the top, like I say I have managed to effect some temporary repairs with Araldite.

Cheers

[Martin]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

blythy wrote:Also I could not see a replacement part for this ‘condenser’

The part is OBSOLETE!

[blythy]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

oh well back to a ‘bodge’ then, or perhaps its time to buy a tumble drier!
Washer drier bought in my young, free and single days and it is still with us three children later!!

[blythy]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

Ok, got to the point of not avoiding this job anymore, managed to remove rear pulley, but could do with some hints on how to remove the drum from this beast, any pointers greatfully received.

[Penguin45]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

The drum is retained by a clamp band – there is a bolt at the top. Make diagrams before removing any component or wire……..

Power off, of course.

Regards,
Penguin45.

[blythy]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

many thanks for this. I will try taking it apart before ordering the new bearing- not unless you do sale or return 😆

Thanks again

[blythy]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

Ok after a battle I have got the back plate off complete with the drum. How do I go about removing the drum from the plate. The spider seems riveted to the drum. I assume I knock the old bearing out of the back place with suitable blunt instruments, but how do I get the shaft out. And once I have done this how do I get the new bearing back into the back plate. I guess I was expecting the spider to be screwed / bolted to the drum.

Many thanks for any more pointers

[Penguin45]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

Remove big nut (19mm). Wiggle pulley off (patience required). Smack shaft through backplate with big soft faced hammer. Do not go steel on steel – you’ll ruin the end of the shaft and have to replace the entire spider assembly.

Regards,
Penguin45.

[blythy]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

OK- progress reported (v. limited as had little time to do much). Removed shaft and drum easily enough. Removed water seal- hard as it was encrusted into the back plate. Now how do I drive the bearings out tidely – I assume I drive the innnermost one first, through the shaft hole of the outer one- or is there some magic trick I am missing. I have had a quick bash but not moved it yet. Left in soaking in WD40 while I seek advice.

Many Thanks

[Penguin45]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

Big steel bar, big hammer. Knock out the small bearing first. Eye protection/work gloves a sensible precaution.

Penguin45.

[blythy]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

OK bearings removed, no major problems so I will order new ones, just a quick question do I need to add grease when I re-assemble if so what type, I have readily available standard grease and silicon grease. Do I need something different.

[Penguin45]

Re: Whirlpool 997 bearing replacement

Bearings and seals:
http://shop.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/Washing+ … g+Kit.html
is what you want.

Bearings are sealed and pre-greased. Any decent automotive grease will do to lubricate the seal lips – I keep a tub of Castrol Lithium-based grease on the van for this purpose.

Regards,
Penguin45.

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