The 28944RP Speed Queen washer Upper or Lower Bearing is a service bearing used in Speed Queen laundry machines to support and guide the rotating components of the tub and shaft assembly. As a precision mechanical element, this part functions as either an upper or lower support bearing depending on its placement in the washer’s tub/spindle stack, and is designed to control radial and axial movement while minimizing friction and wear on the rotating shaft.
Inside the appliance, the bearing interfaces directly wiht the inner tub or drive shaft and works in conjunction with the transmission/drivetrain, tub seals, and suspension elements to maintain concentric rotation and absorb operational loads from the wash basket. Proper bearing function preserves seal integrity to limit water intrusion, reduces vibration and noise, and transmits dynamic loads safely into the washer frame; conversely, a degraded bearing can increase shaft runout, accelerate seal failure, and transfer abnormal stresses to the transmission or hub assembly.
In this article readers will find a technical overview of the part’s function and its role in the tub and drive systems, guidance on compatibility and distinguishing upper versus lower bearing applications, common failure symptoms to watch for (noise, wobble, leaking, excessive play), diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to isolate bearing faults, and practical replacement considerations including disassembly/reassembly points, handling of seals and lubrication, tool requirements, and tips for ensuring correct alignment and fit during installation.
Table of Contents
- Function and Mechanical Role of Upper and Lower bearings in Speed Queen Washers
- How the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing Integrates with the Tub, spindle and Transmission Assembly
- Diagnostic Signs and Common Failure Symptoms of Worn Upper or Lower Bearings
- Compatibility, Replacement Considerations and Step-by-Step Installation Procedures for 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing
- Q&A
- Concluding Remarks
Function and Mechanical Role of Upper and Lower Bearings in Speed Queen Washers
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing functions as the primary rotating interface between the washer tub (or basket) and the stationary drive or spindle. It carries radial loads from the spinning basket and resists small axial forces to keep the tub concentric with the transmission output shaft, minimizing friction and wear. In service practice, an upper bearing typically aligns and supports the top of the inner tub while a lower bearing often bears the bulk of rotational loads; some replacement parts labeled 28944RP are offered for use in either position depending on the specific model and whether the assembly includes a separate race or integral hub. Verify the bearing’s inner/outer diameters, width, and the orientation of any seals before installing a 28944RP to ensure proper fit and longevity.
- Loud rumbling or grinding during high-speed spin
- Noticeable tub wobble or uneven spin under load
- Visible grease contamination or water ingress at the seal
- Metal shavings in the transmission oil or tub cavity
When a bearing like the 28944RP begins to fail, behavior changes are usually mechanical and measurable: increased vibration amplitude, accelerated wear of mating races, and eventual loss of concentricity that transfers load to other components such as the shaft, seals, or hub. Replacing the bearing often requires a press or driver to remove and install the press-fit component without damaging the housing; technicians commonly replace both upper and lower bearings or the complete hub assembly to restore alignment and prevent repeat failures. For replacement decisions, compare bore tolerances, seal type, and whether the part includes the bearing race; using a bearing that matches OEM tolerances and seal orientation reduces the chance of premature corrosion and contamination in typical speed Queen operating conditions.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Inner diameter | Must match spindle/shaft diameter for correct press-fit |
| Seal orientation | Determines protection against water ingress and grease retention |
How the 28944RP Speed Queen Washer upper or lower Bearing Integrates with the Tub, Spindle and Transmission Assembly
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing functions as the mechanical interface that supports the tub and transmits radial and axial loads into the transmission input spindle. It is a precision rolling element that must seat concentrically in the tub bearing carrier and run true on the spindle sleeve or shaft; improper seating or excessive shaft wear changes bearing preload and introduces wobble that transfers load into the transmission gears and seals. technicians should understand that the bearing’s outer race engages the tub housing while the inner race rides on the spindle, and that seal condition, shaft finish, and correct press-fit are all required for reliable operation rather than relying on the bearing alone to control radial or axial play.
During replacement or inspection the bearing must be installed using controlled heating or a bearing driver to avoid distortion, and the mating spindle and seal surfaces should be measured for runout and surface damage as contaminants or scoring will shorten both bearing and transmission life. Key practical checks include verifying concentric fit, replacing the tub seal at the same service interval, and flushing metal debris from the transmission transfer path; failure to maintain proper clearance or to replace a damaged shaft sleeve often results in accelerated wear of the transmission assembly. Common integration checks and service items are listed below to guide technicians during diagnosis and repair.
- Inspect shaft/sleeve for scoring and measure runout before installing the bearing
- Seat the bearing with even pressure (press or induction heat) and confirm concentricity
- Replace tub seal and clean surrounding housings to prevent contamination
- Verify retention hardware and any shims or spacers are installed per service manual
- Check for abnormal vibration or noise after assembly to ensure proper preload/clearance
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Between tub hub outer housing and transmission input spindle inner race |
| Fit | Press-fit outer race into bearing carrier; inner race fits on spindle/sleeve with correct clearance |
| Maintenance | Replace bearing with seals, inspect shaft/sleeve, remove debris, and verify runout per service manual |
Diagnostic Signs and Common Failure Symptoms of Worn Upper or Lower Bearings
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer upper or Lower Bearing supports the inner tub and spindle assembly, controlling radial and axial movement while maintaining the grease seal that isolates the bearing from wash water and debris. In many Speed Queen top-load designs the lower bearing absorbs most of the radial load and rotational forces during spin, while an upper bearing or collar secures axial position; compatibility depends on outer race and shaft diameter, seal arrangement, and the hub design, so technicians should confirm dimensional fit before replacing the unit. Bearing wear typically follows lubricant breakdown and seal failure, which increases friction and permits contaminants to enter the raceways, producing predictable mechanical symptoms rather than intermittent electronic faults.
Diagnosing a worn upper versus lower bearing requires mechanical checks of play, noise character, and evidence of contamination, and verification of related components such as the shaft, hub, and seals. Rotate the basket by hand to detect roughness, inspect the pump and lint trap for metal debris, and observe for vertical or lateral tub movement under light loading; lower-bearing failure most frequently enough presents as continuous rumbling or strong vibration at spin speed with grease or water at the base, while upper-bearing degradation shows as lateral play, knocking during agitation, and axial instability.
- Continuous rumbling or grinding at high spin speeds
- Noticeable tub wobble or lateral play when lifting the basket
- Grease, oil, or water leaking from the base of the washer
- Metal shavings found in the pump or lint filter
- Intermittent knocking or binding during agitation cycles
Compatibility, Replacement Considerations and Step-by-Step Installation Procedures for 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing
The 28944RP Speed Queen Washer Upper or Lower Bearing serves as a replaceable support element for the washer tub and inner drum, controlling radial and limited axial movement of the shaft assembly while providing a sealed lubrication interface.In Speed Queen top-load designs this bearing can appear as an upper support near the agitator or a lower support at the transmission/tub interface; the same part number is used on specific model ranges but must be verified against the washer serial and shaft/tub dimensions because bore diameter, race seating depth, and seal geometry determine a correct fit. Typical failure modes include metal fatigue, race pitting, seal failure with grease leakage, shaft scoring, and increased vibration or noise during spin; these symptoms indicate the bearing and usually the mating seal and race should be replaced as a kit to restore correct preload and service life.
Practical replacement requires readiness, the right tools, and attention to alignment and cleanliness: confirm model fitment and inspect the shaft and tub seating surface for corrosion or damage, remove the tub and associated retaining hardware, press out the old bearing and race using a hydraulic press or appropriate bearing driver, clean and deburr the seating area, install the new race and bearing squarely at controlled pressure, fit a new seal, and verify axial play and quiet operation before final reassembly. Common considerations include whether the shaft is repairable (minor scoring can sometimes be dressed; deep grooves require shaft or transmission replacement), using the correct bearing driver to avoid brinelling, and observing factory lubrication or grease type. The following checklist highlights the procedural flow and critical checks.
- Verify part number and model compatibility; measure shaft and bore if in doubt.
- Collect tools: bearing press/driver set, seal driver, puller, torque wrench, cleaning solvents, and rust inhibitors.
- Disassemble to access bearing (remove agitator/tub as applicable), keep fasteners and shims organized.
- Press out bearing and race, inspect and repair shaft/tub seating as needed, press in new race then bearing, install new seal.
- Reassemble, torque to spec, run test spin and check for vibration, leaks, and axial play.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| part | 28944RP Speed Queen Washer bearing used in specified upper or lower positions; verify against model/serial. |
| Function | Supports tub/drum, controls radial/axial movement, provides sealed lubrication interface. |
| Common tools | Bearing press/driver, seal driver, puller, torque wrench, cleaning solvents. |
| Failure signs | Vibration, noise in spin, grease leakage, visible race wear or shaft scoring. |
Q&A
Is part 28944RP the upper bearing or the lower bearing for a Speed Queen washer?
Most Speed Queen parts catalogs and aftermarket suppliers list 28944RP as a main/lower tub bearing (the bearing that supports the wash basket shaft at the bottom of the tub) for certain top‑load models. Part fitment can vary by model and year, so always confirm with your washer model number or an official Speed Queen parts lookup before ordering.
What are the common symptoms of a failing upper or lower bearing on a Speed Queen?
Typical symptoms include loud rumbling, growling, or grinding noise during the spin cycle; excessive vibration or wobbling of the basket; metal shavings in the tub or on drain pump filter; water leaking from the base of the machine (often indicates a seal/bearing failure at the lower bearing); and a basket that does not spin freely by hand. Lower/main bearing failure most commonly produces deep noise and bottom leakage; an upper bearing (if present) more often causes side‑to‑side play and scraping noises.
Can I replace just the failed bearing, or do I need to replace upper and lower bearings together?
Technically you can replace only the bearing that has failed, but best practice is to replace the bearing(s), associated seals, sleeves, and any worn races at the same time. Bearing failure often damages adjacent components (seal, race, shaft), and a kit that includes seals and sleeves reduces the chance of repeat failure. Check whether 28944RP is sold as a single bearing or a kit that includes seals and sleeves for your model.
What tools and general steps are required to replace the bearing?
Replacing a tub bearing is moderately advanced and requires: basic hand tools (sockets, screwdrivers, pliers), snap‑ring pliers, hammer and punch or bearing driver set, and ideally a hydraulic or arbor press or a bearing puller/slide hammer. General steps: disconnect power and water; remove cabinet/console; remove agitator and inner basket; separate and remove the outer tub to access the hub; remove the old bearing(s) and race(s) (press/drive out); install new bearing(s), races and seals (press square and true); reassemble and test. Using the correct bearing driver and ensuring square alignment when pressing is crucial to avoid damaging the new bearing.
Are Speed Queen washer bearings sealed, and do I need to add grease?
Most tub bearings are sealed and pre‑lubricated by the manufacturer, so you should not add grease inside a sealed bearing.instead, install the correct sealed bearing and new seals. If your repair involves exposed sleeve surfaces or refitting a non‑sealed bearing, use the manufacturer‑recommended high‑temperature bearing grease on the sleeve surfaces only. Always follow the parts kit instructions and OEM service data.
How much does it typically cost to replace a bearing (parts and labor)?
Parts alone for a bearing or bearing kit can range broadly depending on whether it’s a single bearing, a kit with seals/sleeves, or OEM vs aftermarket-expect roughly $30 to $150 for parts. Labor at a repair shop typically runs 1.5-3 hours for this job on a top‑load washer, so total cost (parts + labor) commonly falls in the $150-$450 range. Prices vary by region and model complexity; get an estimate from a local technician for your specific machine.
Is bearing replacement a DIY job, or should I hire a technician?
Bearing replacement is a challenging DIY job for most homeowners.It requires disassembly of the tub assembly, correct removal and installation of press‑fit bearings and races, and sometimes special tools (press, bearing drivers, or pullers). Mistakes can damage the tub,shaft,or new bearings. If you have shop tools and mechanical experience,it can be done at home; otherwise it’s safer and often more cost‑effective to hire a qualified appliance technician.
What causes washer bearings to fail and how can I prevent it?
Common causes of bearing failure are water intrusion past a failed seal, long‑term corrosion, prolonged unbalanced or overloaded loads, and normal wear with age. Prevention: avoid chronic overloading, run balanced loads, replace seals when servicing the tub, address leaks promptly, and follow manufacturer maintenance recommendations. If you notice early symptoms (noise, vibration), service the machine before complete bearing failure to avoid more extensive damage.
Concluding Remarks
The 28944RP Speed Queen washer upper or lower bearing plays a critical role in supporting the washer drum, reducing friction, and maintaining smooth, stable operation throughout spin and wash cycles. Properly functioning bearings help prevent excessive vibration, noise, and premature wear of adjacent components, contributing directly to appliance reliability and longevity. Whether installed as an upper or lower bearing,the 28944RP is a key component in preserving the washer’s balance and performance under load.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacement of worn or damaged bearings are essential to avoid further damage and restore optimal function. Identifying common symptoms-such as unusual noises, wobbling, leakage, or decreased spin efficiency-followed by professional assessment ensures the correct use of the 28944RP and appropriate installation techniques. When replacement is required, selecting the correct part and performing the work according to manufacturer specifications will help maintain safety, minimize downtime, and extend the service life of the washer.
Professional Appliance Service
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