Product review (5 stars): Washing machine is like new! I replaced the bearings because of a ...
Washing machine is like new! I replaced the bearings because of a leak and ended up with the unexpected benefit of a much quieter machine. The old top bearing broke apart so I had to Dremel it out. No need for the bearing press. I used a 5/8 piece of all thread with large washers (just smaller than the bearings) and nuts to press them in and it cost me about $10. I notched the bar until I could get a wrench on it to keep it from spinning. I probably could have used Vice Grips but I hadnt used my grinder in a while. The only negative is with the instructions for installing the final seal. The picture isn't very clear so I guessed and so far it seams like I got it right (groove facing down).  Also, opening the top of the machine was different than the picture. I had to remove the top screws on the green brackets on the back and slide the top forward. Ive never worked on an appliance like this before and Id still be kicking myself if I had paid someone to do it. It took about 5 hours with no assistance. Cutting the bearing out was the hardest part.