Product review (4 stars): Poor Tub Seal Design by Whirlpool's Engineers
Installation also requires a Whirlpool Washing Machine Tub Press Tool Assembly - Part Number: W10447783

I own a Maytag Bravos High Efficiency Washer - Model Number: MVWB850WQ0 which I purchased on 11/03/2009. I also purchased a four-year service plan. Around the same time that the service plan had expired the machine began exhibiting howling sounds during its spin cycles. I then telephoned Whirlpool and they gave me a $365.00 estimate for repair. I used to service major appliances many years ago so I ordered this replacement bearing/shaft assembly and the required installation tool online. I had found that the upper bearing was failing because of water damage from the leaking tub seal. The simple steel shaft had corroded at the lip of the neoprene seal and it had compromised it's water-tightness.

About the poorly engineered tub seal: Whirlpool should extend the retainer sleeve located above the top bearing to pass through the neoprene tub seal entirely and fabricate it from STAINLESS STEEL. The seal's lip would then rest against stainless steel and hence would be greatly more resistant to corrosive degradation.

Maytag used to build an impressively solid and reliable product but they have now been acquired by Whirlpool. I had not known this when I made the purchase. I shall never purchase Maytag again.